Project Assistant
Department: Brain and Mind Institute
Entity: Aga Khan University
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: One year (renewable)
Introduction
Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent primarily to low- and middle-income countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and 14,000 staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As a leading international institution dedicated to excellence and change, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access.
The Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) is a trans-AKU entity that seeks to build capacity in the domains of mental health and neuroscience. In collaboration with partners, the Institute is advancing research leadership capacity and support service delivery across East Africa and South Asia, and other regions served by the AKU. The Institute supports a hub for scholarship exchange and action on mental health issues, as well as educational, clinical, and community-based programs. BMI’s research focuses on the context of today’s youth in Africa and South Asia, while our programmatic offerings address mental health related and brain health issues, including stigma and resiliency. A significant area of interest is the implementation of science-based programing in hospital and community settings that translate new discoveries into prevention and treatment programs.
Job Summary
The Project Assistant position plays a crucial role in participant management and administrative support, ensuring the smooth operation of the BMI’s research projects. They work closely with Project Manager(s), Principal Investigator(s), and research teams to maintain high standards of research quality and participant care. Their responsibilities include coordinating participant schedules, managing study documentation, maintaining accurate records, and assisting in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and efficient execution of research protocols.
Responsibilities
- Assist in setting up and organizing study site(s) for participant visits and maintaining accurate and up-to-date participant records.
- Coordinate and schedule participant visits, follow-ups, and interviews, as well as support reimbursements to study participants.
- Support in managing and organizing study-related files, coordinate the distribution of study materials and supplies, and support in ensuring the proper functioning and maintenance of study equipment.
- Foster effective communication and collaboration within the research team and participate in regular team meetings, contributing to discussions on study progress and challenges.
- Scheduling meetings, support in agenda preparation and taking minutes.
- Liaise with external partners and stakeholders, as needed.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s level training in a related field (i.e., health sciences, social sciences, public health, administration)
- Minimum 1 year experience in a research or clinical setting in a similar role.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy and integrity.
- Familiarity with ethical guidelines and regulations related to human subjects’ research is an added advantage
