THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Post Title: Research Director
Background
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Drug Control Commission (DCC) in collaboration
with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Muhimbiili National Hospital, Mwananyamala
Municipal Hospital and Temeke Municipal Hospital is implementing a program aim
ed at increasing coverage of people who use drugs (PWUDs) into medically assisted treatment (MAT)
of opioid dependence with an ultimate goal of minimizing HIV infection among PWUDs. The
program intends to achieve this goal through execution of innovative Key Population Implementation
Science (KPIS) on Optimized Methadone Delivery with Take away Doses of Methadone. The initiative
will be implemented with the financial support from the USA Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS
Relief (PEPFAR) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with technical assistance
from a USA based PANGAEA Global AIDS Foundation.
The Ministry now invites applicants who are qualified, self motivated, dynamic, results oriented
performer and committed individuals to fill the position of a Research Director. The incumbent will
be part of the key population implementation science team of investigators.
Duration: 12 months renewable to a maximum of three years.
Duty Station: Dar es Salaam
Report to: Principal Investigator.
Purpose and Scope of Position:
The Research Director will be responsible for overseeing and managing day-to-day implementation of
the program as per the research protocol. He/She will provide leadership as well as monitoring and
supervision to research staff. He/She will perform his/her functions with the guidance of an
Implementation Science Technical Advisor.
Overview of Functions:
1. Oversee day-to-day implementation of the research as per the approved protocol.
2. Work in close collaboration with the technical advisor to achieve the research goals.
3. Follow up on study ethical clearance approval and renewal to the appropriate authorities.
4. Provide leadership, supervision and coordination of support services to research staff.
5. Participate in development and implementation of data collection instruments.
6. Ensure data collection and management activities achieve research objectives.
7. Coordinate, manage and strengthen information systems and quality control procedures for data
collected through the research.

8. Participate in the analysis of data for the development of and write reports, manuscripts, abstracts,
presentations and other dissemination events.
9. Liaise with MAT site Data Entry Personnel/ M&E coordinators to facilitate smooth flow of
research data from the sites to the Study Office.
10. Organizes and maintains study office filing system, record keeping systems in support of study
protocol and study office layout.
11. Develop work plans and strategies to achieve research objective and oversee budgets and policies
and procedures for the program.
12. Monitors progress of study activities through developing and maintaining records of research
activities, and preparing periodic and ad hoc reports, as required by investigators, any
implementing partner organization or any relevant body
13. Provide diversified secretarial support to the program including coordinating regular investigators
meetings, community advisory committee meetings, appointments, trainings to research staff and
study workshops such as design workshop and data analysis workshops.
14. Participate in technical working group (TWG) meetings on MAT and provide necessary inputs for
effective delivery of HIV prevention services among PWUDs.
15. Coordinate travel visits for consultants and international investigators.
16. Perform other duties as required by the Principal Investigator.
Qualifications Required:
The applicant should have a PhD in epidemiology, biostatistics, social sciences or other related
fields.
Demonstrated capacity with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and analysis.
At least five years of experience in working with key populations and extensive knowledge of
issues pertaining to people who use drugs.
Experience in working with health facilities and NGOs settings particularly those dealing with key
populations involving people who use drugs.
Excellent knowledge of Microsoft applications (e.g. Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
Knowledge with statistical and qualitative analysis software (e.g. SPSS package).
Good team player with ability to work independently, culture sensitive with excellent interpersonal
and strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with national, international consultants and technical advisors.
Ability to work under pressure and to multitask with ease.
Fluent written and spoken English and Kiswahili.
Application Procedures:
Qualified candidates and Tanzanian nationals meeting the above requirements should submit a
motivation letter together with updated and detailed curriculum vitae.
The deadline for receipt of all applications is 3:30pm on Friday, 21st November, 2014. Applications
can be delivered at the address given below:
Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,
6 Samora Machel Avenue
11478 Dar es Salaam.