Social Science Research Assistant job at MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit

About the Organization

The MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit is an internationally recognized centre of excellence for research and training. The Unit was established in 1988 to improve the understanding and control of the HIV epidemic in Uganda and globally, following a request from the Uganda Government to the United Kingdom (UK) Government. After wide consultations, and in response to the changing public health landscape, Unit work has broadened beyond HIV to include other infections, neglected, endemic, emerging and re-emerging infections and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Job Description

The Unit is an internationally recognised centre of excellence with dominant research themes in the areas of HIV and emerging infections, vaccines and immunity, and chronic diseases and cancer. Through a multidisciplinary approach, intersecting basic science, epidemiological research, social-behavioural research and the conduct of new intervention evaluation studies, the Unit contributes knowledge on changing epidemics and diseases, the evaluation of innovative health care options, treatment and prevention and the development of health policy and practice in Africa and worldwide. Following the signing of strategic transfer agreements between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the
Medical Research Council (MRC UK), the Unit formally joined LSHTM on 1st February 2018.
The exciting new partnership will boost research capacity into current and emerging health issues in Africa and throughout the world. The Unit is based at the UVRI Entebbe campus with established outposts in Kalungu, Masaka, Wakiso and Kampala Districts. The Unit is now seeking enthusiastic and experienced individuals to fill the following position:
Social Science Research Assistant – (01 Position)
Position Code: SSRA -724
Reports to: Scientist A
Station: Entebbe
Job Purpose:
The job holder will actively participate in data collection, transcription, analysis and interpretation of different key stakeholders interviews.

Duties and Responsibilities

Principal duties;

Translate study documents;
Ensure that participants for the study are mobilized and recruited into the study;
Administer study information to participants and obtain informed consent;
Conduct in-depth interviews with identified stakeholders;
Ensure non-biased, consistent, complete and accurate data is collected;
Transcribe and translate all data collected;
Conduct full data analysis in consultation with project lead and contribute to interpretation of the data;
Work in close collaboration with staff from other programmes and external researchers as may be appropriate;
Undertakes any other duties as may be assigned by supervisor;
Contribute to study reports and publications;
Prepare and submit study updates/reports to the Study Principal Investigator;
Contribute to dissemination of study findings including assisting in drafting of progress reports/peer reviewed manuscripts;
Study specific roles as per Delegation of Duty/ Authority document; and,
Other duties as may be assigned by the relevant authority as deemed necessary.

Financial management;

Ensure proper accountability of project resources in line with MRC/UVRI & LSHTM policies; and,
Ensure study participants’ time / transport compensation payment.

Qualification, Experiences and Competencies

Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or a related field;
Should possess at least three years’ experience in an international organization or research-based organization;
At least 2 years’ experience in a clinical research setting, preferably including experience in social and behavioral science research;
Prior interviewing experience;
Should possess basic knowledge on design of qualitative research tools, data collection, handling and reporting;
Proficiency in computer use (MS word, Excel, Access, NVivo);
Should possess good verbal and written communication skills;
Fluency in English and Luganda language;
Independence/ability to work under minimum supervision;
Ability to work well under pressure and to maintain effectiveness during changing conditions;
Highly motivated and team oriented, but also able to work independently;
Good presentational skills;
Non-judgement;
Personal integrity;
Reliability ;
Results orientation;
Thoroughness;
Ability to learn;
Forward Thinking;
Openness to others

How to Apply

APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION MUST BE DONE ONLINE:
Are you interested? Click the "APPLY" button below to submit your application.
Follow the link below to fill a form and submit your application documentation:
https://redcap.link/Social_Science_Research_Assistant_SSRA_724
Filling the form more than once will lead to automatic disqualification. High level of integrity while filling the form is required and will be considered during shortlisting.
Combine all your application documentation i.e. cover letter, CV & academic documents into one PDF document.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. This position is open to Ugandan nationals only. Strictly follow the application procedure as failure to do so will lead to automatic disqualification. Only online applications through the link provided will be accepted.
You will receive a notification in your email if your application and documentation have been successfully received.
N.B: You will be required to present certified copies of your academic documentation and a certificate of good conduct before employment.
The applications should be addressed to:
The Head of Human Resources,
MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit,
P.O. Box, 49,
Entebbe, Uganda.
Consider your application unsuccessful if not contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of the advert. Any form of lobbying at any stage will lead to automatic disqualification. By submitting your personal information, you consent to the MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit holding and using it in accordance with its recruitment policy and procedure. The Unit reserves the right to verify documents attached with the relevant awarding institutions to authenticate their validity.
MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit strives for inclusion and diversity and therefore considers all job applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, colour, national origin, religion, age, marital status, and disability. We highly encourage persons with disabilities to apply and compete for different job openings at the Unit. The Unit is an equal opportunity employer committed to having a diverse workforce and does not ask for money at any stage of recruitment