Aga khan University Careers

Job Purpose/Summary 

The Manager of Finance – AKU Academics operations will be responsible for leading the finance section of AKU-Kenya (General Accounting, Treasury, Fixed Assets, Student Finance and External Audits) AKU Kenya. In addition, He/She will also be working closely with Sr. Manager Finance on Regional budgeting and general accounting matters.

He/She will also be responsible for day-to-day accounting (including grants) and compliance and reporting. The position will ensure accurate bookkeeping (as per the GAAP, IFRS and IAS), institutional policies, local legal and tax laws, and statutory reporting.

Key Roles and Responsibilities 

• Manage the Finance section of the AKU Kenya ensuring a strong control environment for efficiencies, integrity, and accountability.
• Manage the Finance section of the AKU Kenya ensuring a strong control environment for efficiencies, integrity, and accountability.
• Collaborate, design, implement, and review finance systems, policies, and procedures to ensure continuous improvement and contemporary relevant practices.
• Ensure AKU-Kenya monthly and annual financials are closed within the stipulated timelines and accuracy.
• Oversee the accounts payable and treasury sections of AKU Kenya making sure financial books are maintained as per the IAS, IFRS, and institutional policies. This includes (i) accruals of liabilities (ii) grants accounting (iii) fixed asset register (iv) cash flows and bank reconciliations (v) construction project accounting (vi) tuition fee receivables etc.
• Make sure that AKU Kenya complies with local tax laws.
• Oversees students' accounting section of AKU Kenya, including (i) recognition of tuition fee income (ii) recovery from students (iii) tuition fee aging schedules.
• Oversee the recording of the revenues and expenses as per the chart of account and budget.
• Oversee the recording of grant expenses and revenues.
• Work with Senior Manager, Finance on various budgeting matters.
• Lead AKU-Kenya external audit. Work with the Senior Manager, Finance for the annual external audit of AKU-Tanzania and AKU-Uganda.

Relevant Experience and Qualifications 

• CPA/ACCA/CMA qualifications
• Undergraduate Degree in Business related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in a big organization (100+ employees) with exposure to financial planning, reporting, analysis, grant budgets and day to day accounting functions. Having supervisory skills/experience in managing a team of 5-10 people.
• Masters in Accounting or/and Finance will be added advantage.

 Personal Characteristics

• Adaptable
• A good communicator
• Having eye on detail
• Have people management skills
• Manage expectations of finance heads and entity heads

Job Summary

The Clinical Trial Manager (CTM) plays a pivotal role by overseeing the planning, implementation, and multi-site operations management of clinical trials across multiple sites. With a focus on ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and ethical standards, the CTM will be fully responsible for managing timelines and overseeing all project deliverables across four sites in Kenya and Nigeria, for the Multi-National Implementation of Multimodal Strategies to promote Healthy Brain Ageing in Sub-Saharan Africa (The AFRICA-FINGERS) project, including ensuring that the execution of the clinical and non-clinical aspects of the trial are in line with study sponsor and research governance expectations.

With oversight from BMI’s Principal Investigators (PIs), the jobholder will further provide clinical project management expertise for the optimal set-up of other clinical studies within the Institute, including protocol development, obtaining regulatory approvals, recruiting participants, managing data collection and analysis, and ensuring compliance with all relevant guidelines and protocols throughout the trial lifecycle. By efficiently managing clinical trials, the CTM helps advance research initiatives aimed at understanding and treating neurological disorders, ultimately contributing to the institute's overarching objectives in the field of brain health.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement clinical trial protocols in collaboration with the research team and Principal Investigator(s).
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies to obtain necessary approvals for clinical trials and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and guidelines.
• Manage the development of contractual agreements and other regulatory files including data use, data transfer and material transfer agreements.
• Coordinate with research partners and stakeholders to establish clinical trial sites, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and ethical standards.
• Develop and implement participant recruitment strategies in collaboration with the study team and external partners.
• Track and analyze recruitment data to assess the effectiveness of different strategies and adjust as needed.
• Conduct site visits to monitor the progress of the trial and assess compliance with protocol and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor adverse events and serious adverse events reporting, ensuring timely and accurate documentation and reporting to regulatory authorities.
• Monitor data quality and integrity throughout the trial, identifying and addressing any discrepancies or issues.
• Collaborate with biostatisticians and statistical programmers to ensure accurate and timely analysis of trial data.
• Develop and execute a study close-out plan in collaboration with the study team, sponsors, and regulatory authorities.
• Support in manuscript development for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at conferences, develop policy briefs and disseminate research findings to relevant stakeholders.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree in a scientific or related field is required; an advanced degree such as a PhD is highly preferred
• Expert knowledge of clinical research operations, Good Documentation Practices, ICH GCP, FDA CFR and other relevant regulations as well as Declaration of Helsinki and relevant country-specific regulations is required.
• Minimum 5 years relevant experience in clinical trial operations, including 3 years in clinical trial management.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary clinical trial teams, effectively delivering clinical trials at high quality, on time and within budget is required.
• Familiarity with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and/or global health and managing trials in Sub-Saharan Africa is highly desirable.
• Ability to mentor other clinical operations staff is required.
• Experience with electronic document management systems as well as electronic data capture systems is required.

