Research and Evidence Specialist

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Research and Evidence Specialist plays a critical role in strengthening the evidence base for the PEP project by leading research activities across the PEP Partner Institutions. The Specialist will coordinate research and project activities across three public university partners, ensuring harmonized implementation, high-quality data collection, and utilization of findings to improve training outcomes. The role also supports building institutional capacity in education research, implementation science, and data-driven decision-making.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Planning and coordination

• Participate in the development and implementation of PEP project workplans with a focus on research, monitoring, and evaluation activities • Coordinate project implementation across the three partner public universities to ensure alignment with project goals and timelines • Facilitate collaboration and communication between AMIU and partner institutions on research and evidence generation activities • Support integration of research findings into project design and continuous improvement processes • Liaise with regulatory bodies, academic institutions, and stakeholders to support evidence informed training approaches

2. Technical Support

• Coordinate the development and implementation of research protocols in collaboration with the project partners • Contribute to grant writing and implementation of research activities • Build capacity of faculty, graduate students and project staff in research methods, data analysis, and evidence use • Support partner institutions in establishing and strengthening research systems and structures • Provide technical guidance on education research, evaluation frameworks, and data utilization • Promote use of digital tools and platforms for data collection, analysis, and dissemination • Support integration of research into innovative training approaches such as eLearning, simulation, and blended learning • Support documentation and submission of proposal/grants • Coordinate the implementation of field research activities • Develop budget for research activities • Undertake any other assignments which may be assigned from time to time by the director

3. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage stakeholders to promote evidence-based decision-making in health professions education • Build and maintain partnerships with universities, research institutions, and development partners • Advocate for adoption of research-informed and innovative training approaches • Support stakeholder sensitization and knowledge-sharing forums

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES

Education and Experience

Candidates with the following educational qualifications from recognised universities are eligible to apply:

• Master degree in public health with a bias to biostatistics, or epidemiology, statistics • Bachelor’s degree in health sciences, biostatistics/statistics, public health, mathematics, statistics or equivalent • Experience in research work or research from a similar organization • Experience in educational research is an added advantage • Publication of at least two articles in peer reviewed journals

Experience

• 2 years working in a busy research setting

Skills Required:

• Excellent communication skills, including written and presentation skills in English and Kiswahili • Proficiency in data analysis using at least two of these software: R, Stata, EPI Info and including MS Office (Word, PowerPoint and Advanced Excel) skills • Budgeting skills • Ability to complete multiple tasks under pressure and work in a multi-cultural team environment • Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills • Ability to work independently • Excellent ICT skills