Company Address: Address 197 Lenana Place, Off Lenana Road next to Cedars Restaurant Nairobi, Kenya

  • Senior Data Manager, KEMRI Wellcome Trust Nairobi, Kenya

    Senior Data Manager, KEMRI Wellcome Trust Nairobi, Kenya

    Lead a team responsible for data capture, data quality and data analysis routines as part of a routine clinical surveillance/quality improvement project and a multicentre randomized controlled trial taking place in up to 15 hospitals around Kenya and three in Uganda and Tanzania. The work will involve use of REDCap and other data collection applications in multiple sites ; use of the statistical software package R and its related interface function R studio; use of LINUX as an operating platform; work with DHIS2 and interaction with providers of electronic medical record systems in Kenya including Open MRS to foster harmonisation of data collection.
    Description:
    REPORTS TO: Principal Investigator and Senior Researchers
    DIRECT SUPERVISE: Data Manager/s
    INDIRECTLY SUPERVISE Hospital based data clerk/s
    BUDGET AND RESOURCE RESPONSIBILITY:
    Some responsibility for ICT hardware maintenance to support data collection and planning for updates / additions
    JOB DIMENSIONS:

    Supervise & mentor data management team, set objectives and help conduct appraisals
    Preparing, updating and documenting systems requirements; overseeing design of data capturing systems and formulation of reports
    Developing systems, QCs and tools for collecting, entering, editing, cleaning, storing, validation, archiving, retrieving, organizing, and transferring of data; and carrying out data review, validation, query generation and resolution, and report generation of all records generated from the database.
    Assisting with development of screening logs and case report forms.
    Conducting recurrent information queries and baseline statistical analyses and report results generated by study sites according to the project specification
    Developing and implementing processes and procedures for data management and movement.
    Implementing and enforcing regular data security activities such as storage, backups, archiving and user administration and resolving queries that arise
    Liaising closely with programmers to create databases, and to test and implement the various case report forms as per the project requirements.
    Providing a link between ICT and the department study teams and data managers
    Overall responsible for training, supervising and managing the departments data management and processing teams and monitoring their performance.
    Documenting system and data management procedures and processes in a manual and updating them periodically
    Performing study specific data management duties as assigned
    Responsible for preparing work plans and for managing QC of data and systems

    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

    Coordinate roles and monitor progress of Data Management Team and Analytics team – build capacity of team through on-job training as required – provide at least monthly updates to PIs
    Provide oversight of HSU team ICT requirements for hardware and software ensuring equipment fit for purpose including server management (Linux and other as required)
    Lead implementation of progamme wide data governance / data management strategies – training team members as required – and liaison with Kilifi ICT / Data Management unitsDesign and develop adaptations to / programming enhancements to REDCap and participate in the REDCap user group and other forums to understand the latest developments Help develop strategies using R to improve data quality and perform data analysis routines that can be incorporated into routine reports, and clinical trial monitoring.
    Develop and update web applications (supervising work of others as appropriate) maintained by HSU
    Take the lead in and provide oversight of HSU project and data archive development and access – to include use of DataVerse, Github and other platforms as required and to enable team to deliver ‘Open Access’ to data and tools
    Provide support in training of field data collection teams including developing training materials, preparation of hardware / software, training schedules and conducting training.
    Liaison with companies / groups who are developing electronic medical records to foster harmonization of key data across EMR platforms
    Maintain study databases as required including ensuring regular updates, cleaning, backups and archiving and ensure all related records and reports are handled and managed in line with data governance protocols.
    Ensure compliance with programme ICT policies that span data storage, description, security e.t.c across the research team
    And any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

    QUALIFICATIONS:

    Master’s Degree in Data Management /Information Science or Computer Science
    At least three years’ experience as a Data Manager in a similar position in a research or health institution.
    Demonstrated competence in information management and statistical analysis
    Excellent skills in systems analysis, data management, database design and structures
    Excellent computing skills, including LINUX, REDCap, OpenClinica and R and other Open Source software
    Experience in managing multisite, distributed data collection and integration
    Experience of developing system documentation
    Business analysis and basic SQL skills
    Ability to handle large databases and troubleshoot issues involving complex data integration
    Expert knowledge of maintaining and debugging live software systems and of writing and editing program documentation

