Research Assistants (10 Positions) at Gold Star Kenya

Job Summary:

Responsible for collecting study data according to the study specifications. These activities can include semistructured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews, moderating focus group discussions, or other qualitative data collection methods. Maintains confidentiality and security of data gathered.

Position Description:

• Prepares sites for data collection activities.
• Identifies, contacts and recruits qualified candidates for assigned research study.
• Conducts qualitative data collection such as semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions,community mapping, seasonal calendars, causal flow diagrams, etc. to gather data for the assigned research study.
• Map out community locations based on requirements for informal conversations and intercepts. Have the ability to quickly gauge a context and through conversations be able to set up spontaneous interviews and discussions.
• Set up group discussions, in an appropriate place and ensure communication with participants to guarantee timely presence and participation.
• May collect additional structured data if required for the study.
• Meticulously maintains complete and accurate records and files pertaining to the assigned research study.
• Maintains participant confidentiality and security of data gathered.
• Accurately translates and transcribes collected data, as required.
• Provides reimbursement to study participants and maintains accurate records of disbursements and

balances, as required

• Assists in monitoring study progress including updating timelines, tracking data quality, and enrollment and notifying investigators of adverse events.
• Participate in initial & follow up trainings on the study and daily debrief sessions with the team at the end of the day to download data from the day’s activities and the synthesis at the end of the field work
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Physical demands:

• The position can entail long periods of sitting, standing and/or walking.
• Workstations (postings) will vary from county to county (Baringo, Garissa, Laikipia, Kajiado, Makueni, Kilifi and refugee camps Dadaab and Kakuma.)
• Field schedules vary from day to day and according to the preference of the potential study participants.

Minimum Requirements:

• BS/BA in relevant field and 5 years work experience in qualitative research.
• Experience working with health programs and market research is preferred
• Fluent in both Kiswahili and spoken English. Local language as per context will be an added advantage.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to follow study-specific procedures and guidelines reliably.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including ability to adapt to changing situations and group dynamics.
• Proficiency in basic computer technology including word processing (e.g. Microsoft Word), email and basic data entry (e.g. Microsoft Excel).
• Previous training and experience in data collection and analysis methods (Deedose, N-vivo or other software) is highly desirable.