Job Purpose

The Senior House Officer/ Medical Officer will provide quality health care to patients  and  continuously  evaluate  and  improve  the quality  of care provided  by the institution to meet patient treatment goals.

Key responsibilities:

Assess and manage patients by:

• Conducting daily ward rounds
• Reviewing and examining patients consistently by performing such duties as taking case histories, conducting physical examinations, and ordering diagnostic laboratory and radiology studies.
• Monitoring patients’ progress on a regular basis.
• Participating in clinics on a regular basis.
• Initiating discussions with patients and care givers to enable better diagnostic and therapeutic medical care and services.
• Engaging with nursing and ward staff in ensuring that all treating equipment is functional and available for patient care/treatment
• Availability of support services in the process of treating patients; particularly when referred by other specialists to AKUH,N Hospital by:
• Participating in establishing various planning parameters for addressing referral cases received at AKU,N: 

Attend to emergency cases:

• Assist in the examination and observation of emergency cases by performing such duties as taking case histories, conducting physical examinations, and ordering diagnostic laboratory and radiology studies.
• Attend to critical patients in a timely manner.
• When necessary, carry out privileged and potentially life-saving emergency surgical and medical procedures.
• Liaise with consultants and various departments:  Initiate timely discussions with relevant consultants/ departments to arrive at the best treatment plan for specialized cases.

Counselling & Patient Education

• Educate patients on wellness, prevention and early detection.
• Provide materials, resources and referrals to patients, family members/care givers.
• Educate patients on informed consent, choice of attending physician and right to seek second opinion.

Administration & Professional Development

• Participate in departmental committees and internal business meetings.
• Attending & presenting at CMEs
• Develop and implement personal learning objectives.
• Participate in teaching of interns, elective students and nurses.
• Role model junior colleagues
• Demonstrate good interpersonal skills with colleagues and clients.
• Readiness to take extra duties.
• Participate in all team efforts as departmental needs arise.
• Periodically initiate and participate in clinical research activities, Institutional quality improvement and patient  safety activities

 Qualifications, Experience and Skills required:

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
• Registration by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board
• Valid Certificate in Advanced Life Support (ACLS and above)
• Certificate in Advanced Trauma life support
• Successful internship completion plus one year post internship experience
• Demonstrate competency and dexterity with all equipment utilized in the hospital environment
• Good communication skills and a good team player
• Ability and desire to continuously develop professionally.
• Demonstrates respect for diversity and is cultural-sensitive and applies ethical principles appropriately.
• Seeks and accepts advice and adheres to strict deadlines.
• Clinician traits of patience, compassion, responsibility, honesty, respect for others, self-awareness, logical thinking and intellectual curiosity
• A clinician with a demonstrated constructive management of medical errors.
• Good Counseling and patient education skills
• Ability to manage work-related stress
• Microsoft Office Application computer skills 
• Able to work with minimal supervision while being punctual and accountable.

Job Summary

This includes but is not limited to data management activities (collection, cleaning, coding, translation, etc., assisting in planning of fieldwork, consent study participants, stakeholder mapping, and mobilizing participants from the community. In addition, assist in supervising data collection and other administrative tasks required for carrying out field work.

