Overview

TITLE: Research Assistant
REPORTS TO: Study Coordinator
POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 10 (Ten)
LOCATION: Kagera and Geita
TERM OF JOB: Short-term (5 months)  

Background

Global Programs (Affiliate of the University of California San Francisco) will conduct a survey to identify and characterize high-risk populations at hot spots along a heavily-trafficked transit corridor in Tanzania.

The proposed survey will generate data on persons living in and around transport corridor hot spots who make up a potentially large attributable fraction of HIV infections in the most severely affected subnational areas of Tanzania, including data to examine the HIV care and treatment cascades of those who are HIV-infected. This assessment is a multi-method assessment with two main phases: a qualitative formative assessment, and a larger, quantitative component.

To achieve the intended objectives, Global programs seeks to employ a research assistant, to support
the enumeration and data collection activities of the proposed survey in Kagera and Geita regions.

The successful candidate will work under the guidance of the survey coordinator and will be responsible for approaching, intercepting, obtaining informed consent from individuals interested in participating in the survey, conducting in-depth interviews, Focused group discussions as well as administering the questionnaire to the participants using a tablet. Sensitivity to issues related to HIV / AIDS and the ability to work with high-risk populations is required. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend the survey training
• Have a thorough understanding of the survey protocol and operations manual
• Intercept the potential participants in the survey according to the guidance of the field
  supervisor or enumerator/community outreach worker
• Obtain informed consent of the individuals to be interviewed and to ensure strict observance of
  the principles of research ethics 
  
  

Research Assistant Job descriptions 

• Interview individuals to obtain relevant information using Key informant interviews, Focused
  group discussions of a standardized questionnaire on a tablet
• Maintain privacy and total confidentiality regarding all information of the survey
• Assist in collecting feedback/ suggestions of the participants, if necessary
• Other duties as assigned by the survey investigators and the survey coordinator 
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum age 25 years
• A holder of Bachelor’s degree in social science, health-related subjects or equivalent
• Previous experience in data collection (conducting Key informant interviews, FGDs and
  administering questionnaires using a tablet)
• Ability to use a computer and Microsoft Office
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• At least 2 years of prior experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative interviews
• Experience in surveys with working with high risk and stigmatized populations and on sensitive
  issues such as sexuality and HIV / AIDS is advantageous
• Great organizational capacity
• Good interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Fluency in English and Swahili
• Available and ready to work in Kagera and Geita for the duration of the survey (October 2018 to
  March 2019)
• Available for interview on 12th and 13th October 2018
  
  

We are seeking an individual to fill the position described. The successful candidate will be on a short-term fixed contract and an attractive package commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered. 

TO APPLY:

If you know of a qualified candidate or are interested in applying for this position, please send your CV with two referees and cover letter via email address to amon.sabasaba@ucglobalprograms.org and copy to christen.said@ucsf.edu The closing date is 8th October 2018. We will only correspond with the shortlisted candidates.