Research Specialist, Community Health Sciences

Introduction     

Aga Khan University chartered in 1983 as Pakistan's first private international university, is committed to the provision of education, research, and health care of international standards relevant to Pakistan and the region. The affiliated Aga Khan University Hospital provides state-of-the-art clinical facilities and well-equipped diagnostic services. The University currently has teaching sites in Pakistan, East Africa, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan, and is a major component of Aga Khan Development Network.

As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.

The Department of Community Health Sciences (CHS) is the leading unit of its type in Pakistan, recognized regionally and internationally for the relevance, quality, and extent of its work in support of public health and the development of primary health care systems. It comprises of five major operational sections: Epidemiology & biostatistics, Health policy & management, Population & reproductive health, Environmental health & climate change, and non-communicable diseases & mental health.

This is a grant-funded contractual position.

Responsibilities           

You will be responsible to:
conduct outreach activities to engage community members, especially women, in the project

• build strong relationships with community leaders, women’s groups, and other local organizations
• facilitate community meetings, focus groups, and discussions to gather feedback and address concerns
• assist in the implementation of community platform component of the EPHS interventions in district TAY
• raise awareness about the project’s health services and initiatives, with a focus on maternal and child health, nutrition, and preventive care
• develop and deliver culturally appropriate educational materials and sessions to inform the community about the importance of health services based on the EPHS
• empower women to take an active role in their health and the health of their families
• provide guidance and support to community members in accessing health services and participating in project activities
• assist in identifying barriers to participation and work to develop solutions to overcome these challenges
• encourage and support the formation of community-based support groups, particularly for women
• assist in the collection of data related to community participation, feedback, and health outcomes
• maintain accurate records of community activities, including attendance, feedback, and outcomes
• report on community engagement activities to the Project Coordinator and Project Manager
• work closely with other project team members to coordinate community activities with overall project goals
• liaise with local health workers, NGOs, and other stakeholders to enhance community mobilization efforts
• participate in training sessions and workshops to enhance skills and knowledge related to community mobilization and health promotion.

Requirements             

You should have:

• a minimum of master’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Nursing or Community Development from an HEC recognized or reputable foreign university
• experience in community mobilization, particularly in health or development projects
• strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with women and marginalized groups
• an understanding of the local cultural context and the challenges faced by women in the community
• ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.