Responsibilities

• Attend training on data collection and field activity management.
• Assist in logistical preparation for recruitment and mobilization of study participants.
• Assist in processing administrative clearances required to carry out field work across different regions.
• Administer pretested data collection tools in a quantitative survey.
• Carry out qualitative interviews with key informant interviews with key stakeholders.
• Actively participate in the process of troubleshooting on any issues affecting or may affect study field operations.
• Assist in community engagement processes.
• Participate in debrief meetings as guided by the Project Manager
• Attend to any other task required by the Project Manager

Requirements

• A diploma or a bachelor’s degree in development studies or other allied fields. 
• Proficiency in use of smart phone/tablet to collect data is required.
• Familiarity with research ethics and experience taking informed consent.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work within tight schedules.

Relevant Experience.

• Minimum of 2 years of demonstrated experience in quantitative and/or mixed methods research including use of smartphones/tablets to collect data.
• Experience in data coding and data transcription and translation is an added advantage.
• Strong leadership, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Good knowledge and research data management.
• Demonstrate knowledge in community engagement in research.
• Excellent demonstrated teamwork and coordination skills.

Personal Characteristics

• Can work under minimal or no supervision.
• Highly organized.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a good team player.
• Keen desire to learn and share knowledge. 

Job Purpose/Summary 

The BMI at AKU is excited to offer a Postgraduate Research Fellow position for an innovative grant-funded research project focused on the investigation of structural brain resiliency via biomarker analysis to investigate and elicit thematic understanding on relevant determinants for aging, resiliency, and frailty among Kenyan adults from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds in Nairobi, Kenya. The successful applicant will join an interdisciplinary team, contributing to pioneering research with opportunities to spend time in leading laboratories across Wake Forest University North Carolina and National Institute of Aging, USA. The duration of the fellowship is 2 years, and contingent on continued funding.

Opportunities available to the successful applicant:

• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources at the BMI and partner institutions.
• Opportunities for international travel and collaboration with world-leading researchers.
• Being part of a vibrant research community with opportunities for professional development and networking.
• Making a significant contribution to neurological health research and improving health outcomes in Kenya and other low- and middle-income countries.

Key Roles and Responsibilities 

• Lead and conduct research on molecular bioinformatics, incorporating bespoke biomarker analytical methods with advanced multidimensional analysis of biomarker data (including omics) and integration with broader multimodal data e.g. neuropsychology, imaging, wearables etc.
• Design and execute research protocols in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, ensuring scientific integrity and ethical compliance.
• Develop innovative computational methods / models for multidimensional analysis of biomarker data.
• Assist in grant writing and project reporting to funding organizations.
• Engage with community stakeholders in Nairobi to align research with local health priorities and facilitate translation of research findings into practical health solutions.
• Supervise and mentor graduate students and junior researchers, guiding them in research methodologies, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Author and co-author research papers for publication in top-tier journals and present findings at international conferences.

Relevant Experience and Qualifications 

• Minimum of Masters degree (PhD preferred) in Neuroscience, Epidemiology, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Neuropsychology, Psychology, Medicine, or a related field, with a focus on with a focus on Biostatistics.
• Demonstrated experience in analysis of high-dimensional data for -omics based biomarker discovery, with strong computational skills including proficiency in R, STATA, SAS, MATLAB, or Python.
• Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.
• An interest in community engagement and public health impact.
• Experience in multicultural research environments, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa is desirable.

Job Summary

The Early Prediction of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) using Machine Learning (ML) study is part of the projects funded under the UZIMA-DS pilot project grant, aimed at crafting precise and robust ML algorithms capable of swiftly predicting GDM during the first and second trimester of pregnancy in Kenya. The objective of this study is to enhance maternal and fetal health outcomes through timely interventions. Moreover, the research outcomes will enrich understanding of GDM risk factors, potentially paving the way for further investigations and advancements in prenatal care.