    Desirable Criteria:

    Experience with data management for large multi-centre clinical trials
    Experience with report development for data quality assessment
    Experience with use of R for statistical programming and R Studio
    Experience with GitHub
    Prior work related to health care and ideally experience of analysing health data and writing research reports
    Solid understanding and experience with MySQL, PHP. Knowledge on Python would be an added advantage.
    An interest in developing team management skills
    Experience in eHealth and web development
    Experience with report writing for data quality
    Experience in server management

    COMPETENCIES:

    Experience in using LINUX, MySQL and version control
    Experience in using data collection tools preferably REDCap, ODK, openClinica and openMRS
    Experience in managing multisite, distributed data collection and integration
    Excellent skills in data analysis preferably R, STATA, Python.
    Understanding of database design and maintenance, quality control and data cleaning
    Well-developed troubleshooting capacity and clarity of thought
    Excellent customer support and communication skills
    Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment and to multi-task
    Ability to interact with users/ office colleagues in simple non-technical language
    Good communication and interpersonal skills (verbal and written)
    Team worker, able to work in a multi-cultural environment and with multi-disciplinary teams **

  • PHD Studentship

    PHD Studentship

    Two fully funded PhD studentships commencing in January 2019 are available at our Kilifi and Nairobi sites.
    These studentships, which are funded through the Initiative to Develop African Research Leaders (IDeAL), will provide the awardees with an opportunity to carry out their PhD studies within a high-quality research environment under the supervision of internationally renowned researchers.
    The studentships cover registration fees, research costs, travel costs, medical insurance and a monthly stipend.
    Studentship are available in the following research areas.

    Immunity to Respiratory Syncytial Virus
    Neonatal mortality in Kenya

    Eligibility

    Applicants should be of African nationality
    For the RSV PhD they should have achieved at least an upper second-class Bachelors degree and a Masters degree in any biological science.
    For the Neonatal mortality, applicants should be holders of a basic medical degree and a MMed in Paediatrics from a recognized medical school.

  • Project Coordinator, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, Nairobi, Kenya

    Project Coordinator, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, Nairobi, Kenya

    Project Coordinator (CHAIN Network)
    The Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition (CHAIN) Network is an international research network with a headquarters in Nairobi that is conducting harmonised research to improve outcomes in sick undernourished children in Africa and Asia. The job will involve coordination of various activities and planning for meetings both local and international, and creating regular high-quality progress reports. The post will require a high level of communications skills to engage with site coordinators and PIs in study sites in East and West Africa, and South Asia. The post holder will have to be able to work unsupervised, often with a variable timescale, sometimes out of hours and may will require some international travel. The post is mentally demanding, and involves a high level of communication among trial staff, with trial sites, regulatory bodies and the wider community.
    Description:
    REPORTS TO: The Programme Manager
    BUDGET AND RESOURCE RESPONSIBILITY:

    Project operational budget
    Ordering and accountability for materials, consumables and project assets.

    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

    Be responsible for developing and maintaining a calendar of activities in consultation with the Programme Manager and management team.
    Be responsible for tracking approvals and regulatory renewals and reports, and ensuring timely preparation and submission.
    Develop and maintain study documentation, contracts and inventory of assets at international sites for the Network and for projects linked to it.
    Track expenditures on the Network and related grants in consultation with the Programme Manager, Finance Offices in Nairobi, Kilifi and Oxford, as well as with project sites in other countries.
    Maintaining systems for continuous monitoring and provision of regular feedback through scheduled meetings with internal teams and sites or specific technical groups, mostly by teleconference.
    Coordinate scientific and operational activities internally and externally, including organizing meetings in Kenya and overseas for the Network, and linked projects.
    Coordinate ordering and distribution of resources to sites for centrally procured items, and items for Kenyan sites, ensuring inventories are available for the coordination office.
    Coordinate travel arrangements for various local and international trips and meetings.
    To liaise with other departments within the research Programme to ensure smooth running of the projects
    Undertake other duties as assigned by the Programme Manager.

