Job Description

Evidence Generation and Strategy Implementation

• Support implementation of SBR projects within the CRD that utilizes existing evidence, or newly generated evidence, to inform R&D and access plans of the needs and behaviours of at-risk populations, healthcare providers, and policymakers.
• Work with research partners and key stakeholders to design and oversee implementation of research studies and maintain a comprehensive and timely understanding of the current landscape, unmet needs, gaps, and critical socio-behavioural issues to support product development.
• Support planning and stakeholder consultations to design SBR portfolio to answer key social science questions.
• Participate in selected Protocol Teams for clinical and epidemiologic studies where SBR questions are included.
• In collaboration with CRD investigators, develop strategic and implementation plans and procedures for SBR research studies.

SBR Market Insights

• Seek, consolidate, assess, and disseminate key insights from research and analyses.
• Utilize qualitative and quantitative research methods and select the optimal mechanism to gather key insights based on SBR objectives.
• Monitor the broader landscape of SBR projects, together with reporting of progress and metric measures/targets.

Project & Budget Management

• Participate in development of CRD SBR scope of work and monitoring/reporting achievement of milestones.
• Support the preparation of funding proposals and work plans for SBR-related activities and prepare updates and presentations for donor reporting.
• Monitor progress in workplans and performance metrics, follow up as needed and flag any persistent deviations for remedial action.
• Draft agendas, pre-read materials, summary presentations and meeting minutes for key meetings, as needed.
• Represent department in drafting and monitoring departmental contributions in organizational scorecard.

Execution

• Guide the team and research partners to support the execution of SBR strategy and integration with global access, advocacy, policy, and communications objectives.
• In close collaboration with the investigator/s and other partners, review of protocols, sample plans, research instruments, and assist in IRB submissions.
• Work with teams and collaborating investigators to strengthen internal capabilities for SBR, including mentorship, training, grant writing, and publications.
• Prepare literature, reports, compelling SBR communications and data analytics.
• Represent Aurum CRD externally to showcase leadership in SBR, and to work with the team in sourcing funding for future research.
• Maintains in-depth knowledge about key SBR research topics related to HIV vaccines, new prevention technologies, key populations etc.
• Attends appropriate external meetings and courses to maintain competency and awareness in assigned area and the HIV vaccine community at large.
• Participate in analysis and evaluation of SBR and interpret data using a range of analysis packages.
• Participate in preparation, presentation, and dissemination of results in the form of reports, briefings, research papers and presentations.
• Train site staff in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis for SBR

• Post-graduate degree in anthropology, sociology, social epidemiology, behavioural economics, global health, public health, or a related field. Masters or equivalent will be beneficial.
• Demonstrated experience in leading the conceptualization, design, analysis, and execution of socio behavioural research studies (Experience with HIV/AIDS and /or sexual and reproductive health SBR research preferred).
• Demonstrated experience with SBR methods, including qualitative, quantitative, experimental, interventional, and mixed method studies.
• Demonstrated experience in analysing qualitative data and reporting.
• Demonstrated experience in compiling standard operating procedures (SOPs) and management of these.
• Demonstrated experience in the development of protocols and research tools. Knowledge in South African IRB submissions for SBR studies would be advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience in manuscript preparation (having published qualitative study data would be beneficial).
• Demonstrated experience in working with diverse and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational skills, resourceful, and mature self-starter, experience in building a strong, coherent program and operations in settings with limited infrastructure.
• Proven ability to operate within a scientific, social, medical or clinical research program.

Closing Date: 28 August 2023

Please Note:

Kindly provide current and relevant references for background checks

These appointments are subject to the preferred candidates obtaining the necessary security clearance, reference checking and competency assessment. We embrace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and are committed to achievement of fair and equal representation of our workforce. Preference will be given to internal applicants and candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Aurum welcomes applications from all persons with disabilities.

Whilst all applications will be carefully considered, only short-listed applicants will be interviewed. All applicants will receive feedback as part of our continued drive towards people development.

The Aurum Institute