Qualitative Research Assistant

JOB VACANCY

MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES FRANCE –BLANTYRE

 Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a non-profit, independent international humanitarian organization committed to delivering medical aid to populations facing crises, with a steadfast commitment to impartiality and without regard to race, religion, creed, or political affiliation. In Malawi, MSF works closely with the Ministry of Health and local communities, focusing on the Cervical Cancer project in Blantyre and Chiradzulu districts, as well as the CBO Project in Zalewa and Dedza districts. The CBO project run by MSF France supports two Community Based Organizations —one in Zalewa, Neno District, and another in Dedza District—to enhance sex workers’ access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services.

MSFF is looking for its CBO Project:

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH ASSISTANT – 1 POSITION 

Main purpose of the position

Together with their counterparts based in MSF Epicentre (Principal Investigator (PI) & Lead Social Scientist (LSS)), participates in the implementation of the qualitative component of a mixed-methods study on the feasibility and acceptability of injectable cabotegravir as pre-exposure prophylaxis (CAB-LA) for female sex workers and other vulnerabilized populations accessing sexual health and rights services provided by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Dedza and Neno districts, Malawi. As a service provider, co-implements data collection, transcript/translation and analysis in close cooperation with the study’s lead social scientist.

Accountabilities

• Participates in the implementation of the study’s interview guides and study-specific procedures (SSPs).
• In collaboration with the study coordinator and LSS, supports orientation of the study transcribers/translators (if applicable).
• Ensures compliance of the qualitative study-specific procedures with ethical standards.
• Ensures the appropriate filling of the study forms and registers (e.g., informed consent forms, sociodemographic forms) and the appropriate matching of the participants’ unique identifiers between the study forms and registers and the participants’ data (i.e., recordings and their transcripts/translations).
• Ensures processes for participants’ informed consent are followed as per predefined SSPs.
• Participates in training sessions (2-days) with LSS ahead of qualitative field work in Neno and Dedza.
• Ensures regular oral and written communication with LSS, study coordinator and project coordinator.
• Reporting is to the LSS in Geneva/Malawi, Epicentre and to the Study and Project Coordinators in the MSF field site.

Specific Responsibilities 

I.Implementation 

• Support preparation of the venues for qualitative data collection with the support of the study coordinator and MSF team.
• Support the implementation of the qualitative study-specific SSPs informed consent and data collection forms.
• Work closely with local transcribers/translators (if applicable) with support of study coordinator and LSS.
• Ensure that study activities are conducted in accordance with ethical standards and SSPs.
• Implement the following steps:
  1. Participant inclusion and consenting
  2. Data collection
  3. Transcript preparation
  4. Translation into English
  5. Coding
  6. Initial analysis (memoing, reflexivity)

II. Data processing

This qualitative study will implement contemporaneous data generation and analysis processes, implying:

• Full week in Dedza and Neno Districts (including weekends in April, dates to be confirmed): The conduct of qualitative encounters, transcript and translation, discussion of findings with LSS daily and iteratively (i.e., these steps must be finalized on a transcript-by-transcript manner before a new encounter takes place).
• Blantyre based activities (including weekends in April, dates to be confirmed): The conduct of qualitative encounters, transcript and translation, discussion of findings with LSS daily and iteratively (i.e., these steps must be finalized on a transcript-by-transcript manner before a new encounter takes place).
• Monitor and supervise the quality of the transcribed/translated data, including completeness and consistency.
• Ensure that confidentiality of the data is ensured according to set study procedures.
• Coding of translated transcripts and initial analysis (memoing, reflexivity).

III.      Reporting

• Identify and report any SSPs deviations.
• Participate in regular meetings with study coordinator and LSS to report on qualitative study progress.

Requirements

Applicants meeting the requirements are encouraged to send their Cover Letter, Updated CV, ID Copy, and relevant certificates, in Pdf or word format, to The Personnel Development Manager at Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) France through email to   msff-lilongwe-recruitment@paris.msf.org. Please use the subject line “Qualitative Research Assistant, Your Full Name,” and ensure that each file is appropriately labelled, such as “CV – (Name)”. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. Indicate only the Position and Your Full Name as the Subject Line of the email.

Closing date for receiving applications is March 7, 2025 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

 MSF is an equal opportunity employer: all applicants will be equally considered under the same criteria and expectations. MSF does not charge any application/recruitment or training fees: if ever you are requested to pay any amount to process your application or access employment with MSF, do not pay and please inform the MSF administration on email: msff-lilongwe-recruitment@paris.msf.org as soon as possible.