    QUALIFICATIONS:
    Essential Criteria:

    A bachelor’s degree in business, administration, project management or a related field with at least 5 years relevant working experience
    or a science degree plus at least 3 years of working experience as a study or clinical trials coordinator
    Demonstrable experience in writing reports in English
    Demonstrable experience in organizing large meetings or networks
    Computer literacy with proficiency in project management tools and Microsoft applications

    Desirable Criteria:

    Experience in budget and resource management
    Experience in health research management

    COMPETENCIES:

    Strong planning and organization skills
    Strong leadership and management skills
    Strong problem solving and decision-making skills
    Ability to network, build and maintain strong relationships
    Proactive, innovative, attentive to detail and creative
    Strong interpersonal and communication skills
    Team working and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment

    PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

    The post is office based
    The post holder will be required to be available to work flexibly, out of hours as necessary

  • Communication Officer – Public Engagement, KEMRI Wellcome Trust, Nairobi, Kenya

    Communication Officer – Public Engagement, KEMRI Wellcome Trust, Nairobi, Kenya

    JOB DIMENSIONS:

    Participate in the design and planning of new stakeholder/public/school /university engagement activities including setting up participatory meetings and identifying resource requirements.
    Ensure smooth implementation of public engagement and communication activities in Nairobi region as agreed upon in the Programme engagement work plan
    Support in the facilitation and expansion of school engagement activities including: on-line school engagement (SEP KEMRI website); “I’m a scientist” on-line engagement platform; and other appropriate Nairobi school engagement approaches identified through 1 and 2 above
    To explore potential future opportunities for communication/engagement in Nairobi and beyond through engagement with key health/education stakeholders, researchers and members of the public.
    To support the Policy engagement officer and the head of communications in media engagement and liaison for dissemination of research.
    To support the Policy engagement officer and the head of communications in website content development / updating in collaboration with the ICT department and scientists
    Liaise with the KWTRP Head of Community Engagement and the Head of Communications, and / or other programme officers working in relevant areas to implement an overarching communications strategy
    To prepare/draft write-ups as may be required for inclusion in/ to support proposals, posters, presentations/seminars, IEC materials (including website content) and publications.
    Participate in tracking use of project funds/ grants through the monitoring, review and preparation of field expense reports, tracking of study expenses etc.
    Prepare and submit draft reports/media as required including activity reports, project progress reports, short videos etc.

    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

    Participate in the design and implementation of new community/public/school/university engagement and communication activities
    Engaging with health and education stakeholders in the implementation of engagement/communication activities
    To implement KWTRP school and university engagement activities
    To keep KWTRP website updated with KWTRP Nairobi updates
    To support media liaison/communication and policy engagement where required
    To prepare/draft write-ups as may be required for inclusion in/ to support proposals, posters, presentations/seminars, IEC materials (including website content) and publications.

    QUALIFICATIONS:

    A degree in a relevant discipline (communications/ journalism/Public Relations/ Social science / health / Community Development)
    Experience in desktop publishing software (Correl Draw, Photoshop, etc)
    At least 3 years’ experience in public engagement/communication/development
    Experience of creating and implementing engagement/communication plans and activities in a busy organization
    Experience of preparing visual content for scientific/health communication media (e.g. websites, video, magazines, policy briefs, newspaper articles etc.) in a variety of styles to suit different audiences
    Excellent familiarity with modern and best practice approaches to communication, knowledge exchange and information management
    Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applications

    COMPETENCIES:

    Good inter-personal skills and ability to network, build and maintain strong relationships
    ICT skills including familiarity with website design approaches
    Excellent presentation skills (use of PowerPoint or other media including video), excellent quality of written work in English
    Ability to work with limited supervision to meet deadlines

  • Project Accountant / Administrator

    Project Accountant / Administrator

    Job Description

    M/R 9
    Reports to: Fiscal and Administration Manager.
    Job Purpose: The selected candidate will be in charge of project accounting and administrative duties at clinical trials site in Nairobi.
    Responsibilities:

