Multiple Positions – Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

Closes : January 21, 2025

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT 

Program Summary  

The Learning Centre for Quality Management (LCQM) is a Centre of Excellence at Kamuzu  University of Health Sciences (KUHeS). As a regional hub for excellence, the LCQM is dedicated  to strengthening healthcare systems across Southern Africa. With a focus on enhancing the  quality of healthcare delivery, the Centre promotes evidence-based practices through  capacity building, research, and knowledge management.

Collaborating with local and international partners, the LCQM fosters a sustainable, people centred approach to healthcare, addressing critical challenges within health systems and  driving impactful solutions across the region.

With funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the LCQM is conducting research to  evaluate the integration of health screening and chronic care services (HIV, NCDs, Mental  Health, TB), alongside Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) services. This pilot  initiative is being implemented in selected facilities in Rumphi and Nkhotakota by the Ministry  of Health and its partners.

To achieve these, LQCM Project is inviting suitably and qualified candidates to fill the  following vacant positions:

  1. Pre- Doctoral Fellow – Economic Evaluation Focus (1 Position). 

Department : Learning Centre Research Unit

Responsible to : Principal Investigator

Type of contract : 2 year-fixed contracts

Location : Rumphi or Nkhotakota

Role Overview: 

The Pre-Doctoral Fellow for Cost-Effectiveness Analysis will lead economic evaluations of the  integration initiative. The Fellow will gain hands-on experience in cost-effectiveness analysis,  including decision modeling, and receive on-the-job training and access to specialized short  courses to deepen their expertise.

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Develop frameworks for cost-effectiveness analysis, incorporating decision analytic  modeling (e.g., Markov models, decision trees).
  • Collect, clean, and analyze cost and outcome data from health facilities. • Conduct sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of findings.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to generate actionable insights for  policymakers.
  • Draft high-quality manuscripts and contribute to the dissemination of findings through  reports and policy briefs.

Job Requirements: 

  • Education: MSc in Economics, Health Economics, Statistics, or a closely related field. • Technical Skills: Proficiency in programming and statistical software such as Stata, R,  or Python; familiarity with economic modeling tools is an advantage.
  • Experience: Prior experience in economic evaluations, cost-effectiveness analysis, or  health policy research is desirable but not required.
  • Core Competencies and abilities: 

o Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

o Effective communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders. o Proven ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams. o Ability to handle multiple tasks and deliver on time in a dynamic work  environment.

o High degree of reliability and accountability in producing high-quality work. • Flexibility: Willingness to spend a substantial portion of the contract period at Rumphi  or Nkhotakota districts, engaging closely with local teams and stakeholders.

  1. Pre- Doctoral Fellow- Economic Evaluation – Discrete Choice) – 1 Position 

Department : Learning Centre Research Unit

Responsible to : Principal Investigator

Type of contract : 2 year-fixed contract

Location : Rumphi or Nkhotakota

Role Overview: 

The Pre-Doctoral Fellow for Discrete Choice Experiments will focus on developing,  implementing, and analyzing DCE studies to understand preferences for integrated  healthcare services among service users and providers.

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Design and administer Discrete Choice Experiments to evaluate preferences for  healthcare services.
  • Collect, clean, and analyze DCE data using advanced econometric models. • Develop user-friendly tools to present findings to policymakers and stakeholders. • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate DCE findings into broader  economic evaluations.
  • Contribute to drafting high-quality manuscripts and policy briefs.

