Organization Overview

Afya na Haki (Ahaki) is implementing the Science Collaboratives for Pandemics, Epidemics, and Endemic Diseases programme in Africa, with a focus on:

• Pandemic preparedness

• Developmental recovery from COVID-19

• Health system strengthening through the SHARPER programme

Job Title: Senior Research Officer

Grade: Not specified
Organization: Afya na Haki
Location: Plot 6105 Valley Road, Canaan Sites, Nakwero
Reports To: Head of Research
Position Type: Full-Time
Probationary Period:

• 6 months for 2-year contracts

• 3 months for 1-year contracts

Role Purpose

The SRO leads the design and delivery of Ahaki’s research and policy agenda, translating evidence into formats that support advocacy, engagement, and policy. The role supports institutional development through:

• Strategic research leadership

• Knowledge production

• Policy influence

• Partnership building

• Mentorship

• Monitoring and learning

Key Responsibilities

1. Research Design & Leadership

   • Lead research project design aligned with thematic priorities

   • Ensure methodological rigor using participatory, feminist, and decolonial approaches

   • Coordinate multi-country/stakeholder projects

2. Knowledge Production & Translation

   • Produce policy briefs, reports, academic articles

   • Disseminate research for public and policy impact

   • Simplify findings into advocacy messages and multimedia

3. Policy Influence & Thought Leadership

   • Identify policy issues and advocacy opportunities

   • Support dialogues, roundtables, and coalition engagements

   • Represent Ahaki in external policy platforms

4. Partnerships, Collaboration & Fundraising

   • Build partnerships with academia, CSOs, and regional bodies

   • Contribute to proposals and grants

   • Support donor reporting and engagements

5. Capacity Strengthening & Mentorship

   • Mentor junior staff and interns

   • Lead internal learning initiatives

   • Develop research protocols and ethical standards

6. Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

   • Integrate research into program MEL frameworks

   • Document and share lessons learned

Person Specification

Core Competencies & Experience

• Strategic & Technical Expertise

  • Experience in M&E strategy design and adaptive systems

  • Integration of academic and developmental metrics

  • Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative methods

• Qualifications

  • Master’s in Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, or related field

  • PhD preferred or in progress

  • Additional certifications in research/M&E/policy analysis are an asset

• Professional Experience

  • 6–8 years of senior experience in applied research

  • Experience in interdisciplinary research for civic/policy impact

• Technical Competencies

  • Advanced qualitative/quantitative research skills

  • Experience in mixed-methods, feminist, and decolonial methodologies

  • Proven track record in publishing or high-quality research production

• Policy & Advocacy

  • Translating research into policy/advocacy outputs

  • Knowledge of regional/national health, gender, governance policies

• Communication & Influence

  • Strong writing, synthesis, and presentation skills

  • Public speaking and media engagement experience

• Teamwork & Institutional Engagement

  • Leadership, mentoring, cross-functional teamwork

  • Values of equity, integrity, and participation

• Language

  • Full professional fluency in English

  • Kiswahili or local language proficiency is a plus