    Prepare and submit timely and accurate financial monthly reports on usage of project funds to multiple donors and sponsors for various studies.
    Provide support for procurement process in a manner that’s transparent, fair and in accordance with policy.
    Provide logistic and operations support to the study activities.
    Effectively manage all service providers and suppliers
    Ensure all project equipment are well maintained and operating optimally and maintain fixed assets register.
    Ensure that project cash flows (income and expenditures) are managed in a timely and accurate manner.
    Monitor budgets utilization and communicate variances on a regular basis to the management and sponsors.
    Engage with different host institutions on timely submission of accounting reports.
    Provide administrative, operations and logistics duties for the project as directed by the supervisor.

    Education and Experience:

    Bachelors degree in Commerce (Accounting or Finance option), Business Administration (Accounting option) or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution
    Part II Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Examination or its recognized equivalent
    Work experience in a research or related projects for at least 2 years.
    Advanced excel knowledge and experience are required
    Exposure to QuickBooks accounting package will be an added advantage

    Competencies and Skills:

    Excellent computer skills
    Excellent administrative skills
    Excellent report writing skills
    strong personal communication
    Mature and self-motivated
    High Integrity and confidentiality
    Experience of accounting and/or bookkeeping
    Excellent communications skills
    Good planning and organizing skills
    Ability to work independently

    Terms of Employment: Employment is a one year renewable contract with a probation period for the first 3 months.
    Salary is negotiable within the appropriate grade depending on education, experience and demonstrated competency.

  • Policy Engagement Officer 

Assistant Research Officer 

Senior Data Manager 

Data Manager 

Project Manager 

Early Post-Doctoral Immunologist 

Assistant Research Officer – (9 Months Contract)

    Policy Engagement Officer Assistant Research Officer Senior Data Manager Data Manager Project Manager Early Post-Doctoral Immunologist Assistant Research Officer – (9 Months Contract)

    Job Description

    The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme is well known internationally for its work in improving global health. The Programme has a diverse clinical research programme that includes clinical trials of disease prevention, vaccines, management of acute illness, basic science and translation of research finding into global health policy.
    The Programme is searching for a qualified, dynamic and motivated person to fill the following position:
    JOB DIMENSIONS:
    Policy Engagement:

    Work with programme scientists to map policy stakeholders relevant to the programme’s work, and develop a policy engagement strategy aimed at these stakeholders
    Lead the implementation of the programmes policy engagement strategy
    Work with identified stakeholders to map local and international policy engagement spaces (e.g. meetings, technical working groups, policy development processes) identify relevant engagement spaces, and facilitate programme’s engagement in these spaces
    Engage proactively with local, regional and international stakeholders, through dissemination of key results, organization of formal and informal exchanges, and ensuring needs and priorities as identified by policy makers feed into research processes
    Expand the programme’s policy links through the establishment of contact with relevant national and sub-national policymakers and regional/international networks.

    Research Uptake:

    In consultation with the programme scientists, develop and implement plans for the synthesis, dissemination and uptake of research amongst key stakeholders, both nationally and internationally
    Support programme researchers in the development and implementation of research uptake plans for specific research projects
    Identify and pursue opportunities to promote programme research; facilitating and contributing to the use of research evidence by policy-makers, practitioners and other stakeholders
    Develop and disseminate user friendly/lay research uptake materials – Policy briefs, Research briefs, infographics, podcasts, videocasts etc
    Develop research dissemination content for the programme’s website – news stories, research bulletins, etc.

    QUALIFICATIONS:

    A relevant Master’s degree (e.g. Public health, Health policy, Public policy, Science communication, Policing and Governance) will be an added advantage
    A first degree in Public health, Health policy, Public relations, Public policy, Journalism, Communications or related field;
    At least 5 years’ relevant experience preferably in a health research or health development institution and 3 years of which in a key role in policy engagement, science communication, or research uptake.