Job Requirements: 

  • Education: MSc in Economics, Health Economics, or Statistics with a strong interest in  preference modeling.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in econometric modeling, particularly for DCE analysis,  and statistical software such as Stata, R, or Python.
  • Experience: Prior experience with DCEs or other preference modeling techniques is  highly desirable.
  • Core Competencies: 

o Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

o Effective communication skills to present complex concepts to diverse  audiences.

o Proven ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

o High degree of reliability and accountability in producing high-quality work. 3. Pre-Doctoral Fellow – Impact Evaluation (Econometrics Focus) – 1 Position 

Department : Learning Centre Research Unit

Responsible to : Principal Investigator

Type of contract : 2 year-fixed contract

Location : Rumphi or Nkhotakota

Role Overview: 

The Pre-Doctoral Fellow for Impact Evaluation will play a pivotal role in designing and  implementing the impact evaluation for this transformative initiative. Working closely with  an interdisciplinary team, the Fellow will utilize robust econometric techniques to assess the  program’s outcomes and contribute to advancing healthcare policy and research. This  position offers an exceptional platform for professional growth, with opportunities to  transition into a PhD program.

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Design and implement quasi-experimental evaluations, including difference-in differences, instrumental variable approaches, and propensity score matching. • Manage and analyze large-scale datasets from health facilities and service users. • Develop econometric models to estimate intervention impacts on service utilization,  health outcomes, and efficiency.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of economists, implementation scientists,  and policymakers to ensure robust analysis and meaningful application of findings. • Draft high-quality manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and  contribute to policy briefs and reports.

Job Requirements: 

  • Education: MSc in Economics, Statistics, or a closely related field.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in advanced econometric techniques and statistical  software such as Stata, R, or Python.
  • Career Aspirations: Demonstrated interest in advancing the research into a PhD  program.
  • Experience: Prior experience with impact evaluations, applied econometrics, or  program evaluation is desirable.
  • Core Competencies: 

o Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

o Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

o Proven ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. o Exceptional organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines  reliably.

o High degree of reliability and accountability in delivering high-quality work. • Flexibility: Willingness to spend a substantial portion of the contract period at Rumphi  or Nkhotakota districts, engaging closely with local teams and stakeholders.

  1. Health Economics Post-Doctoral Research Fellow 

Department : Learning Centre Research Unit

Responsible to : Principal Investigator

Type of contract : 2 year-fixed contract

Location : Lilongwe

Role Overview: 

Based in Lilongwe, Malawi, the Post-Doctoral Fellow will lead the implementation of  economic evaluations, including impact evaluation, cost-effectiveness analysis, and discrete  choice experiments (DCEs). This role involves direct supervision of three Pre-Doctoral Fellows

and collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, policymakers, and  practitioners. Periodic travel to Rumphi and Nkhotakota districts will be required to oversee  fieldwork and engage with local teams. The position offers an exceptional opportunity for  professional growth through high-level leadership, capacity-building, and research  dissemination.

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Provide day-to-day supervision, mentorship, and technical guidance to three Pre Doctoral Fellows focusing on impact evaluation, cost-effectiveness analysis, and DCEs. • Oversee the design, implementation, and analysis of economic evaluations, ensuring  methodological rigor and policy relevance.
  • Lead data management and advanced quantitative analysis, including econometric  modeling, decision modeling, and preference analysis.
  • Ensure coordination across the three evaluation components to maintain integration  and coherence in the project’s outputs.
  • Draft and review high-quality manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals  and contribute to the development of policy briefs and technical reports. • Engage with stakeholders, including policymakers and donors, to present findings and  provide actionable insights.
  • Support capacity-building activities for team members and local collaborators. • Travel to Rumphi and Nkhotakota districts to oversee fieldwork, data collection, and  engagement with local teams.

Job Requirements: 

  • Education: PhD in Health Economics, Economics, Statistics, or a closely related  quantitative discipline.
  • Experience: 

o Proven track record in leading economic evaluations, including impact  evaluations, cost-effectiveness analysis, or preference modeling (e.g., DCEs). o Experience supervising early-career researchers or managing research teams. o Demonstrated ability to publish in high-impact peer-reviewed journals. o Familiarity with global health or healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income  countries is highly desirable.

  • Technical Skills: 

o Proficiency in advanced quantitative methods, econometric modeling, and  statistical programming tools such as Stata, R, or Python.

o Expertise in managing large datasets and ensuring data quality.

o Strong skills in integrating multiple evaluation methodologies to address  complex research questions.