As a Research Assistant, the successful candidate work with the project Principal Investigator (PI) and co-investigators (Co-I’s) to perform a systematic literature review on GDM prevalence in Kenya, create data pipelines to move data from The Aga Khan University HER to the UZIMA-DS cloud platform in addition to performing data analysis tasks and Machine Learning model development. Additionally, the Research Assistant will be responsible for crafting and defending their Master's proposal based on the study's concept, as well as preparing and submitting their Master's thesis in alignment with the study's findings. The Research assistant will be expected to be part of preparation of manuscripts for publication with guidance from the project PI and Co-I’s.

 Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of code, computational tools and database for mining and visualizing datasets resulting from the GDM study.
• Contribute to drafting manuscripts in collaboration with the project PI and co-I’s.
• Presente compelling, validated progress to all levels of the organization, including peers, senior management, and the UZIMA-DS research hub.
• Use the project data and resources to develop and address research questions, implement research, and publish scientific papers.
• Participate in regular, debrief meetings as will be instructed by the project PI.
• Prepare and defend Masters proposal based on this project.
• Prepare a master’s thesis based on the output of the GDM study.

Requirements

• Enrolled for a master’s degree in computer science, Statistics/Biostatistics, Mathematics or an equivalent in a recognized university.
• Have completed a bachelor’s degree in Statistics/Biostatistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or an equivalent in a recognized university.
• Proficiency in using one or more programming or scripting languages to work with data such as R, Python, Matlab and stata.
• Strong knowledge and experience in conducting systematic literature search, data collection, analysis, and attention to details.
• Experience in data analysis using R, Python, Matlab , stata or other statistical software.
• Experience in supporting or writing research grants and proposals (track record of winning research grants is desirable)
• Experience conducting own research studies and managing projects from start to completion.

Job Summary

The main purpose of this role is to operate the motor vehicle owned by CoEWCH EA, stationed at the Mombasa Research Office.

Responsibilities

• Work with the project teams to establish transport requirements and map out travel routes.
• Daily field shuttling of CoE staff to various study sites within Kilifi and Mombasa Counties.
• Maintain a log of all transfers carried out daily and ensure any transfer is signed for by staff members carried by the vehicle.
• Work with the manager to ensure the vehicle is fully serviced and safe to always drive.
• Keep track of vehicle mileage and daily monitor this with the Administrative Officer at the Mombasa Research Office.
• Keep a clear record of vehicle fuel consumption and map out fuel estimates for various routes.
• Ensure the vehicle is always clean.
• Prepare vehicle by conducting operator maintenance.
• Fulfill special requests from the office by picking up and delivering items as directed and running errands.
• Maintain passenger confidence by keeping information strictly confidential.
• Complete any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum grade of C.
• Possess Kenyan Driving License Grade D
• Certificate of good conduct
• Minimum of 3 years related work experience.
• Knowledge of traffic regulations.
• Excellent knowledge of Mombasa and Kilifi County.
• Basic knowledge of vehicle repairs.

Personal Characteristics and Behaviour

• Excellent driving skills.
• Excellent customer service and very professional.
• Has excellent attendance and a positive attitude to the job.
• Well, composed and patient.
• Is attentive to the needs of the staff members and responds quickly and competently to their requests.
• Healthy and alert with the ability to drive for long hours.
• Ability to communicate in both English and Kiswahili.

Job Summary

The Executive Assistant provides a wide range of administrative services to support the Dean and within the Dean’s Office, Medical College East Africa. The Executive Assistant must be fully aware of the Dean’s schedule and priorities, including travel commitments and speaking engagements, be prepared to make rapid changes to arrangements, and alert the Dean to potential scheduling conflicts and priorities. The demands placed on the Dean are such that he relies on the Executive Assistant to carry out the duties of this position with little or no direction.

The Executive Assistant to the Dean handles complex situations as they arise, while maintaining utmost confidentiality of Faculty information and/or discussions. She/he provides administrative support to functions related to the annual performance review processes.

She/he liaises with i) the Senior Leadership of the University - President, Provost Offices etc., ii) Deans and Directors of entities, iii), Associate Deans, Department Chairs, iv) international visitors, government offices, and local communities. S/he represents the Dean to all visitors and employs appropriate protocol with dignitaries and international guests.

