Manager, UZIMA Research Hub, Institute for Human Development (IHD)

Introduction

The Aga Khan University (AKU) is a pioneering institution of higher education whose mission is to improve the quality of life in the developing world and beyond, through world-class teaching, research, and healthcare delivery. AKU educates students for local and global leadership from campuses and teaching hospitals in six countries, primarily in Asia and Africa. It generates new knowledge to solve problems that affect millions of people, especially the most vulnerable. The University is a private, not-for-profit institution and part of the Aga Khan Development Network. 

Institute for Human Development

The IHDâs vision is to drive innovation in research in early human development that advances the quality of individual lives and contributes to the building of successful pluralistic societies. IHD generates new knowledge through basic and applied research; applies the knowledge gained through research to inform programmes, services, and practices within community settings; and influences policy formulation and implementation in ways that reap the benefits of the systematic research produced at the institute and elsewhere. The institute also delivers educational programmes at multiple levels of study to prepare a wide range of human development specialists and professionals.

The UZIMA Hub

AKU-IHD is leading an effort to set up a research hub known as the UZIMA-HUB. The Research Hub, UZIMA-DS will create a scalable and sustainable platform to apply novel approaches to data assimilation and advanced artificial intelligence (Al)/machine learning (ML)-based methods to serve as early warning systems to address critical health issues impacting voung Africans in two domains: maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) and mental health. The programme is a joint initiative among multiple partners including AKU, University of Michigan, and KEMRl/Wellcome Trust Programme among others

For this reason, we are looking for a highly knowledgeable in the management of research processes, with experience in supporting Pls and project leads in ensuring projects are implemented according to the highest standards.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director, Institute for Human Development, and UZIMA DS Hub Directors, the Manager, UZIMA Research Hub will manage the research process and support the Principal Investigators and various project leads in ensuring all sub-projects within the hub are implemented according to the highest standards. Additionally, the Hub Manager will run the day to day administrative work of the hub. He/She will ensure all the teams are connected working collaboratively and on target, through timely and consistent communication. He/She will also support all grant management functions to ensure Hub teams and Subawardees synergize to deliver all activities. The Hub Manager will also facilitate engagement with multisectoral stakeholders to identify sustainable model dissemination pathways into target communities.

Responsibilities

Manage all research processes, ensuring all the projects within the hub follow laid down regulatory rules, keeping meticulous record of all research documents, and supporting junior research staff within the hub, by organizing training and mentoring opportunities; Manage and coordinate the day to activities of the hub, ensuring that all the teams work collaboratively and on target; Responsible for yearly planning and budgeting meeting, and close out activities, ensuring financial reports are submitted to donors on time; Provide support in identifying and scheduling for learning and sharing opportunities among the hub teams and external stakeholders and foster teamwork; In collaboration with Finance and Grants department, manage the Sub-award processing of onboarding, communication, funds transfers, and collaborative activities; Facilitate the process of formation and substance of a Community Advisory Board; selection, invitations and Terms of Engagement, meetings, among others Spearhead all the community engagement activities and processes; Ensure smooth communication and coordination among all partners (internal and external) for UZIMA; Work closely with the AKIJ communication team to ensure project activities are profiled through the different channels of communication targeting all key stakeholders including women, parents, implementers and policy makers among others; and Work collaboratively with the Communications Officer to package information for dissemination to different audience including policy makers, research communities and other audiences.

Requirements

PhD in Public Health, Mental Health, Maternal and Children Health, Psychology and other related fields; Must have a strong Research and Project Management/Coordination background; Experience coordinating or supporting a multi-disciplinary project with public health relevance is key to this role; Have strong organizational, interpersonal, oral and communication skills; Have practical experience working in a multi-cultural setting, with hands on experience in community mobilization and partner engagement processes; Have demonstrable ability to document research study processes and outcomes, compile donor reports; and Must be willing to travel outside the country.

Key Skills, Knowledge and Competencies:

Ability to work under minimal supervision; Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a good team player; Fluent in English and Kiswahili; and Keen desire to learn and share knowledge.