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Job Title:   Social Science Research Assistant (Nutrition)   

Organisation: Medical Research Council (MRC UK) /UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit

Duty Station: Entebbe, Uganda

Position Code: SSRA – 0125

Reports to: Scientist B

About the Company:

The Medical Research Council (MRC UK) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence with dominant research themes in the areas of HIV and emerging infections, vaccines and immunity, and chronic diseases and cancer. Through a multidisciplinary approach, intersecting basic science, epidemiological research, social-behavioural research and the conduct of new intervention evaluation studies, the Unit contributes knowledge on changing epidemics and diseases, the evaluation of innovative health care options, treatment and prevention and the development of health policy and practice in Africa and worldwide. Following the signing of strategic transfer agreements between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Medical Research Council (MRC UK), the Unit formally joined LSHTM on 1st February 2018. The exciting new partnership will boost research capacity into current and emerging health issues in Africa and throughout the world. The Unit is based at the UVRI Entebbe campus with established outposts in Kalungu, Masaka, Wakiso and Kampala Districts.

Job Summary:   Supporting FaCe-D study team to collect data and to develop IEC materials on nutrition (diet) and for physical activity, translating them into appropriate languages and interpreting them for community health workers (VHTs) to use for educating the families participating in the study.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Principal duties.

• Ensure that participants for the study are mobilized and recruited into the study.
• Administer study information to participants and obtain informed consent
• Assist in development and translation of information, communication and Education (IEC) materials on nutrition (diet) and physical activity
• Assist in the preparation and distribution of IEC materials concerning diet and physical activity.
• Conduct nutritional screenings and assessments.
• Assist in the coordination of nutrition programs and seminars.
• Assist with administrative tasks including scheduling appointments and maintaining client records.
• Collect and support the cleaning of research data
• Prepare and maintain detailed records of research activities as assigned
• Assist in the preparation of research reports, presentations, and publications.
• Coordinate with team members and external partners to ensure project milestones are met.
• Perform administrative tasks related to research projects as needed.

Financial management.

• Ensure proper accountability of project resources in line with MRC/UVRI & LSHTM policies; and,
• Ensure study participants’ time / transport compensation payment.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Diploma in Human Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field.
• GDPR and HSP/GCP training
• At least 6 months’ experience in a clinical research or hospital setting, preferably including experience in nutritional education and behavioral science research
• Previous experience in nutritional counseling or health education role preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of nutritional science and diet planning.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and dietary analysis software.
• Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team with clinical/epidemiological researchers
• Prior interviewing experience
• Fluency in English, Luganda and Lusoga language
• Basic knowledge of data collection, handling and reporting.
• Proficiency in computer use (MS word, Excel, Access, SSP
• Self-driven
• Excellent social and communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Able to work independently as well as part of a team
• Independence/Ability to work under minimum supervision
• Ability to work well under pressure and to maintain effectiveness during changing conditions
• Highly motivated and team oriented, but also able to work independently
• Non-judgmental attitude
• Personal Integrity
• Reliability
• Results Orientation
• Thoroughness
• Ability to Learn
• Forward Thinking
• Openness to others

How to Apply
Follow the link below to fill a form and submit your application documentation:

 Click  Here

Filling the form more than once will lead to automatic disqualification. High level of integrity while filling the form is required and will be considered during shortlisting.

All candidates should combine all their application documentation i.e. cover letter, CV & certified copies of academic documents into one PDF document. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. This position is open to Ugandan nationals only. Strictly follow the application procedure

as failure to do so will lead to automatic disqualification. Only online applications through the link provided will be accepted. You will receive a notification in your email if your application and documentation have been successfully received.

 N.B:  You will be required to present certified copies of your academic documentation before employment.

The applications should be addressed to:

The Head of Human Resources,

MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, P.O. Box, 49, Entebbe, Uganda.

Consider your application unsuccessful if not contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of the advert. Any form of lobbying at any stage will lead to automatic disqualification. By submitting your personal information, you consent to the MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit holding and using it in accordance with its recruitment policy and procedure. The Unit reserves the right to verify documents attached with the relevant awarding institutions to authenticate their validity.

NB: MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit strives for inclusion and diversity and therefore considers all job applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, marital status, and disability. We highly encourage persons with disabilities to apply and compete for different job openings at the Unit. The Unit is an equal opportunity employer committed to having a diverse work force and does not ask for money at any stage of recruitment.

Deadline: 29th January 2025

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