Research Officer - Heat Stress Health Behaviour Scientist

CeSHHAR Zimbabwe is an organisation that specialises in population health research and programming, including on sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS. CeSHHAR has an extensive national, regional, and international academic and community partnership network. CeSHHAR has a diverse range of funders which include the Wellcome Trust, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, United States NIH, UK Medical Research Council, Templeton World Charity Foundation, USAID, Global Fund for AIDS TB and Malaria, UNICEF and UNFPA. We partner very closely with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (UK), Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care and international and regional centres of research excellence to evaluate national programmes and determine the impact, uptake, and cost effectiveness of novel reproductive health interventions.

RESEARCH OFFICER – HEAT STRESS HEALTH BEHAVIOUR SCIENTIST) (x1)

Duty Station: Mt Darwin, Zimbabwe

Contract Type: Fixed term. Renewable

JOB ROLE

The Heat Stress Health Behaviour Scientist is integral to the HIGH Horizon & HAPI projects, focusing on the effects of climate change on maternal and child health, as well as the well-being of health workers. The core mission of these initiatives is to devise interventions at the individual, household, community, and healthcare facility levels to protect these vulnerable demographics from the harmful impacts of extreme heat. Beyond analysing behavioural responses to heat stress, the scientist collaborates closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) in implementing the Climate Early Notification Systems, aiming for enhanced health outcomes. Their deep insight into behavioural patterns, combined with a strong commitment to research, positions them to make significant contributions to these critical projects.

Key responsibilities include: –

• Research Design, Development, and Implementation: Design and roll out research methodologies tailored to the specific study area, encompassing areas like cultural, physical, and linguistic anthropology, or social engineering. Strictly adhere to study protocols and SOPs, ensuring the accurate and consistent implementation of all study procedures.
• Fieldwork and Participant Engagement: Undertake extensive fieldwork, potentially requiring travel, immersions in communities, or archaeological site explorations. Identify, enrol, and consistently engage with relevant study participants, ensuring high retention and informed consent as per good clinical practice standards.
• Data Collection, Management, and Analysis: Collect qualitative data through methods like interviews, observations, and participatory research techniques. Administer surveys with a focus on clarity and accuracy, and handle data tasks, including transcription and translation. Analyse collected data to identify patterns, derive insights, and understand cultural significance, using established anthropological or social science theories and frameworks.
• Collaboration, Communication, and Presentation: Collaborate closely with a team of researchers, sharing insights and contributing to broader project goals. Present findings in team meetings, conferences, workshops, or other relevant platforms, and assist in the preparation of research papers, articles, and presentations.
• Documentation and Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of fieldwork, data collection, and analyses, ensuring data integrity, confidentiality, and adherence to departmental guidelines. Keep meticulous and transparent records on all project deliverables.
• Continuous Learning and Development: Remain updated on the latest anthropological theories, research methodologies, and findings. Participate in seminars, workshops, and training sessions relevant to the field.
• Team Collaboration and Meeting Participation: Attend all project meetings, providing updates and insights on research progress.
• Additional duties: Undertake any other duties as assigned by the Senior Anthropologist, Head of Research, or Project PI.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Postgraduate qualification in any social science field. A least 3 years’ research experience. Experience with participatory approaches such as Photovoice, Transect walks, other qualitative methods, and qualitative data processing.  Research Ethics Training. Microsoft Office packages. Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team. High respect for confidentiality. Good verbal and written communication skills.