  • Core Competencies:

o Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to effectively manage and mentor a  multidisciplinary team.

o Excellent communication skills to convey complex research findings to diverse  audiences, including policymakers and non-technical stakeholders.

o Ability to handle multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain high levels  of reliability.

o Flexibility and cultural competence to work in dynamic, cross-cultural settings.

  1. Research Assistant [Economics] – 3 Positions 

Department : Learning Centre Research Unit

Responsible to : Study Coordinator

Type of contract : 2 year-fixed contract

Location : Rumphi or Nkhotakota

Role Overview 

The Research Assistant [Economics] will be responsible for data collection under the  economic research pillar in line with the study protocols. This role will ensure the integrity of  data collected, support data analysis, and reporting of study activities. The Research Assistant  [Economics] will work collaboratively with the study coordinator, national and district  government officials, partners, facilities, and communities to ensure effective  implementation of study activities.

Key Responsibilities 

  • Keep the study a priority and always informed.
  • Obtain informed consent and enroll participants into the study.
  • Collect accurate data and complete study documentation according to the protocol
  • Collaborate with the study coordinator in planning, implementing, data quality assurance  process, data analysis and reporting of study activities.
  • Participate in community engagement.
  • Ensure adequate and proper use of resources.
  • Identify knowledge and skill gaps and plan effectively for training.
  • Maintain an amicable working relationship and clear communication with government  officials, participants, and local community residents.
  • Perform any other relevant duties that may be assigned by the field lead.

Job Requirements 

  • Master of Science in Health Economics, Economics or any related field.  • Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in quantitative research methods.
  • Demonstrated experience with data collection, data quality assurance, and  quantitative data analysis.
  • Demonstrated experience with digital data collection

Other Competencies: 

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and confidentiality.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with  multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
  1. Research Assistant [Clinical] – 3 Positions 

Department : Learning Centre Research Unit

Responsible to : Study Coordinator

Type of contract : 2 year-fixed contract

Location : Rumphi or Nkhotakota

Role Overview 

The Research Assistant [Clinical] will be responsible for data collection under the clinical  research pillar in line with the study protocols. This role will ensure the integrity of data  collected, support data analysis, support planning, implementation and reporting of other  study activities. The Research Assistant [Clinical] will collaborate closely with the study  coordinator, national and district government officials, partners, facilities and communities  to ensure effective implementation of study activities.

Key Responsibilities 

  • Keep the study a priority and always informed.
  • Obtain informed consent and enroll participants into the study.
  • Collect accurate data and complete study documentation according to the protocol.
  • Collaborate with the study coordinator in planning, implementing, data quality assurance  process, data analysis and reporting of study activities.
  • Participate in community engagement.
  • Ensure adequate and proper use of resources.
  • Identify knowledge and skill gaps and plan effectively for training.
  • Maintain an amicable working relationship and clear communications with government  officials, participants, and local community residents.
  • Perform any other relevant duties that may be assigned by field lead.

Job Requirements 

  • Bachelors degree in clinical medicine (e.g. MBBS) or nursing plus a master’s degree in  a related field.
  • Minimum of 2 years of research experience.
  • Demonstrated experience with data collection, quality assurance process and  quantitative data analysis.
  • Demonstrated experience with digital data collection.

Other Competencies: 

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and confidentiality.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with  multidisciplinary teams.
  1. Research Assistant [Qualitative] – 3 Positions 

Department : Learning Centre Research Unit

Responsible to : Study Coordinator

Type of contract : 2 year-fixed Contract

Location : Rumphi or Nkhotakota

Role Overview  

The Qualitative Research Assistant (QRA) will be responsible for data collection and  transcription of qualitative data in line with the study protocols and support implementation  of study activities. This role will ensure integrity of all data collected, support data  management and analysis, support implementation and reporting of study activities. The QRA  will work collaboratively with the study coordinator, national and district government  officials, partners, facilities and communities to ensure effective implementation of study  activities.

