Research Associate, Human Development Programme

Research Associate, Human Development Programme

EntityMedical College

IntroductionThe Human Development Programme (HDP) aims to support human development through a multidisciplinary and research-based approach. Its initial focus is early childhood, a period of life that lays the foundation for all future learning, development and wellbeing.  Applying an integrated approach to education, health, nutrition and stimulation in early years. HDP aims to provide the support needed to promote holistic child development by enhancing physical, cognitive, social and emotional abilities of children to help them become healthy competent individuals participating productively and effectively in their societies.   

HDP is determined to promote better development of future generations and with its educational and community-based programmes. The Programme aims to build the capacity of professionals, parents and communities who have the responsibility of providing a strong foundation and learning opportunities for ensuring a good start in life to every child.

As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.

This is a grant-funded contractual position.

ResponsibilitiesYou will be responsible to:

• organize implementation and roll out of project activities as per the project protocols, SOPs, expectations and timelines
• develop a manual of dietary guidelines to support nutrition counselling of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs), in consultation with PI
• plan and organize focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with stakeholders
• consolidate, maintain and back up collected data
• check collected data on regular basis to ensure complete and correct data collection
• work as an effective team member and support other project staff for any problems faced
• build and maintain effective collaborations with project stakeholders
• prepare and share weekly reports of project activities to PI and Co-PI
• develop monthly reports for donor agency.

RequirementsYou should have:

• a masters in Nutrition/ Social Sciences/ Public Health from an HEC recognized or reputable foreign university/institution
• at least two years of experience of working in nutrition and research projects. Experience of working with children with NDs will be given preference
• experience in organizing and handling research projects
• experience in counselling techniques
• experience in developing educational material on nutrition/ECD
• background and experience of conducting research studies
• strong oral and written communication skills in English and Urdu. (knowledge of Sindhi language will be preferred)
• excellent interpersonal, organizational, coordination and teamwork skills
• knowledge and experience of data collection, data analysis and manuscript writing
• efficient work planning with timeliness, quality assurance, monitoring, and report writing skills
• proficiency in MS Office, Excel, SPSS and NVIVO
• excellent problem-solving skills, ability to anticipate problems and devise effective solutions with strong decision-making capabilities
• ability and willingness to travel to study centers
• aptitude to learn and be able to work under stress.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.

Disclaimer:The Aga Khan University is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment which is free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at AKU are based on business needs, job requirements and individual’s qualifications and experience, without regard to race, colour, caste or creed, national, social or ethnic origin, gender (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification). AKU does not discriminate among the job candidates on account of any of these characteristics.