MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL LABORTORIES, THE GAMBIA SOCIAL SCIENTIST (Evaluation of Behavioural Change Intervention) Applications are invited for an appointment as a Social Scientist to manage the evaluation of the Stepping Stones programme. This is the UNAIDS recommended best practice for community mobilisation in HIV prevention and has the long-term goal of reducing or restricting the growth of HIV prevalence in The Gambia. You will be responsible for the smooth running of the study, which includes closely supervising the Field Assistants in data collection. In addition, you will work with collaborators locally and from the MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit in Glasgow, UK on the design of the evaluation. You will have: Ø Degree in a social science subject or an equivalent qualification Ø Training in social science research methods Ø Experience in carrying out research or evaluations, qualitative research methods & survey research Ø At least two years experience in field research in a developing country Ø Independently managed a research project and research team Ø Experience of training and supervising staff in field investigations Ø Computer literacy in word processing and email. Ø Excellent working knowledge of English Ø Ability to work independently as well as co-operatively in a team Ø Ability to meet deadlines and deliver agreed targets Ø Interest in behavioural change interventions Ø Excellent communication skills Ø Ability to present complex information in summary form Ø Willingness to engage in the fieldwork process at village level Ø Willingness to live and work anywhere in The Gambia. A Masters degree or PhD in public health, health policy or social science, previous work experience in a health or social care environment, a record of academic publications and fluency in one of the main local languages would be an advantage. The appointment is initially for 2 years and is subject to an initial probationary period of 6 months. It is anticipated that this will be extended for a third year, subject to performance and the success of the study. Salary will be in Occupational Groups D1 – D3 dependent on qualifications and experience. The total salary package will be within the range 137,283 – 223,297 Dalasis per annum. For displaced staff rent-free furnished accommodation will be provided, generous displacement allowances, annual flights to base country and other benefits. Further details and applications forms are available from The Personnel Officer, MRC Laboratories Fajara, P.O. Box 273, Banjul, The Gambia, West Africa. Telephone: (+220) 495442/6 & 494072/9; FAX: (+220) 494494; email: personnel@mrc.gm or hnjie@mrc.gm The closing date for the receipt of applications is 19th May 2003 Interviews will be held in The Gambia on 26th May 2003