Principal Health Officer (Clinical Research) East African Community

Reports to: Deputy Executive Secretary (Research)
Organ/Institution: East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC)
Duty Station: Bujumbura, Burundi

Main purpose of job:
The Principal Health Officer (Clinical Research) is responsible for developing and managing the clinical research function at the East African Community Health Research Commission (EACHRC). The key function of this position is to coordinate clinical research activities within the EAC Partner States in collaboration with the National Health Research and Academic Institutions in each Country with a view of ensuring that research being conducted answers the key health issues in the EAC and advises on topical areas for clinical research.

Duties and responsibilities:
• Liaise with the Deputy Executive Secretary (Research) and the Principal Health Officer (Operational and Applied Research) to coordinate the development and implementation of health research activities and work plans in collaboration with the EAC Partner States’ National Health Research and Academic Institutions and other stakeholders and partners;
• Liaise with the Deputy Executive Secretary (Research) to develop and/or solicit for clinical research project proposals and market them to sponsors for funding;
Provide clinical research-based technical expertise to health policy analysis and development;
• Develop clinical research materials and guidelines for presentation and distribution to health research stakeholders in the EAC Partner States;
• Perform any other relevant duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Research), the Governing Board of the East African Community Health Research Commission (EACHRC), the EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health and/or the EAC Council of Ministers from time to time.

Academic qualifications and experience:
• A Master’s degree in Health Sciences. A post graduate qualification in clinical research will be an added advantage;
• Relevant working experience of at least ten (10) years in clinical research or related fields with five (5) of which must at senior level;
Must have published at least two (2) articles in international peer review journals, with at least one (1) article as the first or lead author.

Skills and competences:
• Ability to develop integrated results oriented annual work plans and other Organization-wide activities (setting objectives, developing strategies, budgeting, developing policies and procedures, and organizing the functions necessary to accomplish the activities);
• Should have extensive and demonstrable knowledge of clinical research and the translation of results of health research into health policy and practice;
• Demonstrable competency in public health systems development, management and institution building at national, regional and/or international level;
• Demonstrated knowledge of statistical data collection and analysis and ability to systematically review published literature in clinical research and assess the quality and results of relevant published studies.
• Proficiency in computer office applications and automated statistical analytical tools and/or related packages
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Should be fluent in the English language.
• Working knowledge of French and or Kiswahili will be an added advantage.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills;
• Ability to work as a team leader and to motivate others;
• Ability to work under pressure and to deliver on the set deadlines

Eligibility for applications:
Applicants from all EAC Partner States are eligible to apply for the above position.

Terms and Conditions of Service:
The above position is tenable for a contract of five (5) years renewable once.
This position is subject to the application of the Quota System.

Fringe Benefits:
The established posts offer attractive fringe benefits including housing allowance, transport allowance, education allowance, a medical scheme, and insurance cover.

Education Qualifications:
All candidates applying must have qualifications that are recognized by the relevant national accreditation body in their respective Partner State. This condition is applicable for locally and internationally attained qualifications.
All professions that require registration with the specific professional bodies will be expected to do so in compliance with the requirements of their respective Partner States.

Relevant Working Experience:
Internship, training and apprenticeship will not be considered as relevant work experience.

Equal Opportunity:
The EAC is an equal opportunity employer; therefore, female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. EAC will only respond to those candidates who strictly meet the set requirements.