📢 Aga Khan University Jobs 2026 | 2 Research Positions | Research Coordinator — Community Health Sciences (Bachelor's/BSN/LPN, 2+ Yrs, EPI/PEI Immunization) | Research Specialist — Human Development Programme (Master's Education/ECD/Psychology, 2+ Yrs, UNICEF Project) | Medical College | Karachi | Grant-Funded Contractual | Community Immunization & Early Childhood Development | Apply by 23 June 2026 via AKU Taleo Portal
Organization
Aga Khan University, Medical College
Total Positions
2 Research Positions
Location
Karachi, Pakistan
Job Type
Grant-Funded Contractual
Qualification
Bachelor's to Master's Level
Last Date
23 June 2026
🏛️ About Aga Khan University — CHS & HDP
Aga Khan University's Department of Community Health Sciences (CHS) is a preeminent public health institution in Pakistan. Over the past several decades, CHS has played a major role in leading the development of national-level primary health care, public health practice, and health systems through an evidence-based approach. CHS has five major sections: Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Health Policy & Management, Population & Reproductive Health, Environmental-Occupational and Climate Change (EOHCC), and Non-Communicable Diseases & Mental Health.
The Human Development Programme (HDP), established in 2003, was AKU's first concrete initiative in human development. It supports human development through multidisciplinary and research-based approaches, with an initial focus on early childhood — a period that lays the foundation for all future learning, development, and wellbeing. The Research Specialist position is part of a UNICEF-supported project focused on Early Childhood Development (ECD).
Closing 23 June 2026, AKU is hiring 2 research positions — a community-based Research Coordinator focused on immunization mobilization and a Research Specialist focused on early childhood development. Both are grant-funded contractual positions based in Karachi with field responsibilities.
📊 Complete Job Overview — Both Positions
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Aga Khan University, Medical College |
| Total Positions | 2 (Research Coordinator CHS + Research Specialist HDP) |
| Job Type | Grant-Funded Contractual |
| Location | Karachi (with field travel across Pakistan for HDP role) |
| Qualification Range | Bachelor's/BSN/LPN → Master's in Education/ECD/Psychology |
| Experience Range | 2+ Years (Position-Specific) |
| Last Date | 23 June 2026 (11:59 PM for both positions) |
| Apply Method | Online via AKU Taleo Careers Portal |
📋 Available Positions — Complete Master Table
| # | Position | Department | Qualification | Experience | Focus Area | Ref. No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Research Coordinator | Community Health Sciences | Bachelor's/BSN/LPN/ECE Diploma | 2+ Yrs (EPI/PEI preferred) | Immunization Mobilization, Community Engagement | #260002D8 |
| 2 | Research Specialist | Human Development Programme | Master's in Education/ECD/Psychology | 2+ Yrs (ECD preferred) | Early Childhood Development, UNICEF Project | #2600028P |
💉 Position 1: Research Coordinator — Community Health Sciences
About the Role
This is a community-based, field-intensive research position focused on increasing vaccination uptake through social networking, community engagement, and influencer mobilization. The Research Coordinator will work within assigned union councils, conducting house-to-house visits, mapping local influencers (particularly women), and building community capacity for immunization advocacy.
Eligibility Criteria
- Qualification: Bachelor's degree in any discipline, Nursing (BSN), Early Childhood Education diploma, or LPN certification.
- Experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant experience, preferably in EPI (Expanded Program on Immunization) or PEI (Polio Eradication Initiative).
- Preferred Experience: Experience in community mobilization for immunization programs.
- Community Knowledge: Strong knowledge of local communities and ability to engage local influencers.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in Urdu and at least one regional language — Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, or Seraiki.
- Digital Skills: Familiarity with social media and digital communication tools — particularly WhatsApp for community messaging.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills; proven ability to build community networks and relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Community Demand Generation: Increase community demand for vaccination services through social networking and engagement.
- House-to-House Visits: Conduct house-to-house visits within assigned areas (polygon areas).
- Referral Generation: Increase referrals to immunization centers.
- Influencer Mapping: Map and engage local influencers, particularly women influencers, for vaccination advocacy.
- Social Network Creation: Create and manage social networks of community influencers.
- Birth Attendant Coordination: Identify and coordinate with gynecologists and different types of birth attendants (BA/SBA/TBA).
- Birth Attendant Liaison: Develop strong liaison with all birth attendants to promote vaccination uptake.
- Digital Communication: Communicate with communities through social messaging platforms including WhatsApp.
- Smartphone Facilitation: Facilitate digital communication using smartphones, social media, and internet-based tools.
- Community Events: Organize community events to promote immunization awareness and recognize participating households.
- Venue Identification: Identify and facilitate locations for community engagement sessions — clinics, influencer houses, bethaks, deras.
- Capacity Building: Build community capacity for interpersonal communication regarding immunization.
