Researcher (Senior) – Key Populations Programme (Wits RHI)

Main purpose of the job:

• To design and implement research projects and program evaluations, conduct analysis of data, and publish scientific articles related to key populations (sex workers and transgender people)

Location:

• Blackwood, Parktown – Johannesburg

Key performance areas:

• Develop research and program evaluation protocols
• Design research and program evaluation tools
• Write, review and/or approve SOPs
• Obtain ethical approval from relevant regulatory bodies
• Train the research team and other relevant staff
• Conduct or provide oversight for fieldwork (data collection, interviews, etc.
• Conduct data analysis according to the agreed data analysis plan
• Write up results
• Write or contribute to peer-reviewed publications (2 per year)
• Monitor the progress of research projects
• Submit progress reports to stakeholders including networks and funders
• Stay abreast of developments in the field and relevant research findings
• Collaborate closely with other investigators on related studies
• Write grant proposals
• Compile conference presentations
• Disseminate research findings internally and to universities and other stakeholders such as Community Advisory Groups, Government and media
• Participate in discussions regarding the future direction of research strategies and plans for Wits RHI
• Contribute towards policy development
• Advise Wits RHI leadership on research opportunities
• Identify, supervise and provide clear direction to consultants supporting Project research priorities
• Mentor team members to ensure the acquisition of knowledge and skills required by the organization
• Contribute to the development of knowledge within the team by identifying relevant training needs and topics
• Conduct ad hoc research training interventions

Required minimum education and training:

• Masters or PhD in related field; MBBCH or master’s in Public Health
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in health/social research

Required minimum work experience:

• Experience working in an environment that involves the application of public health approaches
• Quantitative research skills
• Management of Research Programme with a research record of ongoing output evidenced by at least ten published refereed papers
• Experience in implementing independent projects

Desirable additional education, work experience, and personal abilities:

• Strong writing skills
• Experience in public health will be an advantage
• Certification in Good Clinical Practice
• Familiarity with data analysis software
• Ordered, systematic, and analytical in approach to research
• Able to show proof of publication records and conference presentations
• PhD in the appropriate discipline
• Membership of Professional/School/Faculty/Department Committees and/or taking leadership roles in the Public Health domain within the Public or NGO sectors
• Prior lecturing, tutoring, or postgraduate supervision experience
• Demonstrates a history of influencing positive change within a working team and maintaining relationships at all levels of an organization
• Positive, energetic researcher with an ability to adapt to complex situations, manage stress, and deliver goals pro-actively
• National and international traveling
• Working overtime or over weekends may be required from time to time
• Being contactable after working hours
• Will be required to operate in a deadline-driven, highly pressurized, and challenging environment

TO APPLY:

• Only if you do meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV.
• Please Apply Online and complete your registration on Ditto Hire (our application tracking system) to enable and protect you as a candidate to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions. This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL. However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market.
• AJ Personnel is fully POPIA Compliant.
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position.
• The closing date for all applications: 20 May 2022.
• Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates.
• Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful.

Please note:

• Our Client, WHC - RHI, maintains mandatory Covid-19 requirements, and as such only Covid-19 vaccinated incumbents will be considered for positions.
• WHC, in accordance with its Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.
• AJ Personnel is only responsible for advertising the advertisement on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium.
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position.