HEAD OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

 

Recruitment Advert

REFERENCE NUMBER: HEADPUENGA/001/2017/JAN

 

The Africa Centre for Population Health of the University of KwaZulu-Natal has merged with the KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for TB-HIV (K-RITH) to form the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) one of South Africa’s largest independent research institutes.

The unification of these local institutes brings together the basic science research of K-RITH and the population based surveillance and health intervention of the Africa Centre into a new interdisciplinary research institute.  We aim to become a source of fundamental discoveries into the susceptibility, transmission and cure of HIV and TB and related diseases, seeking ways to improve diagnosis, prevention and treatment.  AHRI is committed to motivating young scientists to address the crises of TB and HIV by expanding the science education opportunities in the region as well as strengthening the TB and HIV research capabilities of scientists across Africa.

AHRI’s principal funders are Wellcome Trust and HHMI and it is the only research institute in the world receiving substantial joint funding from these two donors. UKZN and University College London are AHRI’s research and academic partners.

Brief overview of the position:

Public Engagement at the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) is based on two main aspects namely Community Engagement and Public Engagement.

Community Engagement

The organisation has a long history of strong Community Engagement that is essential to facilitate the conduct of our high-quality, ethically sound population-based research. These activities help with recruitment to our population research and strengthening of informed consent and are an integral part of our organisational structures and research planning.

Public Engagement

Our Public Engagement activities have some past experience but a number of newer activities are being developed as the Institute evolves. The activities are aimed at adding value to research projects by engaging with our research site communities and stakeholders to ensure that research is responsible and is welcomed by the communities we work with.

We are looking for someone to lead our overall strategy in these areas. The successful candidate will play a key role in the success of the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI).  They will work closely with both the local communities and wider public audiences and partners.

 Minimum Qualifications

1.     Master’s Degree Graduate in Public Health, Social Science or other related field

Minimum Experience

1.     5 years’ experience mid/senior level management position in national or international institution/organisation, supervising groups 8+

2.     3 years’ experience working in health, development or biomedical research sectors

3.     Understanding and experience of working with health research ethics principles a major advantage

4.     Experience in working with different forms of communication (interpersonal, participatory learning, mass media) a major advantage

5.     Responsibility for managing budgets at a senior management level

6.     High competency in use of Microsoft Office applications

7.     Fluent in Zulu and English speaking and writing

 

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge required

1.     Experience in one or more areas of research of AHRI

2.     Demonstrable ability to establish research activities associated with the AHRI Public Engagement Programme. 

3.     Understanding and professional experience of the South African social, political, civic and cultural environments.

4.     Prior experience of a key role in a research project in sub-Saharan Africa

5.     Evidence of excellent communication, writing and visual presentation skills in public events and general or research publications

 

Advantages

1.     Valid Code 8 Driver Licence

2.     Relevant PhD

 

Remuneration:

The remuneration package for this position is market related and will depend on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

Application Format:

Please note that applications for employment are only received on the official application form which may be accessed by clicking here or by request via email, telephone or in person.  Applicants are required to email their detailed application to recruitment@ahri.org together with certified copies of qualification certificates. The post reference number must be indicated in the subject line of the email. Telephonic enquiries pertaining to this post may be directed to the HR Department at 031 260 1397. Only those candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

AHRI is fully compliant with South African labour law and is committed to employment equity. This position is open to South African applicants and also valid work permit holders.

Application Closing Date:

The closing date for receipt of applications is 16 February 2017. AHRI reserves the right in special circumstances to accept late applications or to extend the above date in order to facilitate further searches. Furthermore, AHRI reserves the right not to make an appointment. Please consider your application unsuccessful if you have not been contacted within 4 weeks of the closing date.