HEALTH SYSTEM STRENGTHENING RESEARCHER

The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is an African-led and Africa-based international research institute engaged in multidisciplinary, evidence-based policy research. Our researchers address important issues and challenges facing Africa in areas such as education, health, population, aging, urbanization and wellbeing. We engage with policymakers in the region to disseminate our research findings, influence policy decisions and improve the quality of life in Africa. 

APHRC seeks to recruit an experienced professional to work in its Research Capacity Strengthening Division to help develop a Hub for Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) in fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS) in Africa with an initial focus on Somalia. 

Responsibilities:  

• Lead in setting direction and coordinating activities to set up a health systems training and research hub for health workers and practitioners working in FCAS;
• Undertake a scoping exercise to identify players and actors and learning needs;
• Conduct a desk review of existing programs and interventions (e.g. via systematic review) to identify gaps and opportunities in the existing body of evidence that could inform the establishment of a program of work on HSS in the unique FCAS context;
• Collect primary data from development partners, NGOs, program implementers and communities on key elements of a responsive health system in fragile contexts;
• Lead the development of tools and methodologies for training the community of practitioners and for collecting various forms of data;
• Contribute to institutional publications (i.e. lay dissemination materials such as policy/research briefs and fact sheets);
• Represent the Center at high - level national, regional and international forums, including relevant technical working groups and expert committees;
• Other tasks as assigned by the Division Director or APHRC leadership.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Postgraduate qualification in social, health or behavioral sciences, including demography, biostatistics, epidemiology, public health , international/global health or other related discipline (PhD desired but not required);
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of health systems strengthening, with knowledge of health systems in Africa;
• Demonstrated experience with health systems management and health sector reforms; equity and fairness in distribution of health services; or health policy and resource allocation;
• Practical experience in working in FCAS influencing policies and systems (experience in managing relationships across national and international actors will be critical);
• Experience in academic research and technical writing skills;
• Evidence of networking capacities and facilitation skills, outstanding communication, and a results-driven personality.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

• Experience in developing global public health programs to train health professionals (e.g., MPH or coursework in Health Systems in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Environments; Analysis of Health Systems in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Environments, etc.);
• Experience playing a leadership role in health policy, health planning, financing management and evaluation;
• Familiarity with health systems in Somalia or any other FCAS in Africa;
• Experienced in evidence generation and synthesis (experience with systematic review is a plus);
• Experience working with or in partnership with Ministries of Health;
• Experience managing donor grants, and fundraising;
• Fluency in Somali language an added advantage.

The above position comes with an attractive, internationally-competitive remuneration package including medical, travel and life insurance cover. Allowances toward relocation (for those recruited from outside Kenya) and dependents’ education are also provided. Preference will be given to nationals of subSaharan African countries. 

Interested candidates are invited to apply and include: letter of application; a statement of research interests and goals (1-2 pages); and CV with contact details of three referees through our email address jobs@aphrc.org. Cover letters should be addressed to:

The Human Resources Officer

African Population and Health Research Center, Inc.

APHRC Campus, Manga Close, off Kirawa Road, Kitisuru P. O. Box 10787-GPO, Nairobi

NB: Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. APHRC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the protection of children.