    COMPETENCIES:

    Experience in designing multimedia research dissemination outputs (e.g. Policy briefs, infographics, podcasts, short videos and other web-based materials)
    Excellent writing and communication skills in English
    Graphics and web design skills

    go to method of application »

  • Early Post-Doctoral Researcher (Next Generation Sequencing) – Kemri – Wellcome Trust Kilifi,Kenya

    Early Post-Doctoral Researcher (Next Generation Sequencing) – Kemri – Wellcome Trust Kilifi,Kenya

    REPORTS TO:

    Biobank fellow
    Head of labs.

    BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY:

    Administration of core sequencing related funds.
    Management of any independent project funding awarded.

    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

    Day-to-day activities of the high throughput NGS facility, operate and monitor the performance of the MiSeq and Oxford Nanopore NGS platforms.
    Optimize protocols for preparing NGS libraries for targeted, whole genome and transcriptome, shotgun and 16s metagenomics sequencing applied to the MiSeq and Oxford Nanopore DNA sequencing platforms.
    Manage, plan and forecast inventory for the NGS facility.
    Propose and develop new approaches for efficient sequencing of biological specimens.
    Work with scientist and students on sequencing needs arising from research work.

    QUALIFICATIONS:

    PhD in molecular biology, genome sciences, biochemistry, cellular biology, or a related field.
    Strong background in molecular biology ability to work independently, and outstanding communication skills and interpersonal skills.
    Prior experience in NGS library preparation, sequencing and data analysis is essential.
    Experience in infectious tropical disease genetics and advanced computing knowledge is desirable

    COMPETENCIES:

    Keen interest in research
    Excellent analytical and quantitative skills.
    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills,
    Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

  • Assistant Maintenance Technician

    Assistant Maintenance Technician

    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

    Carry out routine preventive maintenance procedures (PMP) and undertake routine maintenance of equipment. and Systems
    To supervise maintenance activities carried out by sub contractors; provide access to offices and document sub contractors’ visits.
    Undertake basic installations and repairs to assigned portfolio, escalating any unresolved problems to the Supervisor.
    Tag all assigned equipment brought to the workshop for repair, ensuring that the same are returned to their respective departments or areas on completion of work.
    Observe personal safety measures by proper use of PPE.
    Maintain good housekeeping habits in the workshop and working area.
    Keeping Safe custody of assigned tools box and assigned common tools.
    Record and document all works undertaken and spares used in Job Cards
    Operation of the Incinerator as may be assigned and maintaining appropriate records.
    Undertake Basic carpentry, painting and plumbing works.
    Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time

    QUALIFICATIONS:

    A Craft Certificate OR Government Trade Test 1 in Carpentry and Joinery OR Plumbing
    At least 2 years’ experience carrying out Carpentry and Plumbing works etc.
    Experience in record keeping and basic report writing
    Knowledge of good workshop practices
    Knowledge of relevant Health and Safety practices.
    Basic Computer skills.
    Ability to communicate clearly( written and oral) in English and Kiswahili

    COMPETENCIES:

    Good troubleshooting and fault diagnosis skills
    Ability to prioritise, plan and organise own work
    Ability to work with minimal supervision
    Proactive and initiative in resolution of problems
    Good interpersonal skills
    Well groomed; neat and clean appearance

  • Project Manager (Epidemiology and Demography Department) KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, Kilifi, Kenya

    Project Manager (Epidemiology and Demography Department) KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, Kilifi, Kenya

    Job Details
    The EDD Project Manager will have specific responsibility for the new Application of Genomics and Modelling to Virus Pathogen Control (GeMVi) in East Africa grant, and play an important management role for other major grants within the Department
    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

