Job Title:Research Associate

Reports To: Dean, School of Medicine

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Job Type: Full-time

A. Purpose of the Job

This role is to provide high-level research and academic support to the Dean of the School of Medicine of UGHE. The position manages Dean’s global research portfolio and supports the Dean in advancing the research agenda through academic writing, research grants, and scientific engagements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage the progression of all global research studies included in the Dean’s research portfolio and coordinate author teams for scientific writing
2. Conduct robust research literature reviews, including database searches, to gather enough evidence-based recommendations to inform research initiatives for the Dean’s global research portfolio;
3. Assist in preparing, writing, and editing scientific manuscripts in conjunction with fellow researchers and faculty members to facilitate research activities and contribute to the body of knowledge
4. Manage the shepherding of manuscripts through the publication process, including review of the manuscripts, editing as appropriate, and submitting for approval;
5. Manage ethics review processes to enhance UGHE’s compliance with national and international regulations;
6. Write reports and concept notes on all research coordinated for documentation and future reference.
7. Work in coordination with the other research team to facilitate grant management, research project, reporting, and administrative duties.
8. Provide support on general writing, speechwriting, scientific editing, and presentation preparation for international engagements in the Office of the Dean,
9. Follow up on global official and academic documents for the Dean to ensure they are available and up to date;
10. Attend and provide support at research meetings and engagements when appropriate through the preparation of minutes and reports;
11. Monitor and track documents, international projects, and tasks, ensuring attention to time-sensitive issues and longer-term initiatives and provide succinct background information when needed.
12. Develop and maintain relationships with local and international research partners within the office of the Dean.
13. Assist the faculty members with the supervision and mentorship of students
14. Develop and implement mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the impact of the research projects under the Dean’s portfolio, providing regular updates and recommendations for future research direction.
15. Engage in organising and planning scientific conferences on behalf of the office of the Dean
16. Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean

Key Deliverables

1. Quality management of Dean’s research portfolio
2. Timely and quality preparation of written works, speaking engagements, scientific presentations, teaching engagements etc.
3. Comprehensiveness of reports and briefs to the Dean
4. Accurateness and ease of reference of documentation at the Dean’s office

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills

a. Academic qualifications

• Master’s or advanced degree in the health sciences, global health, public health, or other related field

b.Experience

• At least three (3) years of experience working within an international environment with an international organization, NGO (Non-Governmental Organization), public sector, and/or academic setting
• Demonstrable experience in research design, implementation, and scientific writing
• Track record of research and publication
• Having a medical background will be added advantage

c. Technical competencies

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, reference management tools, and Google Drive required
• Familiarity with research ethics and regulatory requirements
• Familiarity with statistical analysis software preferred
• Familiarity with research methodology, design, data collection, and ability to interpret data results
• Fluency in English required
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize projects with extraordinary attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative; must be a quick learner, able to multi-task and easily adapt to changing circumstances.
• Excellent organizational skills and capacity to handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines with attention to detail and quality
• Experience working within an international environment with an international organization, NGO, public sector and/or academic setting.
• Demonstrable work experience in research and personal assistant roles in high-pressure environments.

d.Behavioral Competencies

• Ability to effectively work in a team in a complex, fast-paced environment
• Exceptional interpersonal skills including ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse staff, partners, and clients
• A positive attitude
• Flexibility and agility
• Passion for social justice and global health
• Advanced diplomatic instincts with the ability to work within challenging professional contexts requiring tact, judgment, and discretion
• Ability to think ahead and anticipate needs before they arise
• Excellent communication, time management, and organization

How to Apply

Applicants should provide: (1) curriculum vitae, (2) Degree, (3) A cover letter describing your interest in UGHE and relecant experience. Please upload these under the ‘Additional Files’ tab on the application page.

University of Global Health Equity is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Organizational Profile

UGHE is a new kind of university focused on training the next generation of global leaders in health care delivery. The university launched in Rwanda in September 2015. Through an academic experience uniquely rooted in the values of equity, students are empowered to both ease suffering at the bedside and drive transformational, systemic changes to the health system.

UGHE is an initiative of Partners In Health (PIH), an internationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. In over nearly three decades of operating alongside public sectors in countries around the world, PIH has developed a model to deliver high quality healthcare to some of the world’s most marginalized communities. Nowhere has this impact been more profound than in Rwanda, where Inshuti Mu Buzima—PIH’s sister organization—and our government partners have driven innovation for a decade.

Members of the UGHE community are tenacious and resolute in our drive to attain social justice, make common cause with those in need, listen to and learn from others, and operate with honesty and humility as we uphold academic integrity and intellectual curiosity. The University of Global Health Equity seeks individuals committed to these values to join the team.

Commitment to Safeguarding and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment:

At UGHE, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including community members – as well as our students, contractors, staff, and visitors to our campus are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and any form of systemic abuse, whilst reducing risk and vulnerabilities. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with UGHE’s policy.

UGHE will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of fraud, harassment, sexual harassment and any form of systemic abuse or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.