UNC Project Malawi
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Job Summary
Under the guidance of the PACMan Study Coordinator, the Research Assistant will work with the Study Team to ensure proper recruitment, screening, tracing and enrolment of participants, administer the Mother-Infant Pair survey and complete case reporting forms (CRFs), and conduct In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), among other tasks. The Research Assistant will be based exclusively in the field, and will be expected to travel to study sites in Lilongwe and Mangochi to assist with community-based study procedures.
Specific Responsibilities
- Performs all relevant field activities per the PACMan study protocol and SOPs, including MOH record review, participant recruitment and screening procedures, informed consent procedures, community tracing/ home visits, and enrollment and CRF administration.
- Works closely with implementing partner staff at facility and community levels to ensure that the implementation of study activities does not interrupt routine service delivery.
- Regularly communicates progress and any challenges and difficulties to the Study Coordinator.
- Assists with implementation of qualitative study procedures, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and structured observations, among other activities.
- Provides the Data Officer and Study Coordinator with data to assess the progress of the study with enrollments and other study targets.
- Identifies challenges in the field and problem solves independently, and with the PACMan Study Coordinator, to identify a way forward.
- Ensures effective communication with the team in the field at all times, especially the PACMan Study Coordinator.
- Ensures that the Study Protocol and Standard Operating Procedures are followed at all times.
- Effectively and respectfully represents the study at facilities and in the community
- Participates in study specific meetings as required
- Accurately and professionally transcribe audio recordings from In-Depth Interviews and Focus Group Discussions in a timely manner.
- Maintain an accurate log of all transcripts completed and provide a weekly report
- Ensure that all transcript documents are password protected and maintain a password log for all files
- Ensures proper management of recording equipment and management of electronic audio files
- Assists the Data Officer with collection of MOH data recording tools, treatment cards, and registers for data entry.
- Ensure participant confidentiality at all times
- Report all community misconceptions about research and address any concerns in an expeditious manner to the PACMan Study Coordinator
- Provide high quality service to participants by maintaining pleasant relationships at all times and attending to participants in a timely manner
- Acquire and maintain an in-depth knowledge of the study protocol
- Adheres to HSP and GCP principles for the ethical conduct of research at all times
Miscellaneous
- Performing any other duties assigned by Management.
- Perform high quality work at all times
Qualifications
- Has completed required Human Subject Protection (HSP) and Good Clinical Practices (GCP) training.
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree with at least 1 year experience in research.
- Experience working in a community-based or field-based study or programme, preferred
- Fluent in comprehending Chichewa
- Able to organize and schedule multiple work-related tasks efficiently
- Past experience in transcribing interviews and supporting qualitative research projects
- Experience in clinical research or other research activities, ideally relating to HIV, required
- Excellent written and spoken English skills
- Active certification in HIV counseling and testing preferred
Please send your applications via email to:
The Country Director
UNC Project
Lilongwe
Email: administration@unclilongwe.org
Deadline for receiving applications:
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.