Job Description: Senior Researcher
Doorstep Delivery Model of Primary Health Care Project
About the Organization
Research and Development Solutions (RADS), in collaboration with the Akhter Hameed Khan Foundation (AHKF), is implementing an innovative primary healthcare delivery model targeting urban poor communities in Pakistan through the Urban Impact Laboratory. This initiative aims to demonstrate a cost-effective, community-based approach to enhance access to preventive and primary healthcare services among underserved populations.
Position Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Researcher to oversee the implementation of our "Doorstep Delivery Model of Primary Health Care" project in urban poor communities of Rawalpindi and Karachi. The ideal candidate will coordinate project activities across multiple stakeholders, manage operational logistics, and ensure the successful execution of this innovative healthcare delivery model.
Key Responsibilities
Project Implementation and Management
Coordinate and oversee the day-to-day operations of the primary healthcare delivery project across both project sites
Develop detailed implementation plans, timelines, and workflows for all project components
Monitor project progress against established targets and milestones
Identify operational challenges and develop practical solutions in collaboration with the project team
Prepare regular progress reports for senior management and donors
Team Coordination and Supervision
Supervise field teams including Aapis (female community outreach workers), Rahbars (male outreach workers), and monitoring staff
Coordinate with healthcare providers across the four intervention arms (public clinics, private clinics, algorithm-driven care, and telemedicine)
Facilitate regular team meetings to review progress, address challenges, and share learnings
Support capacity building and training activities for project staff
Technology Implementation
Oversee the deployment and use of project technology solutions, including the Aapi data collection application, healthcare provider applications, and telemedicine platform
Coordinate with technology partners to ensure smooth functioning of all digital tools
Monitor data quality from various technology platforms and ensure proper integration
Support real-time dashboard development and utilization for project monitoring
Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including local government officials, healthcare providers, community leaders, and partner organizations
Coordinate with the central call hub to ensure effective follow-up mechanisms with referred patients
Facilitate community engagement activities to promote project acceptance and participation
Represent the project at relevant forums and meetings
Research and Learning
Support baseline and endline survey and other study implementation in coordination with the research team
Assist in quality assurance for data collection activities
Contribute to documentation of implementation learnings, best practices, and challenges
Help compile evidence for advocacy with government stakeholders for potential scale-up
Qualifications and Skills
Education and Experience
Master's degree in Public Health, Healthcare Management, Social Scienceor related field
Minimum 5 years of experience managing healthcare projects, preferably with community-based interventions
Experience working with urban poor communities in Pakistan
Prior experience with technology-enabled healthcare delivery models preferred
Knowledge of primary healthcare systems in Pakistan
Technical Skills
Strong project management skills with ability to coordinate multiple workstreams simultaneously
Experience with monitoring and evaluation of health programs
Proficiency with project management software and healthcare data management systems
Understanding of healthcare delivery models and referral systems
Familiarity with mobile health applications and digital health interventions
Personal Attributes
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Strong leadership abilities with experience managing field teams
Problem-solving orientation with ability to adapt to changing circumstances
Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in diverse communities
Fluency in English and Urdu; knowledge of local languages (Punjabi, Sindhi, Pushto) is an advantage
Location and Travel
Position will be based in Rawalpindi/Islamabad with periodic travel to Karachi
Regular field visits to project implementation sites required