HEALTH ECONOMICS AND POLICY UNIT (HEPU) VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) is a comprehensive health and allied sciences higher learning institution established with the primary function of training health workers and conduct health research. The Health Economics and Policy Unit (HEPU) is a unit under the Department of Bioethics and Behavioral Social Sciences within the School of Global and Public Health (SOGAPH) at KUHeS which was jointly established with Ministry of Health. With support from the Health Services Joint Fund (HSJF), the Health Economics and Policy Unit (HEPU) has been tasked with conducting health economics and policy analyses. The primary objective of this project is to sustain HEPU’s capacity to strengthen the link between research evidence and health policy formulation in Malawi. HEPU aims to enhance the capacity to generate and use health economics data for informed decision-making within the health sector. The project contributes to the goals of Malawi’s Health Sector Strategic Plan (HSSP) by focusing on health financing and system strengthening. The HEPU would therefore like to engage the following capacities to be part of their vibrant team of researchers and policy analysts:

1. Think Tank Research Fellow

Location: Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Lilongwe
Job Type: Full-time
Duration: One year, renewable based on performance

Job Summary

The Research Fellow will coordinate the Health Sector Strategic Plan Three (HSSP III) Think Tank and will report directly to the Director of the Think Tank. The fellow’s primary role will be to coordinate demand and supply of relevant evidence for decision and policy making across building blocks of the health sector strategic plan. The position will support the Director in the day to day running of the Think Tank as a one-stop center for policy engagement, working with all designated policy labs. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful research to policy activities therefore influencing policy and decision making in the health sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitating real-time acquisition of evidence in all areas relevant for HSSP III decision making

• Reviewing and analyzing submitted policy briefs for presentation in think tank meetings

• Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders locally and internationally to advance research agendas and policy recommendations.

• Serving as a link between researchers and policy makers

• Contributing to resource mobilization for the Think Tank.

• Liasing with the steering committee on agenda setting for the Think Tank.

• Generating high quality think tank outputs, including policy papers, reports, articles for publication, and presentations.

• Coordinating visibility of the Think Tank using both print and digital platforms, including social media.

• Coordinating with Policy Labs to develop research proposals in response to policy questions and needs from the Think Tank.

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior fellows within the Think Tank.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• PhD in Political Science, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or any related discipline.
• Strong research and policy analysis background.
• Expertise in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, data analysis, and policy analysis.
• Experience in designing and leading research projects independently or as part of a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences.
• Ability to think critically, problem-solve, and generate innovative research insights.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills including ability to work with high level stakeholders
• Commitment to the mission and values of the think tank, including promoting evidence-based policy solutions.

2. Think Tank Administrator

Location: Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Lilongwe
Job Type: Full-time
Duration: One year with possibility of extension

Job Summary:

The Think Tank Administrator will be responsible for providing essential administrative support to the HSSP III Think Tank. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in policy engagement and develop expertise in translation of evidence to policy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinating day-to-day administrative activities to ensure the smooth operation of the Think Tank
• Organizing national and international Think Tank meetings and conferences and providing logistical support
• Facilitating call and review of abstracts to be presented in the Think Tank
• Liaising with policy makers, researchers and development partners on agenda setting
• Maintaining organized documentation and databases related to presentations made in the Think Tank, publications, and policy engagement activities.
• Preparing meeting agendas, taking minutes, and following up on action items for internal and external meetings.
• Assisting researchers in drafting research reports, policy briefs, and presentations.
• Supporting communication efforts through website updates, social media content, and dissemination of research findings.
• Liaising with external partners, stakeholders, and policymakers to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Contributing to the development of funding proposals and assist in securing research grants.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Economics, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proficiency in drafting professional documents and correspondence.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with database management.
• Attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Interest in health economics, health policy, or healthcare research.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in administrative support roles, ideally in a research, academic, or policy-oriented setting.
• Familiarity with project management tools and software.
• Knowledge of basic financial management principles and budget monitoring.
• Experience with event planning and coordination.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should send their applications including cover letter, CV with names of three traceable professional referees and copies of relevant certificates to:

The Registrar
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Mahatma Gandhi Road Campus
P/Bag 360
Chichiri
Blantyre 3

Or email to: recruitment@kuhes.ac.mw

Indicate position title on the envelope for hard copy applications and indicate the same in the subject line of your email for electronic submissions.
Applications should reach the Registrar not later than 26th September 2025. Only short-listed candidates will be acknowledged.