Research Officer, Children's Institute at University of Cape Town

Requirements for the job:

• Masters degree in public health, health sciences, psychology, social sciences or related discipline
• Fluency in at least one additional South African language
• Demonstrable experience in conducting primary and secondary research
• Evidence of prior research publications and presentations at scientific conferences, including as lead author, suitable to career stage
• At least 3 years of non-degree related experience conducting social sciences or health research in low-resource settings, including field work with vulnerable groups.
• Demonstrable knowledge and/or experience in any of the following areas: maternal and child health, early childhood development, childhood disability, children’s participation (voice and agency), social sciences, violence against women and children, health systems and policy, implementation science, public health.
• Some experience in teaching and training at university, practitioner development, or community levels
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to work both independently and experience working as part of multi- and/or interdisciplinary research teams
• An uncompromising attitude to meeting deadlines without sacrificing quality and possess a high level of honesty and integrity in managing research data.
• Experience in project management, including management of project funds and staff

The following will be advantageous:

• Experience in developing research policy briefs and other similar communication materials
• Experience in teaching / training and/or postgraduate supervision 
• Management of research grants including reporting to funders
• Previous experience with international, multi-partner research collaborations
• Experience in using research evidence to influence policy and practice
• Driver’s licence

Responsibilities:

• Carry out and lead/co-lead research projects linked to the CI’s mission and the core interdisciplinary research focus areas for the unit.
• Assist in the identification of research funding opportunities, development of grant proposals and reporting to funders, with support from the CI director and senior research staff.  
• Quantitative and/or qualitative data collection, including fieldwork, data management and analysis
• Translate research findings into journal articles, presentations, research/policy briefs, training materials, technical submissions or publications, including for the South African Child Gauge
• Assist with organising and facilitating workshops and other dissemination and engagement activities
• Contribute to teaching through student supervision, seminars and support with courses/ workshops/training offered by the Unit
• Assist with supervision and mentorship of more junior staff, interns and students
• Work with the PIs and administrators to ensure the smooth running of research tasks
• Participate in CI organisational administrative and strategic processes
• Travel to conduct field work or attend collaboration and dissemination meetings and/or conferences