The Unit is an internationally recognised centre of excellence with dominant research themes in the areas of HIV and emerging infections, vaccines and immunity, and chronic diseases and cancer. Through a multidisciplinary approach, intersecting basic science, epidemiological research, social-behavioural research and the conduct of new intervention evaluation studies, the Unit contributes knowledge on changing epidemics and diseases, the evaluation of innovative health care options, treatment and prevention and the development of health policy and practice in Africa and worldwide. Following the signing of strategic transfer agreements between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Medical Research Council (MRC UK), the Unit formally joined LSHTM on 1st February 2018. The exciting new partnership will boost research capacity into current and emerging health issues in Africa and throughout the world. The Unit is based at the UVRI Entebbe campus with established outposts in Kalungu, Masaka, Wakiso and Kampala Districts. The Unit is now seeking enthusiastic and experienced individuals to fill the following position:
Social Science Research Assistant (02 positions)
Position Code: SSRA -1221
Reports to: Hub Coordinator
Station: Entebbe

Job Purpose:
The overall purpose is to co-ordinate project activities for the Young Africa Works: Disability Inclusion Research Partnership study. Factors influencing the inclusion of young people with disabilities in education and employment are multi-faceted and influenced by context and culture. Understanding of this is important to inform contextually appropriate and effective strategies aimed at promoting disability inclusion. This research aims to explore the experiences of young people with disabilities and the individual, social and policy level factors influencing access to education and employment in Uganda and six other countries in Africa (Rwanda, Ethiopia, Senegal, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria). Phase 1 will include a desk review and semi-structured interviews with up to 15 key informants (e.g. representatives from government, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, employers) to explore the context, policy environment and opportunities around inclusive employment and education. Phase 2 will involve semi-structured interviews, using interview guides, with up to 30 young (12-35 years) men and women with disabilities to explore their experiences with a focus on education and employment. Interviews will be audio-recorded, transcribed and thematic analysis of the data will be undertaken. There will be an emphasis on engaging with young disabled people throughout, not only as study participants, but also as researchers and as part of Youth Advisory Groups, to ensure their voices are central to the research.

Roles & Responsibilities
1. Principal Responsibilities
• Carry out in-depth qualitative interview with key informants and young persons with disabilities;
• Translate and transcribe interviews;
• Code interviews as per study protocol / interview coding matrix;
• Translation of study documents;
• Carrying out field activities;
• Undertakes any other duties as may be assigned by Supervisor

2. Financial Management
• Provide participants with stipulated reimbursements after the interview and submit accountability to the hub coordinator on the same

Person Specification
• Bachelor’s degree in Social sciences, Public Health Disability Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, or Educational Sciences;
• Short courses on research methods and GCP training are an added advantage;
• At least three years’ experience in an international Organisation or research based institute;
• Should possess 2 years’ experience in conducting qualitative interviews;
• Prior interviewing experience with persons with disabilities;
• Good verbal and written communication skills;
• Fluency in English and relevant local research centre language;
• Ability to work well under pressure and to maintain effectiveness during changing conditions;
• Non-judgemental attitude;
• Ability to work well as a member of a team;
• Experience with coding transcripts in NVIVO;
• Knowledge of qualitative research;
• Knowledge of disability youth research;
• Proficiency in computer use (MS Word);
• Basic knowledge on design of qualitative research tools, data collection, handling and reporting;
• Living with a disability or having a close relative living with a disability;
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal);
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Proven ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines;
• Proven interest in disability and youth research; and,
• Integrity and dedication

Follow the link below to fill a form and submit your application documentation: https://redcap.link/Social_Science_Research_Assistant
Combine all your application documentation i.e. cover letter, CV & academic documents into one PDF document.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. This position is open to Ugandan nationals only. Strictly follow the application procedure as failure to do so will lead to automatic disqualification. Only online applications will be accepted.
You will receive a notification in your email if your application and documentation have been successfully received. In the event you are selected as the best candidate for the job, it will be a requirement to present certified copies of academic documents prior to contracting.

The applications should be addressed to:
The Head of Human Resources,
MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit,
P.O. Box, 49,
Entebbe, Uganda.

Consider your application unsuccessful if not contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of the advert. Any form of lobbying at any stage will lead to automatic disqualification. By submitting your personal information, you consent to the MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit holding and using it in accordance with its recruitment policy and procedure. The Unit reserves the right to verify documents attached with the relevant awarding institutions to authenticate their validity.