ZELS

PROJECT
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
RESEARCH COORDINATOR
The Nelson Mandela Africa Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) wishes to announce the
position of Research Coordinator to support collaborative research projects related to Brucellosis and
other diseases of Humans and Animals:
The project is funded through the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and Research
Councils UK (RCUK) through the Zoonosis in Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS) programme, with a
specific focus on the impacts and distribution of brucellosis. The research activities include field studies
in northern Tanzania, laboratory-based research at KCMC, and policy interactions with local, national
and international policy-makers. The focus of field activities for this project is the Endulen Hospital in
the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Work duties:
The research coordinator will have a major role in coordinating the field research programme and will
work closely with investigators and technical staff from KCMC, NM-AIST and other partner institutions in
Tanzania (Sokoine University of Agriculture & Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development) as well
as international partners from the UK (University of Glasgow and Animal and Plant Health Agency) and
New Zealand (Otago University) involving frequent travel to and from research sites including
Kilimanjaro, Monduli, Longido, & Manyara districts, often with considerable periods of time in the field
as required (e.g. field activities based in and around Endulen).
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The position entails, but is not limited to the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) Field research

Ensuring coordination and efficient management of day-to-day project field
activities,
Identifying and solving problems affecting implementation of field activities, and
supervising and coordinating field personnel.
Liaise closely with district and regional health and veterinary authorities to
ensure effective implementation of activities related to the human and livestock
health components of the project, and to provide feedback on results of the
study.
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Provide field assistants and local field officers with training in data collection and
sample collection/processing techniques.
Support field work activities of postgraduate students linked to the project.

(b) Procurement and maintenance of equipment:

Ensure regular procurement of equipment and consumables needed for above
activities and managing of project equipment assigned to these activities.
Keep accurate written and electronic inventories of all equipment and
consumables purchased/received from senior investigators.
Ensure appropriate maintenance of equipment, including mobile fridge/freezers,
centrifuges for use in the field, and freezers for storage of samples.
(c) Biological samples:
Ensure project samples are clearly labeled and safely transported for archiving.
Keep accurate written and electronic inventories of all project samples, including
samples archived by the project and sent to collaborating laboratories
Assist with sample permit processing and international shipments of samples to
collaborating laboratories by closely liaising with research investigators and
laboratory technicians.
(d) Data

Ensure quality assurance and quality control of data entry forms.

Ensure regular entry and back up of project data using the templates provided
and email data files to the principal investigator and research collaborators.

(e) Funds and accounting:

Budget planning for field and other project activities in collaboration with senior
investigators
Ensure timely requests for funds for field work and prompt retirement of funds
advanced in adherence with NM-AIST financial systems.

(f) General administrative duties:

Provide assistance with organizing project meetings
Facilitate logistics including planning and arranging lodging and in-country travel
for visits of collaborating staff and project visitors, including students.
Provide general assistance when requested.
(g) Communication and reporting:
Ensure high level of communication with senior investigators within the project.

Provide reports during periods of field work using the project laptop and mobile
phone internet connection provided to enhance communication and data entry
throughout the study sites.

Essential Attributes

Experience with health/animal research studies and disease surveillance, prevention and
control programs
Experience in working with international research teams and in multidisciplinary research
settings.
Experience of working with Tanzanian institutions and Ministries
Experience working on field research projects and with Tanzanian communities
Theoretical knowledge and direct practical experience of laboratory techniques and handling of
infectious materials
Ability to direct complex projects and initiate work independently
Decision-making and problem solving skills
Experience with leading and managing field personnel
Ability to organize and implement animal sample collection and appropriate storage
Experience in routine laboratory skills particularly in sample processing
Ability to spend considerable periods of time under field conditions in a range of settings
Experience in using computers, including Microsoft Office for Windows
Experience in writing reports and using internet
Familiarity with budgets and accounting and ability to deliver within a budget
Good communicator (orally and written, both English and Kiswahili) with strong interpersonal
skills
Familiarity with Maasai language is an advantage.
Required Qualification

Holder of BSc or Diploma in medical veterinary science background from a recognized

Institution with at least three years working experience in project with related activities. MSc in
relevant field will be an advantage.

Must have a valid Driving license issued by relevant authorities

Salary

An attractive salary package will be offered. The salary will depend on academic
qualifications and experience
Mode of application
All applicants are required to submit their applications including the following:

Certified photocopies of relevant certificates and academic transcripts

Curriculum Vitae
Names and contact details of at least two referees
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Individuals currently employed in the Public Service should route their applications
through their employers.
Contact details: telephone, e-mail and postal addresses

Closing date for receipt of applications:

Friday 20th November 2015

All applications should be addressed to:

ZELS Project Administrator
The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST)
P.O. Box 447 Arusha,
TANZANIA
Email to: dassa.nkini@nm-aist.ac.tz & Jo.Halliday@glasgow.ac.uk

Entail long periods of time in field setting, collecting social science data in pastoralist communities, periurban and urban settings. Included in scope of work is ability to organize data collection, facilitate
communication between researchers and communities, think independently, and be a part of a team.
Critical to this is ability to translate from Maasai language to English or Swahili. Will conduct surveys,
interviews, focus group discussions, and collect oral histories. May also be part of sample collection
(blood, urine, and stool) of livestock species. Will translate and facilitate successful research in
pastoralist communities. Research may be conducted on sensitive topics, such as human health, gender
issues, land security, and pastoralist rights. Camping or staying in local bomas may be required. Long,
intensive field work days are important.
Key duties:
Translate from Maasai language to Swahili and English. Facilitate research activities, organize and plan
field visits. Conduct surveys, questionnaires, in-depth interviews, livestock sampling, attend markets,
abattoirs, and coordinate with local, district, and regional governments. Will need to conduct on the
fly translations for English/Swahili speaking principle researcher during interviews, community
meetings, discussions, and with local leadership.
Required skills:

Proficiency in English and native speaker of Maasai language.

Knowledge of livestock diseases & treatments.
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Ability to take samples from livestock in rural settings.

Organized, effective communicator.
Completed secondary or higher education.
Have degree or certificate in livestock management or animal production.
Knowledge of Maasai customs, history, culture.
Field experience working on human health related zoonoses research and gender based
research.
Practical and logistical knowledge of pastoralist areas, especially in Arusha & Manyara
Regions (Monduli & Simanjiro Districts highly preferred).
Must have prior experience as part of a research team; demonstrated leadership in that
position is preferred.
Have participated in social science field research trainings (non degree/non certificate
acceptable).
Experience working with mixed ethnic groups, including non-pastoralists.

Preferred skills:

Worked in community development, facilitating community activities, trainings.

Experience with livestock market activities.

Duration:
Project will be valid for 42 months. full time, renewable upon satisfactory
Salary:
Attractive and negotiable
All Applications should be sent electronically only to:

ZELS Project Administrator,

The Nelson Mandela Institution of Science and Technology,
Arusha, Tanzania.
Email: dassa.nkini@nm-aist.ac.tz

Deadline: Tuesday, 21st July, 2015, late submission will not be considered.