Key Responsibilities 

  • Keep the study a priority and always informed.
  • Obtain informed consent and enroll participants into the study.
  • Collect accurate data and complete study documentation according to the protocol • Conduct data transcription and management.
  • Support qualitative data analysis.
  • Collaborate with the Study Coordinators in planning, implementing, data cleaning, and  reporting field activities.
  • Participate in community engagement.
  • Ensure adequate and proper use of resources.
  • Identify knowledge and skill gaps and plan effectively for training.
  • Maintain an amicable working relationship and clear communications with government  officials, participants, and local community residents.
  • Perform any other relevant duties that may be assigned by field lead.

Job Requirements 

  • Master’s degree in social science or related field.
  • Minimum of 2-3 years of qualitative research experience.
  • Demonstrated experience with data collection, data quality assurance, transcription,  and qualitative analysis.

Other Competencies: 

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and confidentiality.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with  multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
  1. Monitoring, Evaluation, Action and Learning Officer (MEAL) 

Department : Learning Centre Research Unit

Responsible to : Principal Investigator

Type of contract : 2 year-fixed contract

Location : Lilongwe

Role Overview  

The MEAL Officer will be responsible for the management, quality assurance, and reporting  of all study data. This role will support effective monitoring and evaluation of study activities,  strengthen health information systems, ensure data integrity, and support knowledge  management and learning. The MEAL Officer will work collaboratively with the PI, Co-PI for  research pillars, project administrator, study coordinators, national and district government  officials, partners, facilities and community members to ensure effective and timely  implementation of study activities.

Key Responsibilities 

  • The M&E Officer is responsible for systematic and continuous assessment of the  progress and direction of all activities throughout the programme period • Develop an appropriate data management system in liaison with the Principal  Investigators and Data Manager
  • Work with the PIs, implementation and evaluation teams to ensure implementation  in line with study protocol and required adjustments in implementation through  data review
  • Provide M&E leadership for pilot service integration implementation and evaluation,  ensuring that activities are implemented according to schedule.
  • Provide support to the DPPD and CMED to conduct integrated M&E supportive  supervision.
  • Develop and cost a service integration M&E Plan that specifies the overall approach  to M&E activities and the monitoring and evaluation activities to be conducted. • Design a process monitoring system with full inclusion and participation of  community members, and relevant field staff at the district and community level.  Approaches may include community scorecards, the ten seeds technique, and Most  Significant Change Assessment techniques.
  • Participate in design of periodic on-demand thematic evaluations and highly focused  research analyses that may include service integration ecosystem issues,  social/institutional audits, and effectiveness of service integration strategies  (baseline, periodic and endline).
  • Prepare monthly, quarterly, annual, and other reports as required and oversee the  dissemination of reports to the relevant stakeholders
  • Train programme staff in setting appropriate indicators, strategies for collecting,  analysing data and the maintenance of spreadsheet databases with regular data  input
  • Liaise with HMIS Officers and Data Officer and Clerks at service delivery units.

Job Requirements 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Statistics or Economics or related fields.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation, data  management, or knowledge management in health programs or research  institutions.
  • Demonstrated experience with health information systems, data collection and  analysis, and quality assurance.
  • Demonstrated experience with establishing data base for research.
  • Familiarity with health sector data reporting standards and M&E frameworks,  particularly within academic or clinical environments.

Technical Skills: 

  • Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, R) and data visualization  tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
  • Strong knowledge of IMS platforms, electronic health records (EHR), and related  health data management systems.
  • Excellent command of MS Office, particularly Excel, for data management and  reporting.
  • Strong understanding of qualitative and quantitative M&E methodologies and  frameworks.

Other Competencies: 

  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and confidentiality.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with  multidisciplinary teams.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  1. Study Coordinator – 2 Positions 

Department : Learning Centre Research Unit

Responsible to : Co- Principal Investigator

Type of contract : 2 year-fixed Contract

Location : Rumphi or Nkhotakota

Role Overview 

The study coordinator will oversee the implementation of all study activities in all research  pillars i.e. clinical, qualitative, and economics. This role will supervise data collection, conduct  data quality assurance, and lead in data analysis and reporting in line with the study protocols.