- Union Council Work: Work within designated union councils.
- Social Profiling: Create and maintain social profiles of assigned areas.
- Daily Reporting: Update and maintain daily activity reports.
- Frontline Coordination: Coordinate closely with frontline workers such as vaccinators and CBVs (Community-Based Vaccinators).
💡 Field-Intensive Community Role: This position is heavily field-based — involving daily house-to-house visits, community events, and influencer engagement within designated union councils in Karachi. It is ideal for public health and community development professionals with EPI/PEI experience who are comfortable working directly with communities. Proficiency in regional languages (Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, or Seraiki) is a key differentiator.
👶 Position 2: Research Specialist — Human Development Programme
About the Role
This is a UNICEF-supported project position focused on Early Childhood Development (ECD). The Research Specialist will support implementation and coordination of project activities, trainings, field operations, documentation, stakeholder engagement, and reporting. The role requires strong research, communication, and organizational skills, along with the ability to collaborate with project partners and travel across Pakistan when required.
Eligibility Criteria
- Qualification: Master's degree in Education, Early Childhood Development, Psychology, or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
- Experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in research or project implementation.
- Preferred Experience: Experience in early childhood development projects.
- Training Experience: Experience in organizing trainings and supporting project activities.
- Documentation Skills: Expertise in documentation, record keeping, and report writing.
- Stakeholder Skills: Strong stakeholder coordination skills.
- Language Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Urdu.
- Research Knowledge: Sound knowledge of research methods.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; ability to conduct trainings, online sessions, and webinars.
- Travel: Willingness to travel extensively within Pakistan.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Implementation: Support implementation of all UNICEF project activities.
- Day-to-Day Coordination: Coordinate day-to-day project operations and monitor progress against project objectives.
- Partner Liaison: Assist with effective liaison and coordination with project partners and stakeholders.
- Training Delivery: Organize and conduct trainings, refresher sessions, workshops, webinars, and dissemination seminars.
- Material Development: Develop training manuals, presentations, and other learning materials.
- Training Logistics: Oversee training logistics and implementation arrangements.
- Research Data Collection: Organize and conduct interviews, IDIs (In-Depth Interviews), and FGDs (Focus Group Discussions).
- Data Processing: Support transcription, analysis, and reporting of research data.
- Documentation: Maintain project documentation and records.
- Reporting: Contribute to quarterly and annual project reports.
- Departmental Collaboration: Support departmental collaboration and relationship management with line departments and partners.
- Field Activities: Participate in field activities across different regions of Pakistan.
💡 UNICEF-Supported ECD Project: This position offers the opportunity to work on a UNICEF-supported Early Childhood Development project — a high-profile initiative with national scope. The role combines research, training, and stakeholder coordination across Pakistan. Ideal for Master's-prepared ECD professionals who want to contribute to national-level early childhood policy and programming.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria — Consolidated Comparison
| Criteria | Research Coordinator — CHS | Research Specialist — HDP |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Bachelor's in any discipline, BSN, ECE Diploma, or LPN | Master's in Education, ECD, Psychology, or related |
| Experience | 2+ Years (EPI/PEI preferred) | 2+ Years (ECD preferred) |
| Focus Area | Immunization mobilization, community engagement | Early Childhood Development, training, research |
| Language | Urdu + Regional (Sindhi/Pashto/Balochi/Seraiki) | English & Urdu (excellent) |
| Work Setting | Field-based — house visits, union councils, community events | Office + Field — trainings, workshops, research, travel |
| Digital Skills | WhatsApp, social media, smartphones | MS Office, webinars, online training platforms |
| Travel | Within assigned union councils (Karachi) | Extensive travel across Pakistan |
| Project | Immunization Program | UNICEF Early Childhood Development |
💼 Required Skills — Detailed Breakdown
Research Coordinator — CHS: Community Mobilization Skills
- Immunization Knowledge: Understanding of EPI (Expanded Program on Immunization) and PEI (Polio Eradication Initiative) — vaccination schedules, target populations, common barriers to immunization, and community mobilization strategies.
- Community Engagement: Proven ability to conduct house-to-house visits, engage local influencers (particularly women), and build trust within communities for health advocacy.
- Influencer Mapping: Skill in identifying, mapping, and engaging local influencers — women influencers, gynecologists, birth attendants (BA/SBA/TBA), and community elders.
- Social Networking: Creating and managing social networks of community influencers for sustained vaccination advocacy.
- Digital Communication: Using WhatsApp, social media, and smartphones for community messaging and health communication.
- Event Organization: Planning and executing community events for immunization awareness — identifying venues (clinics, influencer houses, bethaks, deras), mobilizing participants, and recognizing participating households.
- Frontline Coordination: Working alongside vaccinators and CBVs (Community-Based Vaccinators) in the field.
