Organization: Partners In Health/Inshuti Mu Buzima
Location: Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
Eligible Citizenship: Rwanda
Application Code: R10-Nat
Job Function: Database Management / Data Analysis / Statistics, Finance / Budgeting, Program / Project Management, Research
Issue Area: Community Health Workers, Health Systems Strengthening / Healthcare Access
About
Partners In Health (PIH), headquartered in Boston, MA, is an internationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. Through its service delivery, training, advocacy, and research, PIH works globally to bring the benefits of modern medical science to those most in need and to serve as an antidote to despair. PIH operates sites for clinical care, research, and training in 10 countries (Haiti, Peru, Russia, Boston, Rwanda, Lesotho, Malawi, Kazakhstan, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic).
In 2005, Partners In Health was invited by the Rwanda Government to start working in Rwanda, and a sister organization locally known as Inshuti Mu Buzima (IMB) was initiated. Today, PIH/IMB accompanies the Ministry of Health (MOH) in three rural districts (Kayonza, Kirehe, and Burera), with a total catchment area of 900,000 people, to deliver high quality healthcare at three district hospitals and 40 health centers, and at the community level through roughly 2,700 community health workers. PIH/IMB partners with the Government of Rwanda (GOR) to deliver dramatic gains in population health, equity, and prosperity in previously underserved rural communities.
Position Overview
The Research Officer will support the research department’s strategic goal to develop rigorous implementation research in support of healthcare delivery. The fellow will drive improvement of data quality, research capacity building and administration, dissemination of information, and grant application writing. The fellow will report to the Director of Research and work closely with research managers in specific clinical programs such as oncology, neonatology, infectious diseases, and mental health, where implementation of research activities are ongoing. The position will be based in Rwinkwavu, Kayonza District, with possible cross-site assignments in Kirehe and Burera Districts.
Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and evaluate select research projects for PIH/IMB
- Develop and roll out study tools
- Write grant proposals, perform literature reviews, oversee data collection and analysis, and write manuscripts
- Support and implement data quality improvement procedures and practices
- Develop electronic data collection tools and manage the archival process on PIH servers
- Support capacity building efforts, including research and biostatical trainings, and support other internal training programs (e.g. the intermediate Operational Research Training Program)
Desired Skills and Experience
Items indicated with an asterisk (*) are required- Master’s degree in biostatistics, public health, epidemiology, or related field*
- Strong quantitative research training and field experience*
- Experience working on research studies and performing data analysis*
- Grant and manuscript writing skills*
- Ability to multi-task while maintaining organized records and files*
- Strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills, including verbal, written, presentation, and facilitation*
- Passion for global health*
- Willingness to live in rural setting*
- Experience working with Microsoft Access or other data analysis software such as STATA and R-statistics
- Programming skills will be an advantage
- At least one year of experience working with public health data in a monitoring and evaluation or research position
- Work experience with research studies beyond data collection (such as study coordination, instrument development, or analysis)
Fellowship Logistics
During the fellowship year, all fellows are provided with:
- A living stipend of $650/month
- Housing and utilities
- Health insurance
- A professional development grant of $600
- An award of $1500 upon successful completion of the fellowship year
- Travel costs covered to and from placement site, training and retreats
*Note: The living stipend and the completion award may be paid out in USD or local currency, as determined by the placement organization.
Living and Working in Rwanda: Fellows are provided with housing and utilities during the fellowship year. Housing arrangements vary based on the placement organization and location within the country and are subject to change. All housing will meet GHC safety standards. Fellows at PIH/IMB are provided with a room in a house that will be shared by the four GHC fellows in the Partners In Health compound. The living quarters are self-contained, meaning that the bathroom, living, and sleeping areas are in one building. There are limited kitchen facilities accessible since all meals are provided by PIH. It is basic but comfortable, situated in Rwinkwavu, a rural community in Rwanda.
