KEMRI / CDC Behavioral Scientist Job in Kisumu

KEMRI / CDC Research & Public Health Collaboration

Vacancy No.K25/02/11

Program description: This program is Collaboration between Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) whose mandate is to conduct research in malaria, HIV and other diseases.

To effectively carry out its mandate, the Program is seeking to fill the following position in their DGHA (Division of Global HIV/AIDS) Branch

Position: Behavioral Scientist
(1 Position) MR 11

Location: Kisumu

Essential Requirement

• A Masters degree in Behavioral or Social Sciences, Health Education, Public Health, Sociology, Epidemiology, Anthropology, or other related postgraduate degree.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in the implementation of HIV prevention behavior change interventions.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office or WordPerfect)

Desirable Qualifications

• One year experience in HIV testing and counseling programs and implementation of community health activities.
• Extensive experience and skills using computer software for quantitative and qualitative data analysis e.g., SPSS, NVIVO, Nudist

Qualities and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of attitudes and cultural practices (relating to health and HIV) among different ethnic groups in Nyanza province.
• Skills in qualitative and quantitative behavioral research methods.
• Knowledge in behavioral survey design and implementation.
• A good understanding of the published literature on HIV risk factors and behavioral interventions for HIV prevention.
• Ability to coordinate and supervise a team of health educators and other prevention community staff.
• Ability to coordinate planning and implementation of evidence-based behavioral interventions including behavior change communication strategies and interventions.
• Ability to design and conduct in-depth quantitative and qualitative interviews and focus group discussions.
• Excellent written/oral communication, interpersonal and organization skills.
• Ability to work well in a team, and be able to collaborate well with the Ministries of Health local communities, and other implementing partners.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English and Kiswahili.
• Good judgment in trouble shooting, problem solving, awareness of own limitations, strong inter-personal skills and internal motivation

Position Description:

The person will assist in identifying, packaging, and disseminating appropriate evidence-based behavioral HIV prevention interventions in Nyanza Province.

The behavioral scientist will also work closely with program staff responsible for implementing HIV counseling and testing, male circumcision and HIV care and treatment to forge appropriate linkages between these services and behavioral interventions.

Job Summary:

With guidance from CDC-GAP behavioral team, the KEMRI HBCT team and in liaison with Ministry of Health, the Behavioral Scientist will coordinate the identification, packaging, dissemination, and implementation of evidence-based behavioral interventions in Nyanza Province.

Specific Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Provide overall coordination and support of the planning, design, and implementation of evidence-based HIV-prevention behavioral interventions.
• Assist in the identification of appropriate interventions.
• Assist in the packaging of interventions for wide-spread dissemination.
• Assist in developing marketing and training materials for interventions.
• Assist in training of facilitators of interventions.
• Supervise health educators and other prevention community staff during implementation.
• Facilitate linkages across different HIV programs and services at health facility and community levels.
• Facilitate linkage between HBCT/CT and Care Treatment and strengthen health facility-community linkage
• Assist in the design and implementation of public health evaluations to test the efficacy of behavioral interventions and programs.
• Lead and/or collaborate in the analysis of behavioral surveys and the preparation of reports for both in-country use by the Ministry of Health and implementing partners and for peer-reviewed journals. .
• Disseminate and present behavioral data for education and advocacy to government officials, health professionals, and community leaders.
• Disseminate and present behavioral research findings at national and international meetings.
• Responsible for recruiting, selecting, hiring and supervising health educators to implement interventions in Siaya and Bondo districts
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the KEMRI coordinator.

Terms of Employment:

Contract for 6 (1) year renewable as per KEMRI schemes of service. Probation period for the first 3 months. Salary negotiable within the appropriate grade depending on education, experience and demonstrated competency.

Applications should include the following:

• Letter of Application (Indicate vacancy number)
• Current Curriculum Vitae with telephone number and e-mail address
• Three letters of reference with contact telephone numbers and e-mail addresses
• Copies of Certificates
• Day time contact telephone number

Note: Applications must include copies of certificates, Diplomas and Transcripts. Applications without this will be disregarded.

Due no later than 13th March 2011

To:

Human Resource Manager,
KEMRI/CDC Program,
P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu

or E-mail to recruitment@ke.cdc.gov

Internal candidates interested in applying for this position are strongly advised to access an internal candidate application form available in the 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.

THE KEMRI/CDC program is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process including, application, interview meeting and processing of offer letter. If asked for a fee, report such a request immediately to: 0701112145