Closing Date: 30 May 2023
Value: R442,667 – R745,000
About the Opportunity
An exceptional opportunity awaits a highly qualified Research Officer to join the Parenting for Lifelong Health (PLH) ParentText team in a ground-breaking research study aimed at optimizing and evaluating a parenting chatbot that helps reduce violence against children. The highly motivated and competent Research Officer will join our vibrant international team which is based within the Centre for Social Science Research at the University of Cape Town.
The main purpose of this role is supporting the co-ordination and implementation of the research study in Mpumalanga, including data collection, management, and analysis, as well as reporting. The appointed candidate will work with teams based at the University of Oxford and other organisations including Mothers2Mothers (m2m) in a linked set of studies as part of the Global Parenting Initiative (GPI). The GPI aims to meet the urgent need for scaled-up and sustained evidence-based interventions that promote playful parenting and learning through play and prevent sexual, physical, and emotional violence against children in the Global South. The postholder will be line managed by the study Research Manager.
About you
Essential Relevant Experience, Skills and Knowledge:
- A Master’s degree or higher postgraduate equivalent, in quantitative social science, public health, or related field
- 3 or more years’ experience working within project management, project co-ordination, monitoring and evaluation
- Experience working in project management at academic, research, or non-governmental institutions.
- Experience in conducting fieldwork within resource-constrained environments.
- Demonstrable proficiency in quantitative data analysis (e.g., using R programme)
- Demonstrable proficiency in qualitative data analysis (e.g., using thematic analysis, framework analysis, NVivo etc.)
- Knowledge of digital based behavior change interventions or implementation tools.
- Knowledge of evidence-based programming and practice.
- Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation within behavioural interventions and large-scale implementation.
- Excellent English communication skills, including the ability to write for publications, present research findings and results, and interact with the wider academic, stakeholder, and policy communities as evidenced by a publication track record in reputable journals or major presses, commensurate with the career stage.
- Excellent intercultural communication, presentation and writing skills in English.
Desirable skills:
- PhD in relevant Social Science discipline
- Experience in working in multiple settings on the African continent.
- Experience in being involved in the grant writing process
- Experience in study or data collection management
- Prior involvement in parenting research or work
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team, to multi-task, and to operate in a deadline driven environment.
- Excellent organisational, administration, and leadership skills
How to apply
Applications close 30 May 2023 SAST.
Read the job advert here, and the job description here.
For more information and to apply, please submit your application to amanda.swartz@uct.ac.za, subject line “Application for ParenText Research Officer” before 30 MAY 2023.
Only email applications will be accepted.
Please include the following documents in a single PDF:
- Your CV (3 pages maximum) including contact details of three professional references.
- A supporting statement or cover letter which must clearly give the reference number for the post and demonstrate how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience, which may include evidence of experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependents). Your application will be judged solely based on how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated above.
- HR201 form Only shortlisted candidates who respond with the correct reference number will be contacted and may be required to undergo a competency test. Should you not receive a response within 30 days of the application closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
An application that does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
