Field Based Research Assistant X6

Job description

With 75 years of experience, our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We help children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, inspired by our Christian faith.

Come join our 33,000+ staff working in nearly 100 countries and share the joy of transforming vulnerable children’s life stories!

Key Responsibilities:

Recruitment & Follow-Up

Identify and recruit pregnant women into the research cohort through health centers.
Build trust with participants and ensure engagement throughout the study.
Conduct follow-up interviews to assess participants’ experiences, challenges, and adherence to MMS recommendations.

Field Observations, Data Collection & Documentation

Observe ANC visits, documenting key interactions, challenges, and facilitators related to MMS uptake and adherence.
Take detailed field notes on healthcare provider-patient interactions, facility conditions, and barriers to service uptake.
Collect qualitative and quantitative data during evaluation cycles every three months, ensuring data accuracy and completeness.
Ensure data accuracy, completeness, and adherence to ethical research standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Complete the Direct Observation Checklist to capture data on the following implementation outcomes:
Feasibility of MMS product and packaging.
ANC counselling related to MMS.
Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) materials.
Adherence to MMS recommendations.
Collect data related to the availability, distribution, and storage of MMS products, including any barriers to supply chain integration.

Interviews & Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)

Conduct in-depth interviews (IDIs) with pregnant women and recently delivered women at the end of the study.

Facilitate FGDs with:
Influential family members (e.g., male partners, mothers/mothers-in-law) to capture barriers, facilitators, and acceptability of MMS.
Healthcare providers (at baseline and endline).
Community health volunteers (e.g., Safe Motherhood Action Groups – SMAGS).
Key informant interviews (KIIs) with national, regional, and district-level government decision-makers.
Maintain organized records of all data collected, including forms, transcripts, and field notes, ensuring secure storage and adherence to ethical guidelines.

Collaboration & Reporting

The Field Research Assistants will report to the Project Coordinators, who will provide guidance and support throughout the study, including regular check-ins and progress updates.
Work closely with the research team, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders to provide updates on progress and challenges.
Assist in data management, including entry, cleaning, and transcription.
Participate in regular team meetings to report findings, challenges, and contribute to implementation strategy discussions.
Review monthly and quarterly facility reports to understand ANC service delivery and identify challenges related to MMS integration.
Accurately transcribe and translate interview and FGD notes from local languages to English.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Required:

Diploma or higher in public health, social sciences, anthropology, nursing, or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree is an added advantage.
Minimum 2 years Experience with field research, participant recruitment, and community engagement.
Strong skills in conducting interviews and qualitative data collection.
Ability to take detailed observational notes and summarize key findings.
Fluency in local languages and English (if applicable).
The role requires frequent travel between health centers and communities in the assigned districts. Added advantage for candidates who are able to ride a motorbike or are willing to learn how to ride.
Experience in maternal and child health research or community-based studies.
Knowledge of implementation science frameworks (e.g., RE-AIM, CFIR).
Familiarity with data collection tools (e.g., ODK, REDCap, NVivo, MoH DHIS2).
Prior experience working in healthcare settings or with ANC programs.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
All Field-Based Research Assistants will be provided with data collection tablets to assist with data entry, surveys, and documentation during field visits.

Applicant Types Accepted:

Local Applicants Only