- Reporting: Daily activity reporting, social profiling of assigned areas, and documentation of community engagement activities.
- Language: Fluency in Urdu AND at least one regional language — Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, or Seraiki. This is mandatory for effective community communication.
Research Specialist — HDP: ECD & Research Skills
- Early Childhood Development Knowledge: Understanding of ECD frameworks, child development milestones, early learning, and parenting programmes.
- Research Methods: Sound knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods — conducting interviews, IDIs, FGDs, and supporting transcription, analysis, and reporting.
- Training & Facilitation: Experience organizing and conducting trainings, refresher sessions, workshops, webinars, and dissemination seminars. Ability to develop training manuals, presentations, and learning materials.
- Project Coordination: Day-to-day project operations, monitoring progress against objectives, and coordinating with project partners and stakeholders — including line departments.
- Documentation & Reporting: Expertise in maintaining project documentation, records, and contributing to quarterly and annual project reports.
- Stakeholder Management: Strong coordination skills with project partners, government line departments, and UNICEF representatives.
- MS Office Proficiency: Advanced skills in Word (reports, manuals), Excel (data tracking, monitoring), and PowerPoint (presentations, training materials).
- Travel Readiness: Willingness and ability to travel extensively within Pakistan for field activities, trainings, and partner coordination.
🌐 How to Apply — AKU Taleo Careers Portal
Step 1:
Visit https://aku.taleo.net/careersection/ex/joblist.ftl?lang=en
Step 2:
Search using reference numbers: #260002D8 (Research Coordinator CHS) or #2600028P (Research Specialist HDP)
Step 3:
Create account/login, complete application, upload CV and documents
Step 4:
Submit before 23 June 2026 at 11:59 PM
⏰ Both positions close 23 June 2026. Comprehensive reference checks for both. Only shortlisted contacted. Both are grant-funded contractual — clarify contract duration during interview.
📄 Required Documents Checklist
| # | Document | Research Coordinator | Research Specialist |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Updated CV/Resume | ✅ Mandatory | ✅ Mandatory |
| 2 | CNIC Copy | ✅ Mandatory | ✅ Mandatory |
| 3 | Degree + Transcripts | ✅ Bachelor's/BSN/Diploma | ✅ Master's (Education/ECD/Psychology) |
| 4 | Experience Certificates | ✅ 2+ Yrs (EPI/PEI preferred) | ✅ 2+ Yrs (ECD preferred) |
| 5 | Language Proficiency Evidence | ✅ Regional language (Sindhi/Pashto/Balochi/Seraiki) | ✅ English & Urdu |
| 6 | Passport Size Photograph | ✅ Recommended | ✅ Recommended |
📝 Selection Process
Stage 1 — Online Application Screening
AKU HR screens against mandatory criteria for each position.
Stage 2 — Comprehensive Reference Checks
Thorough employment verification for both positions.
Stage 3 — Shortlisting & Interview
Research Coordinator: Community engagement scenarios, EPI/PEI knowledge, language proficiency. Research Specialist: ECD knowledge, training facilitation, research methods, UNICEF project understanding.
Stage 4 — Final Selection
Grant-funded contractual appointment. Clarify contract duration and renewal possibilities.
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Research Coordinator CHS | Research Specialist HDP |
|---|---|---|
| Job Posting | 12 June 2026 | 10 June 2026 |
| Last Date | 23 June 2026 | 23 June 2026 |
| Application Screening | Late June 2026 | Late June 2026 |
| Interviews | July 2026 (Expected) | July 2026 (Expected) |
📋 General Conditions
- Grant-Funded Contractual: Both positions are funded by external grants — not permanent AKU positions. Clarify contract duration during interview.
- Comprehensive Reference Checks: Conducted for both positions.
- Only Shortlisted Contacted: If no response within 3-4 weeks, assume unsuccessful.
- Equal Opportunity: AKU committed to diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding.
- Field Work: Both positions involve significant field responsibilities — Research Coordinator within Karachi union councils; Research Specialist across Pakistan.
🌟 Why Work at Aga Khan University?
- Pakistan's Premier Public Health Institution: CHS is a preeminent public health department with decades of national impact.
- UNICEF Partnership (HDP): The Research Specialist works on a UNICEF-supported ECD project — adding significant international development value to your CV.
- Community Impact (CHS): The Research Coordinator directly contributes to increasing vaccination coverage in underserved communities.
- Field Experience: Both roles offer extensive field experience — valuable for careers in public health, international development, and community health.
- Career Pathway: Research Coordinator → Senior Research Coordinator → Project Manager. Research Specialist → Senior Research Specialist → Programme Manager.
- AKU Network: Working at AKU opens doors to global health organizations, UN agencies, and development sector careers.
💡 Expert Tips for Applicants
For Research Coordinator — CHS
- Highlight EPI/PEI Experience: This is explicitly preferred. If you have worked on polio eradication, routine immunization, or vaccination campaigns — feature this at the top of your CV.
