Background

The Department of Psychiatry at Addis Ababa University has a distinguished history of mental health research. We are currently looking to hire aResearchCo-ordinatorfor a research enrichment grant to a program that Studies the Contexts of recent Onset Psychoses in Ethiopia to improve outcomes (SCOPE). The aim of the SCOPE programme is to produce high quality, contextual evidence on psychosis in Ethiopia and use this to design innovations in detection and first-contact treatment to improve the lives of people living with psychosis in Ethiopia and similar settings.

The Research Enrichment grant focuses on social contact-based public engagement to support the SCOPE project goals of achieving earlier and better care for people with psychosis in Ethiopia. It targets 5 groups identified as playing a key role in rights-based care pathways and recovery from psychosis in the SCOPE study sites: police, religious leaders, university and high school students, general health workers, and journalists.

The approach of the grant is participatory and geared towards achieving ongoing engagement with the target groups that endures beyond the timescale of the project. The activities include: 1) equipping mental health service users and researchers to co-develop social contact interventions, 2) participatory planning/co-development of engagement materials and strategies with target group members, and 3) delivering engagement activities with the target groups with iterative learning and refining of the approach through participatory action research.

The research coordinator will be a dynamic professional responsible for the kickoff and management of this grant, while seconded to the Mental Health Service User Association of Ethiopia.

The Role of the Research Co-ordinator

The successful applicant will be responsible for co-ordinatingthe research enrichment grant linked to the SCOPE project

Principal responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Principal Investigator, Project co-ordinator and Mental Health Service User Associationto plan and co-ordinate study activities.

• Prepare activity reports and co-ordinate preparation of financial reports for quarterly reporting to the funder.

• Plan the grant activities, track progress and problem solve to ensure activities are completed.

• Liaise with local and international stakeholders to support engagement in the studies.

• Co-ordinate and implementation communications related to mental health stigma reduction and mental health research.

• Contribute to quantitative data analysis.

• Participate in the drafting of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.

• Additional tasks as directed by the study investigators.

Terms and conditions

• Salary: Negotiable depending on qualifications and experience.

• Hours of Work: Are governed by the laws of Ethiopia. However, the nature of the work is such that it might require working overtime and weekends, with due financial compensation.

• Holidays: Are governed by the rules of Addis Ababa University for project workers.

• Length of Contract: This is a 3 year post subject to six monthly contract renewal.

• Probationary Period and Notice Period: There is a three-month probationary period for this role. The notice period is one month. 

No. required : One

Terms of employment: Full-time, 3yearpost subject to six monthly contract renewal

Reports to: Principal Investigator, SCOPE project

Job Requirements

Requirements

• MA in Social Work, with thesis.

• 3 years related experience in project co-ordination: designing, planning, and implementing activities.

• Proven skill in stakeholder engagement and management.

• Experience with social media and other media.

• Working knowledge of written and spoken English.

• Strong computer program literacy and knowledge.

• Strong administrative and organisational skills.

• Experience in working with international collaborators is essential.

• Discretion and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.

• Experience preparing reports for international partners an advantage.

• Experience with participatory research methods an advantage.

• Mental health literacy an advantage.

 Personal attributes

• Well organised.

• A high level of attention to detail.

• Ability to work with others, including international collaborators.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills

• Strong analytical skills

How to Apply

Recruitment process

Application should be submitted with a short CV (maximum length 4 pages), a covering letter (maximum 2 pages), Master’s degree of the listed on Requirements, and work experience to the Human Resources Department of the College of Health Sciences (Addis Ababa University): HR Department, The Human Resources Office, 1st Floor, College of Health Sciences Building, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The covering letter should describe how you meet the requirements for the position and why you want the job.

The recruitment will involve a written exam and interview. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.