Policy and Research Volunteers

Africa Health Organisation (AHO) Role Description

We are looking for Policy and Research Volunteers who can help us demonstrate basic health and social indicators and have knowledge and experience in evaluation and research alongside a broad knowledge of health and social indicators. The post-holder will provide the high-level analysis needed to help us understand various health and social issues. You will use data and your quantitative and qualitative research background to analyse Africa's health and social indicator trends. This is open to anyone from anywhere.

Purpose of role

1. To provide the high-level analysis needed to help us understand a range of issues relating to broader health and social indicators, using large data sets and qualitative and quantitative research.
2. To gather and interpret the latest research findings on broader health and social indicators, analyse the implications of current policy developments, and translate complex papers for a lay audience.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

A. Policy

1. To research and analyse information relevant to broader health and social indicators
2. Analyse and review all available information and recommend options for implementation of policies

B. Research

1. To research and collect data and information on health and social indicators, such as:

• Morbidity indicators – e.g. AIDS incidence rate (100,000 pop)
• Socioeconomic indicators – e.g. population % with water and sanitation
• Demographic indicators – e.g. Life expectancy at birth (years)
• Mortality indicators – e.g. Infant mortality rate (1,000 lb)
• Resources indicators – Doctors per 1,000 pop, hospital beds per 1,000 pop
• Access indicators – e.g. Contraceptive use (men; women, all methods) (%)
• Coverage indicators – e.g. Immunisation coverage (%) under 1 year of age
• Risk Factors – e.g. Tobacco use, Alcohol and drug misuse, overweight/obesity prevalence

1. Construct tables, graphs and maps using the data and information gathered from the research.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Honours, Master's or doctorate in research degree such as social sciences, medicine, sciences, engineering, arts and humanities, e.g. economics, statistics, international development, public health, health and social care, nursing, sociology, psychology, geography, law, criminology, gender studies, women studies, children studies, men studies, environmental sciences, marine sciences, journalism, art and dance, art and design, mathematics, STEM subjects, media studies, marketing, business studies, etc.
• At least two (2) years of medical and socioeconomic research experience as part of a study course or in the field, work, or research institutions.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills.
• Experience in analysing complex information and datasets.
• Experience in writing reports at school or authoring/contributing to publications.
• Good broad knowledge of the wider health, economic and social indicators and determinants of health
• Familiarity with fundamental statistical analysis and epidemiology

Funding and Finance

The role will involve seeking and securing funding and finance for the specific goals, objectives, targets, and outcomes. You will work with AHO President, the Board and senior management to research and identify public, private, philanthropic, individual giving and legacy funding and finance. Each volunteer will have the opportunity to choose their goal and set a fundraising target to achieve. If the volunteer successfully meets their goal, they will be offered a fully paid job to head the delivery of their chosen goal supported by a qualified senior manager.

This role is open to anyone studying for a Master's, PhD or equivalent worldwide at an approved research institute, think tank, charity, NGO, or university.

Languages requirements

The ability to speak one of Africa's widely spoken languages would be an added advantage e.g. Afrikaans, Amharic, Arabic, Bemba, Berber, Chewa, Chinese, Dinka, English, French, Fula, Fulani, German, Greek, Hausa, Hindi, Igbo, Italian, Japanese, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Kongo, Korean, Lingala, Malagasy, Mandinka, Nambia, Ndebele, Nyanja, Oromo, Portuguese, Russian, Sango, Sesotho, Shona, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Swati, Thai, Tigrinya, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Vietnamese, Xhosa, Yoruba, Zulu, etc. You are still welcome to apply if you don't speak any of the above languages.

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We do not promise a job offer to volunteers, trainees, interns, or apprentices; however, those who perform above par, winning grants and tenders during their time with us, may be offered a job if their grant or tender creates one. We also sponsor successful trainees to come and live and work in the UK.

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How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a Cover letter via Idealist explaining your motivation.