Identification of Psychosis-Risk Traits in Africa

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

 RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

Department:   Research Projects

Number of Posts: 20

Background: Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation (AMHRTF) is a non-governmental organization whose main mandate is to conduct mental health research to inform policy and practice in mental health. Our focus is on community mental health with the aim of providing innovative, appropriate, affordable, available and accessible mental health and substance use services to all.

Position Summary:  The successful applicant(s) will be based at one of the research sites and will work very closely with other research team members to collect data both manually and electronically.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform a full range of Research Assistant services in the field
• Conduct recruitment of study participants.
• Obtain informed consent from study participants.
• Conduct assessments for study participants.
• Ensure privacy of participants and maintain confidentiality of participant information at all times.
• Prepare participants for study sample collection and organize samples for storage according to study protocol
• Perform other duties within the scope of practice, as assigned.

Requirement:

The successful candidates will be required to:

1. Be very organized and keen on details.
2. Show commitment, availability and   readiness    to   undergo    full   training    on   the   processes    and study assessments.
3. Reside in Nairobi county, near or around Mbooni Sub-county in Makueni County or Machakos Sub-county in Machakos County.
4. Maintain a friendly, “customer-first” perspective in dealing with study participants.
5. Ability to maintain privacy for participants and confidentiality of participant information.

Qualifications:

1. Diploma in social work, community development, psychology, public health, research methods and any other related qualifications.
2. Previous data collection experience and participation in a health-related research project in will be an added advantage.

Additional Skills and Competencies:

1. Proficiency in the use of computer applications.
2. Excellent interpersonal skills.
3. Self-driven and able to work with minimal supervision.
4. Ability to work as part of a team.
5. Ability to work under pressure.
6. Excellent time management skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines.
7. Fluency in both oral and written English, Kiswahili and Kikamba.

Application  Instructions:   We invite all candidates meeting the required qualifications  to send an application letter and a detailed CV to careers@amhf.or.ke and use “Research Assistant for R01 Project” as the subject line. Applications should be received by 4th March, 2022.

Remuneration:

You will be paid a daily rate of Ksh.2,000 per day for the days worked.  No other benefits are attached to this position.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.  Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

PROJECT OFFICER

Number of Posts: 1

Background: Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation (AMHRTF) is a non-governmental organization in Kenya, dedicated to research in mental and neurological health as well as substance use research to generate evidence for policy and best practice in the provision of affordable, appropriate, available and accessible mental health services.

Position Summary: Reporting to the supervisor, the project officer will be responsible for project(s) planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, managing, project-related documentations and report writing in a timely manner according to the donor requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Maintaining and monitoring project timelines and schedules and ensuring they are met in a timely manner
• Conduct stakeholder analysis and engage stakeholders to ensure project buy-in
• Documenting and following up on action items subsequent to meetings
• Planning and coordinating meetings with community partners and relevant stakeholders
• Recruit study participants as per study protocol
• Participate in research assistants’/enumerators’ recruitment
• Supervision of enumerators
• Preparing the relevant materials for field work and meetings
• Participate in quality and timely data collection and ensure that ethical issues are observed during the data collection process.
• Prepare study protocol/reports for submission to the relevant local authorities, partners and donors.
• In consultation with the supervisor, work within the projected timelines to ensure the objectives of assigned projects are met
• Ensure regular (daily/monthly/quarterly) documentation of all the project processes and activities through detailed reports while adhering to the project timelines.
• Ensure safety and confidentiality of participant’s information at all times.
• Supervise research assistants, health care worker trainees and community health workers to ensure they adhere to study protocol
• Ensure fidelity of interventions are observed in consultation with the supervisor
• In consultation with the biostatistician, participate in quantitative data cleaning, analysis and drafting of scientific manuscripts for respective projects.
• Participate in qualitative data analysis, preliminary coding and drafting of findings.
• Participate in dissemination of research findings and policy dialogue with appropriate audiences.

Qualifications and Experience:

• At least a Bachelor’s degree in Health or Social Sciences field such as Social work, Nursing, Psychology, Medical Anthropology, Public Health and Development or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• A Master’s degree is an added advantage
• Minimum of two years’ experience in health-related research; preferably mixed-methods approaches
• Co-author of at least one scientific publication in a peer reviewed journal is an added advantage
• Computer literacy and functionality as well as proficiency in report writing

Applicants should also have demonstrated abilities in the following:

• Ability to engage with rural and urban communities as well as students
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Work ethics and team player
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent writing skills with specific ability to write articles, reports and proposals
• Self driven and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to demonstrate problem solving approach
• Ability to learn and work under pressure
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines.

Application Instructions:  We invite all candidates meeting the required qualifications to send an application letter and a detailed CV to careers@amhf.or.ke and indicate PROJECT OFFICER 2022 as the subject line. Applications should be received by 4^th March, 2022.

NB:

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.  Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.