The role serves as secretary to some college-level committees such as Medical College Faculty Council (MCFC) and other committees chaired by the Dean.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for Dean's meetings with senior members of the university, international visitors, government office, local community leaders and media representatives.
• Serve as a liaison between the Dean's office and other departments, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and coordination of activities.
• Maintain a record of the annual cycle of events related to the Dean's administrative position use this to plan well in advance for activities such as University appointments and promotions, attendance at leadership meetings, and the annual performance review cycle.
• Proactively schedule all meetings and appointments for the Dean whilst managing his calendar to include requirements for external activities.
  Manage all travel preparations for the Dean which include travel preferences, accommodation, transportation, phone packages, conference registrations, meeting schedules, prepare complete itinerary for travel and submit final travel claims for reimbursement.
• Facilitate research functions in the Dean’s Office and process any research and professional expense reimbursement for the Dean in compliance with University Policy.
• Troubleshoot any Information Communication Technology related challenges and other issues on behalf of the Dean and Dean's Office staff and coordinate technical support as required.
• Facilitate the Medical College Leadership Committee meetings and reports.
  Support large-scale events planned in the Dean’s Office.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a reputable institution.
• Diploma in Secretarial and Administrative Studies an added advantage.
• Minimum of 6 years relevant experience in a busy set-up; experience working in a university set-up is an added advantage.
• Highly collaborative, service oriented and excellent customer service skills.
• Highest level of discretion and integrity and the ability to handle and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive, confidential issues.
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, and to foster a team environment within the department and all levels of the campus community.

Job Purpose:

To stock, manage and supply consignments items, medical surgical, pharmaceutical, pathology and radiology, Food & Beverage, Engineering, CAPEX and general stores inventory, non-inventory items required by various hospital-wide, outreach and University Centre users.  Accurate reporting of inventory held within respective areas of responsibility.

Responsibilities:

• In charge of the assigned warehouse and/or Sub Store
• Service material requests from end-users.
• Ensure accurate, timely and complete posting and updating of transactions in the system, accurate and timely issue of items.
• Stack Items safely and neatly i.e., identifiable, and traceable.
• Ensure there are no stock outs by pre-empting the purchaser on items running low on stocks.
• Recommend optimum quantities of items to be replenished.
• Receiving of inventory from vendors against Purchase Orders, verifying quantity and quality.
• Accurate and on-time receiving and verification of invoices and forwarding to Finance for processing.
• Assist in maintaining minimum stock days.
• Verify the quality of goods received from vendors/Warehouses/Sub stores.
• Follow up on issues that end users have not accepted.
• Adhere to the FEFO method of stock movement.
• Manage a minimum value of expiries and items being obsolete.
• Take part in quarterly stock takes.
• Reporting; Ensure daily submission of checklist, Monthly on-time submission of bulk SPR for inventory replenishment, slow moving inventory, approved disposal forms and QVR reports.
• Control short expiry items/non-moving and slow-moving items and coordinate with satellite stores and receiving teams to ensure their timely returns to suppliers.
• Responsible for overseeing daily temperatures logs – both storage areas and fridges with supervision from immediate supervisor.
• Ensure stock transfers/ material stock issues and SPRs are checked and signed as per laid down procedures.
• Ensure daily replenishments of SPRs are done efficiently and on a timely mannder as per prescribed schedules.
• Ensure general neatness and cleanliness of the main stores.
• Ensure daily submission of inventory checklists, monthly on time submission of buld SPR for inventory replenishment, slow moving inventory report, expired inventory report, approved and signed disposal forms and Quality Variance Reports (QVR).
• Any other duties that may be assigned by PSCMD Supervisor, Assistant managers, managers and PSCMD leadership, which may include support the role and function of Purchase Assistant.

Qualifications, experience and skills requirements:

• Business-related Diploma or Certification. 
• Membership to the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) or Chartered Institute of Logistics (CILT) or Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) will be an added advantage.
• At least two years of work experience in a related field/work environment
• Proficiency in working with MS Office – MS Excel and MS word
• Ability to work in a team, has initiative and is proactive
• Excellent customer service skills and customer focus,
• Excellent interpersonal/ communication skills
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lift heavy boxes, climb and bend.
• Knowledge of warehousing/stocking