Research Assistant Supervisors at FHI360 NGO

The Cross-Border Health Integrated Partnership Project (CB-HIPP) is a regional project funded by the regional health office of the USAID Kenya and East Africa Mission and is implemented by a team of partners led by FHI 360. Project implementation dates are September 1, 2014 to August 31, 2019. It is designed to extend quality integrated health services in strategic land and wet cross-border areas and other transport corridor sites in East, Central and Southern Africa.

Transnational mobility affects treatment as noted by East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC): “Patients who travel across borders without consistent medical care risk going undiagnosed or, if they only sporadically access treatment, acquiring resistance to first-line treatments”. Mobility is therefore an important factor in achieving the TB global goals, i.e., cascade of TB care: screening at least 90% of the KP/vulnerable population; testing at least 90% of those with suggestive symptoms; treating at least 90% of those diagnosed; and successfully treating at least 90% who begin treatment.

Prior to conducting this comprehensive assessment, CB-HIPP collaborated with EAHRC to map health facilities at twelve (12) cross-border sites to identify TB services. All public, private, and faith-based health facilities within the five (5) to ten (10) kilometer radius from the border point and along the major transport corridor or fish landing site were mapped. Referral facilities including district/county hospitals and National Research Institute (NRI) facilities were mapped irrespective of distance from the border point. The mapping information was used to develop a sampling frame for this comprehensive assessment. The assessment will generate information useful for initial programming to strengthen TB service delivery at the cross-border sites.

Job Summary:

The purpose of this consultancy is to serve as a research assistant supervisor for the assessment of TB service delivery at CB-HIPP cross-border areas including Busia, Malaba, Sio Port, Port Victoria, Mbita-Mfangano, Muhuru Bay, Namanga and Isebania Kenya. The supervisor will coordinate field activities in liaison with the monitor and County/Sub-county TB coordinators. She/he will oversee data collection and participate in actual interviewing. The supervisor will develop a field report highlighting key issues from the process. The exercise will entail use of tablets to administer structured questionnaires and checklists through face to face interviews with health facilities’ in-charge and health care providers. A health services data extraction form will also be completed and coordinates of identified health facilities captured. The supervisor will be required to maintain confidentiality and security of data gathered.

Position Description

The overall duty of the research assistant supervisor will be to ensure that data is collected appropriately and submitted to the monitor promptly. Specifically, s/he will be required to perform the following services:

• Attend training on data collection methods and go through the data collection forms
• Liaise with district/regional TB coordinators and FHI 360 monitor in field logistics
• Oversee and participate in field data collection and management activities following approved protocol including permission process and confidentiality requirements
• Review all forms before proceeding with the next interview
• Secure storage of all data according to outlined procedures
• Meet deadlines including conducting assigned interviews in a timely manner
• Orient self to research ethics materials (this does not count into consultancy or training period)
• Report to the FHI 360 monitor as required (e.g. discuss any problem)
• Maintain confidentiality and security of data gathered
• Review all forms before proceeding with the next interview
• Develop field report
• Execute any other duties assigned by the FHI 360 monitor.

Physical Demands:

• The position will entail long periods of sitting, standing and/or walking
• There will be varied exposure to environmental elements such as sunshine, rain, cold, winds
• Field schedules vary from day to day and according to the preference of the potential study participants

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Diploma (5 years post-secondary education) in relevant area plus 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience
• BS/BA in relevant area plus 3 years of relevant work experience

Other Requirements:

• Fluent in English and Kiswahili
• Knowledge and experience in use of electronic data collection devices is mandatory
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to follow study-specific procedures and guidelines reliably
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• People-oriented
• Research ethics training certification.
• Proficiency in basic computer technology including word processing (e.g. Microsoft Word), email and basic data entry (e.g. Microsoft Excel).
• Willing and able to work in any of the sites as may be assigned

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.