Research Officer, HILTON

Department
Institute for Human Development

Entity
Aga Khan University

Location
Isiolo, Kenya

Introduction

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent primarily to low- and middle-income countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and 14,000 staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As a leading international institution dedicated to excellence and change, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access.

IHD’s vision is to drive innovation in research in early human development that advances the quality of individual lives and contributes to building successful pluralistic societies. IHD generates new knowledge through basic and applied research, apply the knowledge gained through research to inform programmes, services and practices within community settings, influence policy formulation and implementation in ways that reap the benefits of the systematic research produced at the institute and elsewhere. The institute also delivers educational programmes at multiple levels of study to prepare a wide range of human development specialists and professionals.

The Research Officer will support the implementation of environmental research activities within a pregnancy–birth cohort study in Isiolo County, Kenya. The Research Officer will be responsible for supporting the collection of environmental exposure data, assisting with field-based environmental assessments, community engagement activities, and contributing to the overall implementation of research activities.

Responsibilities

• Familiarize themselves with study protocols, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), data collection tools, and informed consent procedures to ensure adherence to study guidelines.

• Assist with environmental exposure assessments at the individual, household, and community levels in accordance with the study protocol, including the installation and monitoring of environmental monitoring equipment where required.

• Support the deployment and monitoring of wearable devices among study participants, including providing instructions on their proper use and maintenance

• Assist in maintaining quality control procedures for environmental and study-related data collection

• Ensure accurate documentation and timely reporting of adverse events, including maintaining complete raw data and records.

• Participate in and support community engagement activities, maintaining respectful, culturally sensitive communication to promote trust, retention, and adherence to study procedures.

• Provide regular updates on progress and challenges and submit timely reports on data collection and study activities.

• Work closely with the broader research team to ensure smooth implementation of study activities.

• Comply with all ethical and regulatory requirements, including confidentiality, informed consent, and data handling guidelines.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in environmental science, Environmental Health, or a closely related field from a recognized institution.

Relevant Experience

• At least 2 years’ experience with environmental assessments or data collection tools will be an added advantage.

• Demonstrated competence in environmental assessments

• Experience in using computer or tablet-based applications for data collection (e.g Redcap)

• Ability to work under minimal supervision.

• Willing to work in remote areas within Isiolo county.

• Should be fluent in English and Swahili. Speaking Borana is an added advantage.

• Experience with environmental assessments or data collection tools will be an added advantage

Personal Characteristics & Behaviours

• Team player with strong interpersonal skills

• Good communication skills (both written and oral)

• Attention to detail and strong documentation skills

• High level of integrity