Research Students Volunteers

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Role Description

We seek Research Students Volunteers to conduct a range of research supporting AHO's mission. Inequalities are widespread and complex to handle. We are establishing a research institute to confront these.

Research Areas and how they can enhance health and social care in Africa & the Diaspora.

1. Arts and Humanities
2. Biotechnology and Biological Sciences
3. Engineering and Physical Sciences
4. Economic and Social Sciences
5. Medical and Medical Sciences
6. Built and Natural Environment
7. Science and Technology
8. Innovation and Artificial Intelligence

"Science" is the pursuit of knowledge about the natural world through observation and experimentation, "Technology" is the application of scientific knowledge to create practical tools and solutions, "Innovation" refers to the introduction of new ideas or methods to improve existing systems, and "Artificial Intelligence" is a specific field of technology focused on developing systems that can mimic human intelligence, like learning and decision-making, using data and algorithms

What will you be doing?Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Research on Arts and Humanities, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences, Engineering and Physical Sciences, Economic and Social Sciences, Medicine and Medical Sciences, Built and Natural Environment, Science and Technology and Innovation and Artificial Intelligence using existing secondary data sets or primary research;
• Organising, designing and carrying out research fieldwork, often with marginalised or vulnerable people, in different locations and contexts across Africa and the world;
• Conduct quantitative or qualitative data analysis through interviews, focus groups, workshops or other methods such as surveys using online forms such as Google Online Forms or Survey Monkey.
• Carrying out desktop research using various methods and data sources related to determinants of health, socioeconomic, health inequality and social innovation practice globally.
• Producing high-quality and varied research outputs for a range of audiences, including analysis, report writing and presentations where necessary;
• Publish your research output in reputable journals across Africa and the world;
• Liaise between your research institute and Africa Health Organisation (AHO) to ensure collaboration and authenticity;
• Ensure you obtain permission from and follow research ethics procedures from AHO and your institution and comply with research ethics in your country before carrying out research;
• Ensure your work is participatory, including working with peer researchers and valuing the importance of communicating with different audiences.
• Taking responsibility for data, project management and administration related to delivering work.
• Delivery of particular work strands relating to your research. This will include taking personal responsibility for key elements of work and supporting others in the team.
• Any other duties as required by the line manager in line with the role.

What are we looking for?

Person specification

Qualifications - Prior experience - essential

• Master's degree in medicine, public health, medical sciences, global health, criminology, sociology, psychology, engineering, biotechnology, biological sciences, mathematics, biostatistics, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, built and natural environment, science and technology, environmental science, innovation and artificial intelligence, sciences, arts and humanities, etc
• Studying or post-doctoral degree (PhD) or equivalent in medicine, public health, medical sciences, global health, criminology, sociology, psychology, engineering, biotechnology, biological sciences, mathematics, biostatistics, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, built and natural environment, science and technology, environmental science, innovation and artificial intelligence, sciences, arts and humanities, etc would be preferred;
• At least two (2) years of experience conducting research at a university, think tank, charity or consultancy. Master's students don't need to meet this requirement.
• Experience in designing quantitative research tools.
• Experience in quantitative and statistical data analysis, including large existing data sets, using Excel and/or SPSS.
• Experience in designing qualitative research tools.
• Experience in conducting and organising qualitative fieldwork.
• Experience in conducting qualitative analysis using Excel, Word and/or NVivo.
• Experience in having conducted robust desktop research and knowledge of various methodologies for doing this.
• Evidence of ability to grasp complex concepts and debates quickly and to engage with these effectively through research.
• Ability to communicate effectively - in writing in person - about research findings to various audiences.
• Evidence of having delivered or contributed to the delivery of high-quality research outputs.

Prior experience - desirable

• Able to lead work packages and deliver work in different areas on time;
• Experience of having designed and conducted participatory research;
• Experience in research with people from a range of backgrounds, including from vulnerable or disadvantaged backgrounds such as disabled, homeless and minority ethnic communities;
• Experience or understanding of ethnographic methods;
• Published medical and social research outputs;

Funding and Finance

The role will involve seeking and securing funding and finance for the specific goals, objectives, targets, and outcomes. You will work with AHO President, the Board and senior management to research and identify public, private, philanthropic, individual giving and legacy funding and finance. Each volunteer will have the opportunity to choose their goal and set a fundraising target to achieve. If the volunteer successfully meets their goal, they will be offered a fully paid job to head the delivery of their chosen goal supported by a qualified senior manager.

This role is open to anyone studying for a Master's, PhD or equivalent worldwide at an approved research institute, think tank, charity, NGO, or university.

Languages requirements

The ability to speak one of Africa's widely spoken languages would be an added advantage e.g. Afrikaans, Amharic, Arabic, Bemba, Berber, Chewa, Chinese, Dinka, English, French, Fula, Fulani, German, Greek, Hausa, Hindi, Igbo, Italian, Japanese, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Kongo, Korean, Lingala, Malagasy, Mandinka, Nambia, Ndebele, Nyanja, Oromo, Portuguese, Russian, Sango, Sesotho, Shona, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Swati, Thai, Tigrinya, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Vietnamese, Xhosa, Yoruba, Zulu, etc. You are still welcome to apply if you don't speak any of the above languages.

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Grants and Bids Traineeships, Internships & Apprenticeships

Traineeships are not the same as Apprenticeships and Internships. Apprenticeships last longer. Due to government funding stoppage, we are currently suspending paid apprenticeships. However, if you are interested in unpaid Internships, you can apply via the VolunteerMatch website and search for AHO Internships.

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We do not promise a job offer to volunteers, trainees, interns, or apprentices; however, those who perform above par, winning grants and tenders during their time with us, may be offered a job if their grant or tender creates one. We also sponsor successful trainees to come and live and work in the UK.

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How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a Cover letter via Idealist explaining your motivation.

VOLUNTEERING IS NOT A PAID JOB.

ALL our Volunteer Opportunities are not paid or salaried. Do not apply if you want a paid job or plan to negotiate a pay deal with us. Volunteering allows people to give their time for free to society while gaining the experience they need when applying for future paid jobs.