- Demonstrate Community Mobilization Skills: Provide specific examples of community engagement — house visits conducted, influencers engaged, events organized, referrals generated.
- Specify Your Regional Language: The job requires Urdu AND at least one regional language. Clearly state which regional language(s) you speak and your proficiency level — reading, writing, speaking.
- Show Digital Communication Experience: Mention experience using WhatsApp for community messaging, social media for health advocacy, or smartphones for field data collection.
- Birth Attendant Knowledge: Understanding of the difference between BA (Birth Attendant), SBA (Skilled Birth Attendant), and TBA (Traditional Birth Attendant) will demonstrate domain knowledge during the interview.
For Research Specialist — HDP
- Highlight ECD Experience: Experience in early childhood development projects is explicitly listed. If you have worked on ECD, child development, parenting programmes, or early learning — feature this prominently.
- UNICEF/Documentation Skills: Demonstrate expertise in documentation, record keeping, and report writing — essential for a UNICEF-supported project with quarterly and annual reporting requirements.
- Training Facilitation: The role involves organizing and conducting trainings, webinars, and workshops. Provide examples of training events you have organized, including participant numbers and topics.
- Travel Willingness: The role requires extensive travel across Pakistan. Clearly state your willingness and availability for domestic travel.
- Research Methods: Be prepared to discuss your experience with interviews, IDIs, FGDs, and research data analysis during the interview.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing Regional Language Requirement (CHS): The Research Coordinator role requires proficiency in Urdu AND a regional language. Without this, you are not eligible.
- Missing Master's Degree (HDP): The Research Specialist requires a Master's degree. Bachelor's-level candidates are not eligible.
- No EPI/PEI Experience (CHS): While not mandatory, EPI/PEI experience is explicitly preferred. Candidates without it will be at a disadvantage.
- Unwillingness to Travel (HDP): The Research Specialist requires extensive travel across Pakistan. If you cannot commit to this, do not apply.
- Generic Application: These are very different roles — community field mobilization vs. ECD research and training. Tailor each application specifically.
- Unprepared References: AKU's comprehensive reference checks are thorough for both positions.
📈 Career Growth Opportunities
- Research Coordinator → Senior Research Coordinator → Project Manager → Programme Manager (Immunization/EPI).
- Research Specialist → Senior Research Specialist → Programme Manager HDP → Director of Early Childhood Programmes.
- External Opportunities: UNICEF, WHO, Gates Foundation, and other international organizations value AKU research experience in immunization and ECD.
- Academic Pathway: Both roles provide strong foundations for M.Phil or PhD in Public Health, ECD, or related fields.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is the last date?
A: 23 June 2026 at 11:59 PM for both positions. - Q: How many positions?
A: 2 positions — Research Coordinator CHS + Research Specialist HDP. - Q: Are these permanent positions?
A: No. Both are grant-funded contractual positions. - Q: Is EPI/PEI experience required for the Research Coordinator?
A: It is preferred, not mandatory — but strongly recommended given the nature of the work. - Q: What regional languages are accepted for the Research Coordinator?
A: Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, or Seraiki — at least one in addition to Urdu. - Q: Does the Research Specialist require travel?
A: Yes. Willingness to travel extensively within Pakistan is required. - Q: How do I apply?
A: Via AKU Taleo Portal: https://aku.taleo.net/careersection/ex/joblist.ftl?lang=en. Ref: #260002D8 (CHS) and #2600028P (HDP). - Q: Does AKU conduct reference checks?
A: Yes. Comprehensive employment reference checks for both positions.
🏁 Final Words
The Aga Khan University Research positions closing 23 June 2026 offer two distinct opportunities to contribute to impactful public health and human development research. The Research Coordinator — CHS role is ideal for community health professionals with EPI/PEI experience and regional language skills who want to drive immunization uptake through grassroots mobilization. The Research Specialist — HDP role is perfect for Master's-prepared ECD professionals who want to work on a UNICEF-supported national project with training, research, and stakeholder coordination responsibilities.
Both positions close on 23 June 2026 at 11:59 PM. Apply via the AKU Taleo Careers Portal immediately. 🇵🇰
🔬 Join Aga Khan University, Medical College — 2 Research Positions Closing 23 June 2026! Research Coordinator CHS (Bachelor's/BSN/LPN, 2+ Yrs, EPI/PEI, Regional Language) & Research Specialist HDP (Master's Education/ECD/Psychology, 2+ Yrs, UNICEF Project). Grant-funded contractual. Karachi with field travel. Apply via AKU Taleo Portal before 23 June 2026, 11:59 PM. Ref: #260002D8 & #2600028P. 🇵🇰
🌐 Apply Now — AKU Taleo Careers 🏛️ AKU Official Website