Manager (Research), Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Introduction:

The Aga Khan University was found in 1983 as Pakistan’s first private university, Aga Khan University is a not-for-profit institution and an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network. Starting in 2000, the University expanded to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, United Kingdom and Afghanistan. AKU began life as a health-sciences university.

The Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health aims to support the introduction, scale-up and further piloting of high quality and high impact interventions to improve Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (MNCAH) in Pakistan by harnessing the potential of both public and private sectors, coupled with introduction of women and girls empowerment intervention. UeN has two major components; one is to introduce proven effective MNCAH interventions at scale in 14 districts and the second is to  generate evidence through innovative approaches to improve MNCAH while included in the public health programme in Pakistan. Of the five innovation projects, one aims to measure the Men Engagement in Women Empowerment (MEWE) through Life Skills Building (LSB) and cash transfer to improve maternal mental health in Pakistan.

Job Role / Responsibilities:

You will be responsible for overall coordination of the research project which involves preparation and update of project documents, communication with collaborators and investigators, implementation of project in the field sites and compilation of various reports. Specific responsibilities include to:

• implementation and supervision of Research projects, developing instruments for data collection and monitoring
• sharing progress of the project, supervising data entry activities, coordinating with laboratory management for specimen testing and reporting
• developing SoPs for project and administrative processes and procedures to facilitate standardized practices at all field sites , hiring and training of physicians as per projects requirements, 
• evaluating the performance of physicians and giving feedback, conducting internal audits for on-going research projects and reporting to the Principal investigators with recommendations
• hiring and training of research staff and physicians as per projects requirements 
• working closely with administrative staff to ensure discipline, sufficient supplies and optimal staff at the field sites on day to day basis
• preparing and managing the duty rosters for all field staff on holidays or during tense city situations.
• observing, troubleshooting and reporting to higher management with solution for identified problems for efficient performances at field sites
• liaison with community leaders, and project staff of all tiers to ensure smooth running of projects’ activities within the settings
• preparation and compilation of study progress report
• in collaboration with the Data Manager, produce monthly project reports
• present the study results as per the requirement

Requirements:

 You should have:

• MBBS with a Masters in Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Sociology, Public Health or Health Policy Management.
• at least five years of relevant experience with at least three years of experience at senior level preferably in healthcare or research organization of good repute
• Prior experience of field coordination
• sound knowledge of research methods, theories of society and social issues such as differences in gender, cultural and religious beliefs 
• good understanding of health systems particularly community demands, raising activities, district office liaison, health facility support and rural Sindh context
• skills of critical analysis and interpretation of information, 
• capability to manage field teams, work independently and take initiative
• capacity to conduct qualitative exploratory research
• ability to evaluate the social research projects, plan and organize field activities and complex tasks
• good interpersonal and communication skills; 
• excellent English writing and speaking skills and command of Sindhi language 
• good computer skills, particularly MS Office.

This is the closed-ended position to be based in Karachi.