The study coordinator will work collaboratively with the Co-PI for research pillars, project  administrator, national and district government officials, partners, facilities, and community  members to ensure effective and timely implementation of study activities.

Key Responsibilities 

  • Coordinating and leading project activities in their research pillar to ensure that  project targets are met on time and within the budget
  • Working closely with the MOH to ensure that evaluation activities align and  support the implementation of the goals and objectives of the service integration  pilot.
  • Supporting implementation of the pilot service integration – such as QI,  mentorship, review of pathways
  • Acting as the central point of contact on administrative and support issues for  activities related to the research pillar.
  • Identifying, developing, and maintaining stakeholder relationships. • Clarifying program tasks and resource requirements.
  • Planning and scheduling of project activities
  • Coordinating in-service training, supportive supervision, and mentorship  activities.
  • Coordinating development of service standards, SOPs, work instructions, and  guidelines.
  • Providing periodic study reports.

Job Requirements 

  • MSC in public health, epidemiology, social science, health economics or related  courses. A clinical background will be an added advantage.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of project coordination and research experience. • Demonstrated experience in implementing mixed methods studies.
  • Demonstrated experience in data collection, quality assurance processes and  analysis.

Technical Skills: 

  • Excellent communication and report writing skills.
  • Excellent command of MS Office, particularly Excel, for data management and  reporting.
  • Proficiency in qualitative or quantitative data analysis packages

Other Competencies: 

  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and confidentiality.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with  multidisciplinary teams.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple activities simultaneously.
  1. Driver – 2 Positions 

Department : Learning Centre Research Unit

Responsible to : Study Coordinator

Type of contract : 2 year-fixed Contract

Location : Rumphi or Nkhotakota

Role Overview 

Responsible for transporting study staff, equipment, and supplies in the implementation of  study activities in Rumphi and Nkhotakota districts ensuring the project vehicle is well maintained, clean, and in good condition.

Key Responsibilities 

  • Responsible for the safe driving of the project staff, equipment, and supplies to  and from specified locations where the team is implementing project activities on  time.
  • Ensure the safety of passengers, other road users, and the assigned vehicle. • Follow all applicable vehicle use and traffic laws including speed and passenger  limit regulations.
  • Keeping the project vehicle clean and properly maintained by performing regular  washing, cleaning, and vehicle maintenance.
  • Keep accurate records of all trips in the vehicle logbooks and submit a month-end  summary of vehicle usage to the supervisor.
  • Develop and follow the approved maintenance schedule for project vehicle(s). • Regularly checking vehicle safety such as tyres, brakes, turn signals, mechanical  equipment, etc.
  • Monitoring and reporting fuel consumption, mileage, and vehicle performance. • Report any accidents, faults, incidents or injuries involving the vehicle or its  passengers to the supervisor immediately.
  • Assisting in loading and unloading project items and assisting in technical work in  the field.
  • Track vehicle registration and ensure that vehicles have all the necessary  equipment and tools

Job Requirements 

Education: 

  • Minimum of a Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE)
  • Clean and valid driving license (Class C)

Experience: 

  • Minimum of 3 years driving experience

Other Competencies: 

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently
  • Defensive driving skills

Application Procedure 

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should send their applications  including a cover letter, copies of relevant certificates and CV with names, emails, and  contact of professional referees to: 

The Registrar 

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences,

Mahatma Gandhi Road Campus,

P/Bag 360,

Chichiri,

Blantyre 3.

Or email to: [email protected]

Indicate position applied for on the envelope for hard copy applications and indicate the  same in the subject line of your email for electronic submissions. Applications should reach  the Registrar not later than 21st January 2025. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Reference check shall be conducted to  successful candidates.

Download the advert from the link below:

LCQM ADVERTS December 2025 -01-08SK_WM_KM_2025-01-08 (3) (1)

To apply for this job please visit www.kuhes.ac.mw.

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