Local NGO
DUE: 31 MAY 2024
Position: Research Assistant
Location: Harare
Type of Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Summary of responsibilities
In this role, the Research Assistant will contribute to the mission of the organisation by
conducting comprehensive research and analysis on various public health issues from a
non-clinical perspective. Working closely with the senior Programs Officer, the candidate
will play a crucial role in informing the organization’s strategies and decision-making
processes, ultimately contributing to the development of effective public health policies
and programs. Furthermore, the candidate should be exposed to relevant United Nations
system in particular platforms that deals with public health from a non-clinical perspective.
1. Duties:
1.1 Research Management and Growth (40%)
• Conduct in-depth research and analysis on public health topics, trends, and best
practices from a non-clinical standpoint, focusing on areas such as health promotion,
disease prevention, and social determinants of health.
• Gather and synthesize data from diverse sources, including academic journals,
government reports, industry publications, and primary research (e.g., surveys,
interviews, focus groups).
• Develop well-researched and insightful reports, presentations, and briefings to
support the Senior Programs office and organizational initiatives, ensuring that
findings are communicated in a clear and concise manner.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project managers, policy experts,
and external stakeholders, to identify research needs and provide data-driven insights
to inform program development, policy recommendations, and advocacy efforts.
• Stay up to date with the latest developments, regulations, and research in the public
health field, both nationally and internationally, to ensure that the organisation’s
initiatives are aligned with best practices and cutting-edge approaches.
• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals, funding applications, and other resource
mobilization efforts by providing relevant research and data to support project
proposals and funding requests.
• Contribute to the development of research methodologies and data collection tools,
ensuring that research activities are conducted in an ethical and rigorous manner.
• Represent the organisation at conferences, seminars, and other professional events,
presenting research findings and engaging with the broader public health community.
• Linking the organisation work with global development goals.
1.2 Research Partnerships (40%)
• Seek relevant clearances with appropriate research authorities in Zimbabwe for public
health research projects.
• Manage all public health research projects in the organisation, ensuring adherence to
timelines, milestones, and budget requirements.
• Conduct literature reviews, data analysis, and synthesis to contribute to the body of
knowledge in the organisation’s public health focus areas.
• Identify potential partnerships with academic institutions, NGOs, and other
stakeholders to enhance research collaboration and knowledge sharing in the public
health domain.
• Explore funding opportunities through grant applications, sponsorships, or
partnerships to support public health research initiatives.
• Identify and compile lists of potential research subjects in accordance with study
objectives and parameters for public health research projects.
• Create and maintain a document repository for the organisation’s public health
research materials.
1.3 Research Professional Development (20%)
• Guide undergraduate interns in their research topics and dissertations related to public
health, aligning them with the work of the organisation.
• Provide mentorship and support to interns, ensuring their understanding of public
health research methodologies, ethical considerations, and academic writing
standards.
• Monitor intern progress, review drafts, and provide constructive feedback to enhance
the quality of their work in public health research projects, in liaison with their college
supervisors.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment for interns to share ideas, resources,
and experiences in the field of public health research.
2. Person Specifications:
2.1 Educational and Professional Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in public health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public
Health/Policy, or related fields.
• Master’s degree in public health, Epidemiology, International Development,
Development Studies, or a related discipline is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrating an understanding of the United Nations led platforms is an added
advantage.
2.2 Experience
• A Minimum of 3 years in research, data analysis, or a related field, preferably in the
public health or non-profit sector supporting senior management, with a proven track
record of producing high-quality research outputs.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to interpret complex data
and draw meaningful insights, as well as experience with quantitative and qualitative
research methods.
• Knowledge of emerging, transformative, and inclusive-focused research techniques
such as Photovoice, Participatory Action Research (PAR), Community-Based
Participatory Research (CBPR), Critical ethnography etc.
• Knowledge and ability to conduct research with marginalised groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present
information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
2.3 Key Skills and competencies
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, Stata, NVivo) and research
methodologies, as well as experience with data visualization techniques.
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work, with a strong
emphasis on accuracy and integrity in research practices.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple
tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for public health and a commitment to the organisation’s mission and values,
with a genuine interest in contributing to positive social impact.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong collaboration and
interpersonal skills.
TO APPLY
Candidates who wish to apply for this vacancy should send detailed application letter and CV to: [email protected]
Deadline: 31st of May 2024.