Research Fellow

Context and Role
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3.8 aims to deliver universal health care which includes access to quality essential health care services for all. In order to achieve universal health care, health systems need to have robust primary health care (PHC) systems. The 1978 Alma Ata Declaration, which was re-affirmed at Astana in 2018, emphasised that PHC provides the base upon which strong health systems are built. Consequently strengthening PHC is an essential mechanism to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Despite this PHC performance worldwide is lagging and and there is little high-quality evidence available on how to identify, test, and disseminate effective strategies to strengthen PHC systems.

In late 2019, seven international research organizations have come together to form a Primary Health Care Research Consortium (PHCRC). The consortium is funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) with its secretariat at the India office of The George Institute. As part of the initial work, the consortium supports the conduct of a research study on primary health care team integration and comprehensive primary health care. This study is being implemented in India, Uganda and Brazil. The George Institute is seeking to recruit a research fellow to work closely with the Director and support the implementation of the project in India.The successful candidate will be part of the India Better Care program with strong links into all PHC related research at the Institute

Roles and Responsibilities

•Lead the design and implementation of the research project to be completed by end 2021. Ensure that the scope and direction of   the project is on schedule 
•Lead the development of study related documents, reports, newsletters, and presentations, and communicate regular updates of    the study to the steering committee and all  (internal and external) involved with the study
•Access, review and collate available National and State/regional policies to understand the policy context specifically in relation to    PHC organisation and service delivery through PHC
•Plan and lead a cross-sectional survey of PHC facilities to understand the comprehensiveness of the services delivered to the  community
•Conduct semi-structured interviews of stakeholders and support the analysis and reporting of the results
•Assist in identifying and applying for funding opportunities
•Contribute to the preparation of journal publications, media reports and other public affairs outputs
•Work with internal communications teams to disseminate awareness of and engagement with the PHC Research Consortium
•Assist the Program Head in preparing reports on progress of the study

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

•Background expertise in health policy and/or systems research, with a relevant degree
•Masters plus 3 years of previous research experience with at least 2 research publications

•Strong focus on quality and timely delivery of work

•Able to lead and contribute to the development of peer-reviewed publications
•Experience working in multidisciplinary teams
•Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well flexibly, i.e. both independently and with a variety of teams
•Identify and undertake professional development opportunities to increase personal capacity in health systems science
•Competency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.
•Competency in the use of statistical and qualitative software packages desirable; ability to liaise with biostatisticians, health economists, and qualitative researchers
•Strong desire to expand personal knowledge and capacity in the area of health systems research.
•Understanding of confidentiality and privacy laws and guidelines relevant to medical and public health research.

How to apply

Interested candidates should send their resume with full contact details, clearly mentioning the job title ‘Research Fellow, Primary Health Care Research Consortium’ in the subject line to hrindia@georgeinstitute.org.in by the 17 August 2020.

Our big and bold mission to improve the health of millions of people worldwide needs a diverse and innovative team to deliver it.  So we foster a dynamic, inclusive and flexible workplace where each individual can bring their best selves to work.
 
Everyone is encouraged to apply, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with a disability, people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, and mature-aged adults.