General Summary

The Infectious Diseases Institute

Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) is an independently governed institute within the College of Health Sciences at Makerere University and has the mission “To strengthen health systems in Africa, with a strong emphasis on infectious diseases, through research and capacity development.” IDI has operations across Uganda as well as in a number of other African countries and has a staffing of over 1,000 managing multiple projects in research, clinical services, public health and training.

Applications are invited for a Masters Scholar as part of the Cascading Climate and Health Risks in African Cities (CASCADE) Program. This position will be based at Infectious Diseases Institute to contribute to the overarching aim of CASCADE, namely to advance understanding of critical urban climate-health challenges through applying a complex system framing.

Description of the CASCADE project

The Cascading Climate and Health Risks in African Cities (CASCADE) project is part of the Developing Excellence in Leadership, Training, and Science in Africa (DELTAS Africa) programme. DELTAS is a long-term programme to support collaborative consortia led by Africa-based scientists to amplify Africa-led development of world-class research and scientific leaders on the continent, while strengthening African institutions. See more about the programme here: https://scienceforafrica.foundation/deltas-africa

The CASCADE consortium includes academic and non-academic organizations across Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe, the United States and Europe. The project aims to support deep transdisciplinary engagement that furthers collaboration and integration of science and decision-making in African cities. Organisations that are involved in CASCADE include the Climate System Analysis Group (CSAG), the University of Ghana, Chinhoyi University of Technology, the Infectious Diseases Institute-Makerere, the Global Change Institute (University of Witwatersrand), The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre and START International to work towards CASCADE aims.

CASCADE will support 50 Early Career Researchers through a Scholars Research Programme, which will include mentorship by senior researchers, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, leadership training and opportunities to attend conferences. ECRs will be expected to undertake research that contributes to the overarching CASCADE research objectives, which cover broad areas of: i) complex and cascading urban-climate-health risks; ii) urban health interventions and communications; and iii) climate-health governance. Importantly, CASCADE aims contribute knowledge that is led by and relevant to southern African cities.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities

• The successful candidates will work in collaboration with researchers within the organization and across the consortium, contributing toward the project objectives.
• The students will undertake an isolated piece of research work for a period of 2 years, which will contribute to the overall CASCADE objectives.
• The students will be expected to undertake research that contributes to the overarching CASCADE research objectives, which cover broad areas of: i) complex and cascading urban-climate-health risks; ii) urban health interventions and communications; and iii) climate-health governance
• The students will be supported in producing high level research in line with the CASCADE objectives.
• The objective and methodological design of this work will be collaboratively decided by senior mentors at CASCADE institutions and MSc students

Person Specification

Requirements of the award/Successful candidates

• Must be admitted for a Masters pursuing Masters in Makerere University
• Will be expected to undertake research that contributes to the overarching CASCADE research objectives, which cover broad areas of: i) complex and cascading urban-climate-health risks; ii) urban health interventions and communications; and iii) climate-health governance
• The position will be based in Kampala and must be willing to travel across Africa.
• Work effectively in a diverse team environment.
• Excellent English language skills (written and spoken).
• Interest in working with other students [potentially supervising]

This will cover

• Monthly stipend
• Support for conducting research activities

Key Deliverables at the end of the engagement

• Submission of the Master thesis
• Submission of a manuscript
• Participation and presentation in international conferences

How to apply

· The application should comprise:

1) A letter of motivation

2) A concept note (maximum of 2-pages) of the proposed research to undertake

3) CV (max 2 pages) including publications if available

4) A letter of reference

5) Copies of their academic transcripts

CLINICAL OFFICER (1)

To provide medical care, treatment and prevention to clients and their care takers (most especially HIV/AIDS clients), and contribute to continuous professional development in line with Good clinical practices

HR GRADUATE TRAINEE (2)

The HR Graduate Trainee will support the HR department in various functions, gaining practical experience and skills essential for a career in Human Resources. This role involves assisting with recruitment, employee relations, performance management, training, and HR administration

CLUSTER LAB OFFICER (2)

The laboratory field officer will work closely with development partners ,Ministry of Health,District,and facility teams to strengthen lab systems and build capacity of supported laboratories to provide high quality services in line with national guidelines