Research Coordinator, Community Health Sciences

Introduction

Aga Khan University's (AKU) Department of Community Health Sciences (CHS) is a preeminent public health institution in the country. The vision of the Chancellor set the direction for the University to take a lead in community development and the creation of an innovative curriculum that emphasizes a balance between patient care and population health. Over the past several decades, CHS has played a major role in leading the development of national level primary health care, public health practice, health systems through evidence-based approach. CHS has established successful models in urban and rural settings in Pakistan emphasizing empowerment - building on the strengths of communities. As part of an international university, CHS collaborates in a global network of outstanding research and teaching institutions including AKU affiliates in East Africa and Central Asia.

CHS has five major sections – Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Health Policy & Management, Population & Reproductive Health, Environmental-Occupational and Climate Change (EOHCC), and Non-Communicable Diseases & Mental Health.

As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.

Job Roles / Responsibilities:

You will be responsible to:

• conduct community meetings, focus group discussions, and awareness sessions to mobilize local populations for
  project participation
• identify community needs, challenges, and feedback, and report to the supervisor for program improvement
• ensure all field activities are carried out in line with project guidelines and ethical standards
• facilitate linkages between the community and project teams for smooth implementation
• collect field data, maintain attendance, and prepare daily/weekly activity reports
• support beneficiary identification, registration, and follow-up activities
• support monitoring and evaluation teams in conducting surveys and data verification
• promote gender-sensitive and inclusive community engagement practices
• ensure timely communication of project updates and messages to the community
• collaborate with local leaders, health workers, schools, and other partners to promote project goals.

Requirements             

You should have:

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Education, Public Health, or a related field
• minimum 2 years of experience in community mobilization, social work, or public health programs
• experience working with NGOs, government departments, or donor-funded projects is preferred
• familiarity with local language(s) and culture of the target area
• willingness to travel frequently within project sites
• excellent communication and community engagement skills
• good record-keeping and reporting skills

• cultural sensitivity and ability to build trust within communities

   

• comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.