Research Specialist, Community Health Sciences

Aga Khan University’s Department of Community Health Sciences is seeking a Research Specialist to support field activities in the districts of Sujawal and Malir. This grant-funded contractual role involves overseeing and coordinating daily field operations related to health and social development programs. The successful candidate will work closely with government departments, partner organizations, and community stakeholders to ensure accurate data collection, quality monitoring, and effective implementation of interventions. This position requires strong leadership in managing field teams, troubleshooting operational challenges, and maintaining compliance with ethical and organizational standards.

Key Responsibilities

- Plan, supervise, and coordinate daily field activities of staff across the assigned districts, managing workloads, schedules, and geographic coverage efficiently.
- Provide on-site support and performance oversight to the field team, ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) for household identification, screening, enrollment, and navigation.
- Monitor data quality at the source, maintain detailed field records, and keep accurate visit logs.
- Regularly document and prepare updates, stories, and reports on sector developments, Government of Sindh initiatives, and health and social development programs.
- Analyze and share insights on community perceptions, health-seeking behaviors, social protection access, and barriers to services.
- Contribute to the development, testing, and implementation of contextual behavior change models and approaches.
- Document eligibility criteria for families accessing social protection services and foster strong working relationships with service providers in the districts.
- Maintain effective collaboration with the Government of Sindh, Health Department, partner organizations, and field staff.
- Track field progress against targets and compile regular reports on intervention activities.
- Monitor task loads related to Government of Sindh programs and escalate risks, operational challenges, or safeguarding concerns promptly.
- Coordinate field logistics, including transport arrangements and ensuring the safety of field staff.
- Ensure compliance with ethical standards, including informed consent, data protection, and safeguarding protocols.

Required Qualifications

- Master’s degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of five years’ experience in field coordination or supervision of health or social programs, preferably within Sindh.
- Proven ability to manage field teams and oversee community-based data collection effectively.
- Fluency in Sindhi and Urdu is essential, along with strong knowledge of the local district context.

Preferred Qualifications and Additional Information

- Familiarity with immunization programs, such as the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), and social protection systems is advantageous.
- The position requires comprehensive employment reference checks to ensure suitability.

Aga Khan University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. The University upholds high standards for safeguarding and promoting respectful relationships among its workforce and stakeholders, including vulnerable populations. This role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to public health initiatives within a reputable international institution dedicated to education, research, and healthcare excellence.