About Organisation:

Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) is a recipient of a grant from the Wellcome Trust, collaborating with the University of Oxford (UK), the KEMRI-Wellcome Programme (Kenya) and the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa). MakSPH will conduct the study titled “Africa’s First Referral Hospitals: Innovation and Care” (AFRHiCARE). AFRHiCARE is planning to conduct a baseline study in five districts, namely Adjumani, Buikwe, Kiryandongo, Luweero, and Masindi. The project seeks to recruit experienced Research Assistants to support the baseline studies. The research assistants will work under the overall supervision of the principal investigator.

Job Summary: To support implementation of data collection activities, the GEEI Study seeks to recruit Eight (8) Research Assistants with experience in qualitative and quantitative research and health policy or development-related studies.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of the Study Team, the Research Assistants will:
• Participate in study orientation and training sessions on research protocols, data collection tools, ethical conduct, and quality assurance.
• Support stakeholder mapping activities across relevant government, donor, civil society, and private sector actors.
• Conduct Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with senior officials from government ministries, donor agencies, civil society organisations, and the private sector.
• Conduct interviews to generate quantitative data from the relevant stakeholders
• Transcribe, translate (where required), and upload interview recordings and field notes using designated data management platforms.
• Ensure completeness, accuracy, and secure handling of all collected data in line with approved ethical and data management protocols.
• Support quality assurance processes, including inter-coder reliability checks under the guidance of the Principal Investigator.
• Liaise with study respondents professionally, maintaining confidentiality and participant dignity throughout.
• Prepare and submit regular field reports and updates to the Project Coordinator.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Principal Investigator or Project Coordinator.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Applicants must have:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health Science, Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a closely related field from a recognised institution.
• Demonstrated experience (minimum one year) in qualitative and quantitative data collection for health, policy, or social science research projects.
• Skills in conducting Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and/or Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), with knowledge of qualitative research methods.
• Proficiency in the use of mobile/electronic data collection and transcription platforms (e.g., KoboToolbox, ODK, NVivo, or ATLAS.ti).
• A good command of English (written and spoken) and proficiency in at least one of the following local languages: Luganda, Runyankore, Lukonjo, Lusoga, Ateso, Luo, Lugbara, or Lumasaba.
• In addition, the applicant should possess the following desirable qualities
• Knowledge of climate change and health, gender equality and equity, or public financing frameworks.
• Experience conducting research with high-level government, donor, or institutional stakeholders.
• Good communication, interpersonal, and networking skills with ability to engage diverse actors.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and maintain high ethical and professional standards.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to travel and work in different districts across Uganda as required.

Interested applicants should address their applications to:

The Dean,

Makerere University School of Public Health P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda

Application documents should be compiled into one PDF before submitting and must include:

Application/cover letter

Current CV with names and daytime contacts of two referees

Relevant academic transcripts and certificates

All documents should be compiled into one PDF file before submitting.

Application Portal: Applications should be submitted via email to: recruitment@musph.ac.ug

NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.