Research Volunteers

Could you help an NGO research health and social care in Africa and the Diaspora and divide communities into sub-ethnic groups to understand which groups are affected by health and social care?

Research Volunteers Role Description

The Africa Health Organisation (AHO) will be 25 years old on 14 August 2025. We seek qualified researchers to join us and celebrate our Silver Jubilee by registering as a research institution with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to conduct medical, biochemistry, biotechnology, biological science, economic and social research in Africa, the UK and the Diaspora.

Research topic ideas

1. Medical - research into communicable, non-communicable diseases and determinants of health.
2. Health - male genital mutilation (MGM)/Circumcision Efficacy/Impact on boys and men and FGM
3. Education - Truancy, school bullying, poor attainment in some groups.
4. Psychology - Mental health issues, social interactions, etc
5. Economics - The effects of climate change on the economy and health.
6. Social issues - challenging income inequality, or the ethics of artificial intelligence.
7. Technology - Biotechnology innovation and regulation, artificial intelligence (AI) in health care.
8. Environment - pollution, deforestation of rosewood trees in Africa.
9. Religion - fundamentalism, exorcism, mental health, scams, miracles, pastor millionaires.

10. Legal, Justice & Law - justice systems, racism, discrimination, gang violence, drugs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assisting the Research Director and Principal Investigator in registering with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and maintaining regular contact and reporting.
• Writing and submitting funding research proposals.
• Conducting research using journals, questionnaires, surveys, and interviews to gather data.
• Recording findings by taking written notes and using appropriate software.
• Maintaining and protecting electronic databases.
• Writing proposals and delivering presentations when required.

VOLUNTEERING IS NOT A PAID JOB

ALL our Volunteer Opportunities are not paid or salaried. Do not apply if you want a paid job or plan to negotiate a pay deal with us. Volunteering allows people to give their time for free to society while gaining the experience they need when applying for future paid jobs.

Education, Skills and Experience Requirements:

• A doctorate in research on the chosen research topic.
• Understanding Africa, the UK, EU, and the Diaspora political and socioeconomic systems.
• Proven 3 years of experience in research and publishing research papers in journals.
• Sound knowledge of research methodologies.
• Proficiency in MS Office and research software.
• Strong statistical and mathematical aptitude.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Practical experience in database management.
• Attention to detail and exceptional written, verbal, and telephonic communication skills.

Languages requirements

The ability to speak one of Africa's widely spoken languages would be an added advantage e.g. Afrikaans, Amharic, Arabic, Bemba, Berber, Chewa, Chinese, Dinka, English, French, Fula, Fulani, German, Greek, Hausa, Hindi, Igbo, Italian, Japanese, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Kongo, Korean, Lingala, Malagasy, Mandinka, Nambia, Ndebele, Nyanja, Oromo, Portuguese, Russian, Sango, Sesotho, Shona, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Swati, Thai, Tigrinya, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Vietnamese, Xhosa, Yoruba, Zulu, etc. You are still welcome to apply if you don't speak any of the above languages.

Your input will shape how we understand the needs of service users, stakeholders, funders and the general public. With your help, we will be able to continue to deliver services based on users' knowledge, and how we help our end users.

Your help and expertise will enable us to adapt and survive, to scope new possibilities, activities and ways of working. With your help, we will be able to continue to deliver services based on user knowledge

How to Apply

• Please apply through Reach in the first instance. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete our additional application form.
• Interviews are to take place as and when we receive your application on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Please get in touch with us via Reach Volunteering with any questions.
• Interviews will be an informal video chat with the CEO, Health of Fundraising & one Board Member.
• Please provide your CV and a Cover letter detailing your interest in this role and relevant experience. We will not accept CVs without a Cover letter.
• References will be requested before interviews and an offer to volunteer with us.