    Ensure effective project plans are in place for EDD projects, working with the Principal Investigator and project team to develop these and monitor implementation of the same, from initiation through to implementation, monitoring, evaluation and closure; identify when projects are not running according to plan and initiate corrective action.
    Take responsibility for the day to day management of specified EDD projects, working with colleagues in the EDD Operations team and central administrative functions, including finance, procurement, HR and IT.
    Ensure that project reports, publications etc. are prepared, reviewed and submitted on time and in line with KWTRP institutional policies and external regulations
    Organise and maintain project information in a systematic and secure way, including contracts, standard operating procedures, regulatory documentation and reports to sponsors.
    Work with the Department Accountant and KWTRP Finance function to ensure project finances are monitored and managed in accordance with institutional policies, and take steps to ensure that projects remain within budget.
    Work with colleagues in EDD and the Research Office to prepare and submit regulatory documents to sponsors and regulatory bodies, obtain approvals for projects’ start, continuation and amendments, and ensure protocols are uploaded and kept updated on the KWTRP Protocol Tracking System.
    Work with EDD data managers and the KWTRP data governance officer to ensure collection, storage and access to research data is in compliance with institutional, governance, funder and publisher requirements.
    Manage internal and external communications for specific projects, including organising meetings and events, representing projects to internal and external audiences, updating website content and engaging with the media working with the KWTRP communications department.
    Supervise and mentor Project Assistants in the department.
    Assist and deputise for the Department Manager.
    Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

    QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:
    Essential Qualifications:

    A Masters Degree in a relevant subject, which may include medical or natural sciences, Business Management or administration.
    Relevant Bachelors Degree
    At least eight years’ work experience in high-level administration/ project management, ideally in the academic, research or development sector.

    Desirable Competencies:

    Project management qualification.
    Line management experience and/or matrix management of a team.
    Experience of communications and information management.
    Experience of regulatory and compliance issues in health research.
    Experience of negotiating and/or reviewing contracts for research.
    Experience of working in public health and an understanding of health systems.

    Essential Competencies:

    Exceptional project management skills, proficiency in using project management tools and the ability to manage multiple large projects simultaneously.
    Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to network, communicate, be diplomatic and maintain strong local and international relationships.
    Evidenced ability to produce high quality written reports and presentations in English, with strong attention to detail.
    Significant skills in leadership, organization, prioritisation, problem solving and decision making.
    Financially literate with ability to produce budgets, financial reports and to manage resources.
    High level of computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applications.
    Enthusiasm and willingness to get involved and support the work and life of the Department and KWTRP.

    PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

    Based at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya.

  • IT Training Coordinator

    IT Training Coordinator

    Job Description

    This is a middle level position for this opening. To meet client’s complex desktop ecosystem demands in accordance to set standards that meet the global business objectives. This position should deliver IT training coordination in the programme. The candidate shall also carry out technical support activities.
    Description:
    REPORTING LINES:
    The position reports directly to the Service Delivery Manager and is under general direction of the Head of IT .
    BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY:
    Assist on the development of specifications required to meet budgetary constraints.
    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

    Analyze user needs in the programme and come up with effective IT learning proposals. (User needs can be identified through incidences on
    servicedesk, roll out of new IT solutions, performance reviews and user engagements)
    Liaise with managers and interview employees at all levels to identify and assess IT training and development needs
    Compile and present skill gap information.
    Develop annual training Schedules for IT Training in the programme.
    Develop IT Training curriculum in collaboration with subject matter experts.
    Monitor and manage training logs, progress reports and feedback .
    Coordinate with technical training providers to develop learning solutions that address identified skill gap areas.
    Coordinate and facilitate IT E-Learning deliveries.
    Facilitate Basic IT Training in the programme.
    Provide IT Training reports and follow up continuous improvement schemes.
    Develops knowledgebase for all IT Services.
    Attend to incident, service requests and escalations from IT Support Technicians.
    Participate in execution and support for all IT Projects .
    Participate in change management processes in the environment.
    Configure Server services, with direction from System Specialists.
    Implement and support system security procedures in the environment Troubleshoot and diagnose user devices and implement solutions or liaise with specialists for problem resolution.

    QUALIFICATIONS:

    Degree in computer science / BSc in IT.
    4 years’ experience supporting users in a 500+ networked busy environment, in a similar position.
    Experience of coordinating IT Trainings in an organization of 500+ computer users is must.
    Customer service and communications skills is mandatory.
    The candidate to show evidence of being able to manage intermediate and advanced desktop configuration and troubleshooting capability.
    Support experience of Windows 10, Office 365, Active Directory and cloud solutions.
    Experience of supporting Mac OS users will be an added advantage.

    DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

    MCSE qualifications are required
    Certification in IT Training coordination is desirable