VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT KEMRI/CDC PROGRAM

Opening date: 4/05/2012                                                    Vacancy No.K51/05/12

Program description: This program is a collaboration between Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with a goal to conduct research in pneumonia, febrile illness, diarrheal illness, malaria, HIV, tuberculosis and other diseases.  Due to its continued growth, the International Emerging Infections Program (IEIP) under the Global Disease Detection (GDD) Branch has vacancies to fill.

Position:  Program Coordinators (2 positions) - MR 11

Reports to:  IEIP Principal Research Officer/GDD-Nyanza Branch Chief

Locations:   Kisumu and Nairobi

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

·         Education – A minimum of a Masters degree in Public Health, Science or Social sciences

·         At least three (3) years experience leading a research team in clinical, epidemiological, sociological, demographic or population science research and/or program management

·         Fluency in English and Kiswahili (written and oral)

·         Highly motivated

DESIRABLE QUALITIES:

·         Experience in oral and poster scientific presentations using presentation software (MS PowerPoint)

·         Experience in scientific writing and scientific protocol development

·         Proven experience working with statistical packages (SAS, SPSS, STATA), spreadsheet programs (MS Excel) and database programs (MS Access, FoxPro, Paradox)

·         Good judgment in problem solving, awareness of own limitations, and strong internal motivation

·         Ability to multitask, coordinate and supervise various teams

JOB SUMMARY: The IEIP Program Coordinators will work closely with the branch chief and other IEIP leadership to develop and oversee implementation of topically focused portfolios of epidemiological research and surveillance projects and public health response activities.  Possible areas of topical focus include respiratory diseases, diarrheal diseases and nutrition, acute febrile illnesses, population-based infectious disease surveillance systems, among others.  The Program Coordinators will supervise and support teams of junior scientific staff, in consultation with the branch chief and other IEIP leadership, to design and implement public health research and intervention studies, collect and analyze epidemiological data, and disseminate results (including through scientific publications and presentation).  In addition, the incumbents will monitor and advise the branch chief and other IEIP leadership on matters of project staffing, budget preparation and efficient allocation of resources.  The  fundamental responsibility of the Program Coordinators will be to ensure the highest scientific quality and integrity of data and dissemination materials generated within their areas of focus within IEIP.

Specific Tasks and Responsibilities:

·         Assist in the conceptualization and development of protocols

·         Assist in the design and implementation of various projects in IEIP

·         Work with scientific and administrative staff to ensure collection of high quality data

·         Conceptualize and develop analytical plans for various data

·         Work with branch staff to conduct analyses and develop scientific abstracts and manuscripts

·         Conduct regular meetings with scientific staff and be updated on the progress of studies

·         Liaise with the administrative section to ensure resources are available and allocated prudently

·         Oversee human resource management to ensure that section staffing is optimized

·         Work closely with IEIP leadership to develop the capacity of branch staff through training and mentoring

·         Diagnose program and research implementation problems

·         Design and implement necessary organizational systems to ensure efficient and effective delivery of quality research and services

·         Coordinate and supervise monitoring and evaluation systems

·         Prepare and/or supervise preparation of reports for KEMRI, MOH, CDC, USAID, and other partners as needed

·         Effectively represent the GDD/IEIP program in national and international venues

·         Write performance reports and ensure performance targets are met

·         Perform additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Contract for 3 years, renewable as per KEMRI scheme of service. Probation period for the first 3 months. Remuneration: Compensation is negotiable within a relevant grade, based on educational levels, relevant experience and demonstrated competency.

Applications should include the following:

·         Letter of Application (indicate vacancy number)

·         Current Curriculum Vitae, with names and contact information (telephone and e-mail address) for 3 referees (including current or most recent employer/supervisor)

·         Copies of Certificates, Diplomas and Transcripts

Applications are due no later than: 16^th May 2012. To: Human Resource Manager, KEMRI/CDC Program, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu, Kenya.

Or e-mail to: or log into our web www.jobs.cdckemri.org

Internal candidates interested in applying for this position are strongly advised to access an internal candidate application form available in the KEMRI/CDC Intranet; print and process it through the project Managers and attach it before forwarding application to HR.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.