Job Description

The Scientist is responsible for assisting the Senior Scientist in determining the scientific direction of the TB Think Tank. S/he will support Task Teams to deliver clear and feasible workplan activities, draft scientific presentations, briefing notes, and protocols to support the Think Tank and National TB Programme (NTP), contribute to capacity building within the Secretariat, Task Teams, and NTP, and assist with identification of funding opportunities and external consultants to support the technical work of Task Teams.

Technical Work Responsibilities

• Respond to requests from the Senior Scientist for evidence-based presentations, briefings and concept notes.
• Summarise and evaluate Task Team outputs for the Secretariat and the Executive Committee, as required.
• Prepare Briefing Notes for Senior Directors of the National TB Programme on pressing issues for their consideration.
• Review or prepare policy briefs on technical outputs, as required.
• Review Task Team workplan activities regularly and support Task Team/working group leads to achieve objectives according to timelines through regular meetings, step-by-step planning, and connecting them to appropriate resources.
• Provide Technical Support for Task Team activities relevant to candidatexe2x80x99s expertise.
• Assist with drafting requests for proposal for technical work to be outsourced.
• Assist with identifying and linking Task Team Leads to consultants for technical outputs.
• Work with the Programme Manager to link members between Task Teams when overlap will strengthen activities and outputs.
• Represent the TB Think Tank at Scientific and Political Forums
• Support the Programme Manager on issues relating to evidenced-based decision-making, identifying Task Team priorities, and budget requests for technical work and dissemination.
• Identify potential sources of funding for primary research activities prioritised by Task Teams
• Contribute to funding proposals that support Task Team activities.
• Assist Task Teams with drafting or reviewing research protocols and other technical work.
• Identify topical issues/research/events for webinars and newsletter material.
• Draft abstracts for submission to conferences
• Contribute to Research Publications emanating from Task Team outputs.
• Write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style.
• Make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to Top Management, Public Groups, and/or the Think Tank Executive Committee Work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
• Apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Assist the Programme Manager in responding effectively to inquiries and complaints.

Appropriate Postgraduate qualification at NQF level 7

Advantageous

• Masters degree
• GCP accredited (every two years)
• HSP trained xe2x80x93 up to date (every three years) Experience as a Principal Investigator

Experience

• At least 5 yearsxe2x80x99 experience in a TB-related research or implementation environment

Requirements

• Excellent written communication skills (writing sample requested)
• Knowledge of and established relationships with major research institutions and/or implementing partners in South Africa
• Commitment to Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and in fostering stakeholder relationships
• Excellent organisational skills
• Familiarity with current WHO guidelines for TB and/or HIV
• Experience developing SMART objectives.
• Ability to manage interdisciplinary relationships.
• Knowledge of Epidemiology and Statistics
• Proficient personal computer skills including electronic mail, record keeping, routine database activity, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, etc
• SA Citizen or valid work permit to work in South Africa
• Advanced computer skills
• Valid driverxe2x80x99s license
• Own car
• Minimal/Moderate/Excessive overnight travel (up to 30%) by land or air if required.
• Willing to work overtime.

The Aurum Institute