Africa Research and Impact Network

The Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN) is a network of over 200 researchers and policy makers across more than 36 African countries aimed at promoting research excellence and dialogue on best research and impact practices. ARIN provides one of the unique convening platforms for science-policy interface in Africa building on evidence. It recognizes that Africa is home to multiple researchers, innovations and best policy practices but these remain poorly shared and learnt from to inform impactful Research and Development Agenda. ARIN therefore provides a peer review platform where best research and impact practices from different African contexts are shared, profiled and leveraged to inform transformative policy actions.

Public Health and Development Specialist (PHARIN2022/1)

ARIN seeks to recruit a Public Health and Development Specialist who will provide technical and strategic guidance to ARIN and its partners on the systems, designs, scopes of health issues in Africa and beyond to help foster impactful research evidence relevant to inform health care policy, regulations and plans in the region.  S/He will oversee all public health knowledge management and research operational aspects at ARIN in line with the network’s strategic plans and model. The terms of reference for the position are listed below. This position provides an opportunity for international career growth in research and broader networking among the various ARIN networks in Africa and abroad.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Support the analysis of public health policies and strategies in Africa focusing at national, regional and continental levels.
2. Coordinate and lead the convening and engagement with public health stakeholders and other relevant stakeholders to discuss emerging trends in health systems and identifying knowledge and policy gaps in health systems research.
3. Undertaking stakeholder mapping and analysis including periodic monitoring of emerging stakeholders their roles and options for engagement for health policy influence
4. Develop work programme on the linkage between health systems and climate change
5. Conduct data collection and analysis on the resilience of national health systems to emerging global challenges and pandemics
6. Support evidence synthesis from various body of research and generate briefing notes and knowledge translation frameworks and learning
7. Coordinate knowledge, management platforms including databases, publication linkages amongst others.
8. Develop and broker partnerships and network with Universities, Science Councils, local innovators, industry, local media and academia to nurture public health opportunities for African Member States (e.g. funding, capacity building, data, infrastructure etc.)
9. Contribute to writing technical knowledge products including journal articles, working papers, info briefs, evidence briefs among other

Qualifications

1. PhD or advanced Masters in the area of public health, population health, epidemiology, infectious diseases, health systems modelling, International health or relevant field.
2. Proven track of at least 4 Years of relevant professional experience in the public health and development space; experience with international development organizations is an advantage. Experience in facilitating health related projects is an asset.
3. Fluency in written and spoken English is essential, additional knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage
4. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience in working in research and policy environment and ambitious career goal around public health and development.

Competencies

1. Able to conceptualize and convey strategic vision relevant to public health for development, drawing on extensive substantive knowledge of the theme.
2. Strong leadership and self-management skills; Ability to inspire and motivate other researchers and fellows within the network; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; and demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
3. Demonstrated ability to work across professional, thematic and organizational boundaries and to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders with greatly varying backgrounds.
4. Flexibility and adaptability to be able to function well in an environment of experimentation, innovation and change.
5. Well-developed interpersonal, people management and team building capacities.
6. Excellent outreach skills and drive to reach out to a diverse range of stakeholders both South and North, policy makers, civil society, private sector, communities etc.
7. Ability to work to close deadlines and under pressure.

Benefits:

ARIN is committed to the nurturing research talent in Africa. Successful candidates will benefit from exposure to a fast-paced, world-class research environment. They will get to significantly contribute to the design and execution of research projects. By the end of their assignment, the successful candidates will have strengthened their research, policy analysis and communication skills. It is also anticipated that they will also strengthen their leadership skills, in preparation for successful professional careers.

Duration:

The duration of the assignment will be 2 years, with a possibility of extension for exceptional candidates. The successful candidates will be expected to work from the ARIN Secretariat in Nairobi if feasible. Working remotely is also possible.

Application:

Please send (1) one-page cover letter; (2) CV of not more than 6 (six) pages-including 3 (three) relevant referees (3) A 1 (one) pager proposal on your understanding of the roles and responsibilities. Application letters should have the title of the position as the subject as well as subject of email for email applicants. Applications should be sent to info@arin-africa.org and copy to  arinnetwork.an@gmail.com.

Selection Process:

Due to the anticipated high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Upon being shortlisted, candidates will be invited to an online or remote interview. Selection for the interview will be subject to performance from a written task for the shortlisted candidates.

Please note the application deadline for this position is 22^nd February 2022, 11:59 East African Time (EAT).

ARIN is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified female candidates, people with disabilities, and minorities are highly encouraged to apply.

Inquiries:

All inquiries should be directed to info@arin-africa.org;