Research Assistants, DREAMS Recency Study at University of California San Francisco (UCSF)

Background:

Global Programs for Research and Training is registered as an international NGO in Kenya, wholly owned and affiliated to the University of California San Francisco (UCSF)

The Ministry of Health – National AIDS & STI Control Program (NASCOP), University of California San Francisco – Global Programs, and Centers for Disease Control is conducting a quantitative study on Young Girls and Adolescent Women (AGYW) in 4 Counties where the DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe) program is in operation. The objectives of the study are; to estimate HIV incidence among pregnant AGYW aged <25 years enrolled in ANC services in facilities in DREAMS counties, monitor changes in cross-sectional estimates of HIV incidence over time among pregnant AGYW aged <25 years enrolled in ANC services in facilities in DREAMS counties, and generate 12 months cross-sectional estimates of the proportion of pregnant AGYW aged <25 years with recent HIV infection among different sub-populations of AGYW attending ANC.

Global Programs is seeking qualified research assistants with prior experience in quantitative research; specifically, data collection and data entry, to conduct this study. The Counties where the study will be conducted are Kisumu, Siaya, Homa- Bay and Nairobi. The positions are a one-year grant-funded contract based in the four counties for each selected RA respectively.

The research assistants (RA), under the direct supervision of the study coordinator and overall supervision by principal investigators, will provide quantitative data collection support to the study.

Key Responsibilities:

• Attend the full study training to understand the purpose and intent of the study, as well as the plan for implementation.
• With help from the study team, conduct regular visits to selected ANC clinics within their respective County and within protocol approved frequency at minimum.
• Ensure selected ANC sites within their County are enrolling eligible AGYWs as expected.
• Conduct data abstraction from ANC registers and files or electronic records into the study data collection tool.
• Collect completed risk assessment questionnaires from ANC sites and conduct data entry of the questionnaires into the study data base.
• Work with both hub laboratory and ANC staff to ensure study procedures are adhered to
• Ensure data quality by responding to data manager’s queries.
• Ensure data collected is safely transmitted to the designated central location.
• Respond to questions or address feedback from the study team and/or data analysis team as needed.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

The selected research assistant will have the following minimum qualifications:

• Fluency in English or Swahili.
• Experience in collecting quantitative data or abstracting data from existing records for at least two previous studies in a health-related field.
• Experience in electronic collection of public health data.
• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in a social science or health-related field.
• Knowledge and understanding of public health issues, specifically regarding HIV/AIDS.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well in diverse team.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft office and strong typing skills.
• Ability to travel (short notice) within the study counties for extended periods.