Summer Opportunities

University of Global Health Equity (UGHE)- Females' Engagement in Basic Medical Sciences Teaching and Research in Africa

University of Global Health Equity (UGHE)- Females’ Engagement in Basic Medical Sciences Teaching and Research in Africa

Program type: International, General Internship

Format: Hybrid

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Organization Details
• Name: University of Global Health Equity (UGHE)- Kigali Heights
• Location: Kigali Heights, Plot 772, KG 7 Ave., 5th Floor, PO Box 6955 Kigali, Rwanda
• Website: https://ughe.org/
• Number of Positions Available: 1

Mission Statement
The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), an initiative of Partners in Health, aims to transform global health education and delivery. UGHE trains the next generation of healthcare providers to deliver equitable, high-quality care, especially for vulnerable populations, and contributes to global research and healthcare system strengthening.

Internship Details
Potential Projects:
Interns will support ongoing research and implementation initiatives under the Integrated Nutrition and Early Childhood Development (INECD) Program. Projects include:

  1. Data Collection and Analysis:
    • Participating in field research activities across various INECD projects.
    • Conducting data cleaning, data management, and analysis for current studies.
  2. Research Implementation and Literature Reviews:
    • Conducting systematic and scoping reviews on topics related to maternal and child health, nutrition, disability inclusion, and early childhood development (ECD).
    • Supporting the development of research reports and manuscripts.
  3. Research Logistics and Planning:
    • Assisting in research logistics preparation and implementation planning for upcoming studies.

Examples of Research Projects:
Analyzing developmental milestones of children attending ECD centers in Rwanda.
• Studying maternal nutrition and its effects on perinatal and child health outcomes.
• Assessing barriers to Early Childhood Development (ECD) services and Growth Monitoring Programs (GMP).
• Evaluating interventions for reducing stunting and acute malnutrition.
• Exploring access to Assistive Technology for persons with disabilities in Rwanda.

Key Responsibilities:
Participate in data collection, cleaning, and analysis for INECD research projects.
• Conduct systematic and scoping literature reviews on topics including maternal-child health and inclusive services.
• Support report writing and preparation of research dissemination materials.
• Develop research logistics and implementation plans.
• Collaborate with team members and external partners for high-quality data and deliverables.
• Contribute to knowledge dissemination through presentations, reports, and abstracts.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Understanding Research Processes: Gain experience in designing, implementing, and disseminating research findings.
  2. Determinants of Health: Understand health disparities and key factors affecting vulnerable groups, including children, mothers, and persons with disabilities.
  3. Research and Writing Skills: Develop skills in systematic reviews, scoping reviews, and report writing for academic and professional audiences.

Candidate Requirements
Essential Skills:
• Interest in global health, research, and health equity.
• Prior experience or interest in research, data analysis, and report writing.
• Strong teamwork, adaptability, and accountability for assigned tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively in larger teams to deliver quality results on time.

Preferred Skills:
Familiarity with tools like SPSS or other data analysis software (not required but advantageous).
• Experience conducting literature reviews and/or field research activities.

Work Environment:
Format: Hybrid – a mix of virtual and in-person work.
• Location: Interns will work at UGHE’s Kigali office or Butaro Campus and may participate in field activities. There is also flexibility for remote work when applicable.
• Duration: June – August 2025

Additional Details
• Interns will undergo an onboarding process to familiarize them with UGHE’s mission, team, and research projects.
• Interns will have opportunities to engage with UGHE faculty, staff, and other interns across departments.

Focus Areas:
Maternal and child health, nutrition, and related interventions
• Inclusion programs for persons with disabilities
• Early Childhood Development (ECD) program implementation

Skills Developed:
Community Engagement, Data Analysis, Fieldwork, Health Equity, Literature Review/Writing, Maternal/Child Health, Mental Health, Nutrition