Think Tank Research Fellow at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS)

HEALTH ECONOMICS AND POLICY UNIT (HEPU) 

The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) is a comprehensive health and allied  sciences higher learning institution established with the primary function of training health workers  and conduct health research. The Health Economics and Policy Unit (HEPU) is a unit under the  Department of Health Systems and Policy within the School of Global and Public Health  (SOGAPH) at KUHeS which was jointly established with Ministry of Health. With support from the  Health Services Joint Fund (HSJF), the Health Economics and Policy Unit (HEPU) has been  tasked with conducting health economics and policy analyses. The goal is to provide evidence for  policy initiatives that will improve the capacity to generate and use health economics evidence in  health sector decision-making. The HEPU aims to enhance the ability to make informed policy  decisions by applying economic principles to health issues. Through this initiative, the unit seeks  to strengthen the link between research evidence and policy formulation in the health sector. The  HEPU would therefore like to engage the following capacities to be part of their vibrant team of  researchers and policy analysts:

Think Tank Research Fellow 

Location: Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Lilongwe

Job Type: Full-time

Duration: Two years, renewable every year based on performance

Job Summary 

We are seeking a talented and proactive Research Fellow with a PhD in a relevant field to join  our dynamic team. The Research Fellow will coordinate the Health Sector Strategic Plan Three  (HSSP III) Think Tank and will report directly to the Director of the Think Tank. The fellow’s primary  role will be to coordinate demand and supply of relevant evidence for decision and policy making  across building blocks of the health sector strategic plan. The position will support the Director in  the day to day running of the Think Tank as a one-stop center for policy engagement, working  with all designated policy labs. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to  impactful research to policy activities therefore influencing policy and decision making in the  health sector.

Key Responsibilities: 

✓ Facilitating real-time acquisition of evidence in all areas relevant for HSSP III decision  making

✓ Reviewing and analyzing submitted policy briefs for presentation in think tank meetings ✓ Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders locally and internationally to  advance research agendas and policy recommendations.

✓ Be a go-between of researchers and policy makers

✓ Contributing to resource mobilization for the Think Tank.

✓ Liasing with the steering committee on agenda setting for the Think Tank ✓ Generating high quality think tank outputs, including policy papers, reports, articles for  publication, and presentations.

✓ Coordinating visibility of the Think Tank using both print and digital platforms including  social media

✓ Coordinating with Policy Labs to develop research proposals in response to policy  questions and needs from the Think Tank

✓ Provide mentorship and guidance to junior fellows within the Think Tank.

Required Qualifications and Skills: 

✓ PhD in a relevant field such as Political Science, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or a  related discipline.

✓ Strong research and policy analysis background.

✓ Expertise in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, data analysis, and policy  analysis.

✓ Experience in designing and leading research projects independently or as part of a  team.

✓ Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate  complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences.

✓ Ability to think critically, problem-solve, and generate innovative research insights. ✓ Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines  effectively.

✓ Strong interpersonal skills including ability to work with high level stakeholders ✓ Commitment to the mission and values of the think tank, including promoting evidence based policy solutions