Research and Evidence Specialist

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE The Research and Evidence Specialist plays a critical role in strengthening the evidence base for the PEP project by leading research activities across the PEP Partner Institutions. The Specialist will coordinate research and project activities across three public university partners, ensuring harmonized implementation, high-quality data collection, and utilization of findings to improve training outcomes. The role also supports building institutional capacity in education research, implementation science, and data-driven decision-making. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Planning and coordination • Participate in the development and implementation of PEP project workplans with a focus on research, monitoring, and evaluation activities • Coordinate project implementation across the three partner public universities to ensure alignment with project goals and timelines • Facilitate collaboration and communication between AMIU and partner institutions on research and evidence generation activities • Support integration of research findings into project design and continuous improvement processes • Liaise with regulatory bodies, academic institutions, and stakeholders to support evidence informed training approaches 2. Technical Support • Coordinate the development and implementation of research protocals in collaboration with the project partners • Contribute to grant writing and implementation or research activities • Build capacity of faculty, graduate students and project staff in research methods, data analysis, and evidence use • Support partner institutions in establishing and strengthening research systems and structures • Provide technical guidance on education research, evaluation frameworks, and data utilization • Promote use of digital tools and platforms for data collection, analysis, and dissemination • Support integration of research into innovative training approaches such as eLearning, simulation, and blended learning. • Support documentation and submission of proposal/grants • Coordinate the implementation of field research activities • Develop budget for research activities • Undertake any other assignments, which may be assigned from time to time by the director 3. Community and Stakeholder Engagement • Engage stakeholders to promote evidence-based decision-making in health professions education • Build and maintain partnerships with universities, research institutions, and development partners • Advocate for adoption of research-informed and innovative training approaches • Support stakeholder sensitization and knowledge-sharing forums REPORTING The Innovative training specialist will report to the Deputy-Vice Chancellor Research Innovations and Community Extension EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES Education and Experience Candidates with the following educational qualifications from recognised universities are eligible to apply • Master degree in public health with a bias to biostatistics, or epidemiology, statistics • Bachelor’s degree in health sciences, biostatistics/statistics, public health, mathematics, statistics or equivalent • Experience in research work or research from a similar organization • Experience in educational research is an added advantage • Publication of at least two articles in peer reviewed journals Experience • 2 years working in a busy research setting Skills Required: • Excellent communication skills, including written and presentation skills in English and Kiswahili • Proficiency in data analysis using at least two of these software’s; R, and Stata and EPI Info and including MS Office (Word, PowerPoint and Advanced Excel) skills. • Budgeting skills • Ability to complete multiple tasks under pressure and work in a multi-cultural team environment. • Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills • Ability to work independently • Excellent ICT skills Attributes • Strong interpersonal skills • High attention to detail and accuracy • Ability to prioritise own workload and work with minimal supervision • Ability to lead complex proposal development teams • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams • Quick learner willing to go the extra mile to achieve deadlines • Able to work independently as well as part of a team • Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work in a fast-paced environment. • Analytical skills Your application should include a cover letter detailing why you are the best fit for this position and your CV with relevant skills and experience. The closing date will be 11th November 2026 . All Amref International University open vacancies are published on our website under the Vacancies page and on our official social media pages. Kindly note that official emails from AmIU will arrive from an @amref.ac.ke or @amref.org address. Amref International University is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Amref International University is dedicated to diversity and is an equal-opportunity employer with a non-smoking environment policy. Amref International University focuses on training, research and extension in health sciences, emphasizing promotive, preventive, rehabilitative and palliative health. AmIU is founded on the experience and intellect of Amref Health Africa, which is reputed for its over 60 years of quality and innovative public and community health interventions, training, and education. It is committed to progressively developing innovative programmes catering to the present and future African and global health needs. The University offers postgraduate, undergraduate, higher diploma, diploma· and certificate programmes and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses that prepare human resources for health to serve throughout the health system. AmIU will become the Pan African University in Primary Health care and seeks to train transformational leaders who will Inspire Lasting Change. For more on Amref International University, please visit