Research Assistant Facilitators / Interviewers at Malaria Consortium – 4 Openings

Job Title: Research Assistant Facilitator / Interviewer

Project Background

• Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, which bear the brunt of over 90% of the 250 million infections globally, and over half a million deaths each year. Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are a well-proven method to reduce the chances of malaria infection, accounting for 68% of the cases averted between 2000 and 2015. Thanks to massive national distribution campaigns in these countries access to ITNs in many regions is high. However, there is still a significant gap between access to and use of ITNs – even when people have them they don’t always use them.
• This is a complex behavioural problem. Previous studies have highlighted barriers to mosquito net use such as concerns about chemicals, difficulties in hanging nets, and discomfort during use, and lack of relative risk perception from malaria. These barriers prevent full use of ITNs even when available. This requires a behaviourally informed approach to better understand and address these issues through targeted interventions.
• This research activities which draws from insights from our earlier qualitative exploratory study addressing barriers and facilitators, and culminating in the development of a prototype intervention, will comprise focus groups with a diverse sample of the population in areas with access to mosquito nets. We will conduct purposive sampling on geographical, socioeconomic, behavioural, and demographic characteristics to ensure a breadth and diversity of study participants. The study will focus on Osun state in Nigeria.

Purpose of the Assignment

• The purpose of this assignment is to conduct qualitative research to understand how participants feel and act towards a basic example of a behavioural intervention (low fidelity prototype) and then, after refining, test the more developed example to increase insecticide treated nets (ITNs) in selected areas of Osun state in Nigeria.

Scope of work

• The qualitative work to be conducted under this service contract agreement involves the following components:
  • 5 to 6 focus group discussions with 6-8 participants per group, of a duration of around 90 minutes for the low fidelity prototype testing
  • 5 to 6 focus group discussions with 6-8 participants per group, of a duration of around 90 minutes for the high-fidelity prototype testing
• The study will employ a purposive sampling strategy to maximise the range and diversity of the sample, ensuring that we have a diversity of participants across criteria which may influence mosquito net use.
• Focus groups will be conducted in person (face-to-face) in groups of 6-8 participants and will take place in a communal space in participants’ communities. Topic guides have been designed drawing on results of initial exploratory research.
• We will seek input from potential users and frontline workers through user testing focus groups which will explore participants’ actions, behaviour, and attitudes towards the prototypes.
• User testing focus groups will support the study research aims by allowing participants to directly interact with the intervention and provide feedback to improve its acceptability and effectiveness.
• We will conduct user testing of a low-fidelity prototype of the intervention through focus groups with potential end-users. Following initial focus groups, we will incorporate user feedback received to refine the intervention. We will develop a high-fidelity prototype of the refined intervention and conduct user testing focus groups to explore participants’ attitudes towards and interactions with the high-fidelity prototype. This will allow us to seek feedback and refine the intervention to increase its acceptability and likely effectiveness. Drawing on these findings and the behavioural science literature, we will then design a pilot intervention in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Focus groups will be led by a local researcher. A second research assistant will be present to take notes and record observations using a note-taking template developed by BIT. If participants consent to audio recording, the discussion will be recorded and transcribed.
• All recordings will be transcribed and translated.

Specific tasks for Research Assistant Facilitators / Interviewers

• Participate in the training activity on the use of FGD topic guide, and FGD process.
• Participate in the pre-test and finalization process for the topic guide.
• Identify and recruit participants for FGDs.
• Depending on the assignment, collect data using the FGD guide, and the observation guide provided, facilitate FGDs, take notes during FGDs.
• Document all the findings in the provided FGD guide.
• Ensure the FGDs are accurately recorded.
• Compile and sort the recorded FGD records as directed by the supervisor.
• Ensure anonymity of respondents and develop a relationship of trust and safe space during FGD exercises with respondents.
• Identify and report any challenges faced that could affect the quality of the data.
• Ensure the integrity of data from collection to storage.
• Ensure project equipment is used with care and is protected from damage.
• Promptly report any safeguarding risks and incidents.
• Present the data to the supervisor at the end of each day.
• Report to the supervisor before and after the day’s work for further direction.
• Follow confidentiality and security procedures to ensure respondent privacy is protected
• Submit all FGD records (audio) to the supervisor(s)

Deliverables for Research Assistant Facilitators Interviewers / (4):

• Completed FGDs records.
• Daily report submitted to the supervisor.
• Final report.

Person specification: Research Assistant Facilitator / Interviewer
Essential:

• OND / HND / B.Sc in a relevant academic field.
• At least 2 years experience in collecting data for qualitative studies.
• Attention to detail.
• Computer literacy to be able to work on electronic recording devices.
• Good interpersonal and social skills.
• Strong written and verbal skills in Yoruba.
• Strong written skills in English.

Desired:

• Resident in Osun state.
• Good communication skills and experience in participatory methodology.
• Innovative, motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision.

Quality Assurance:

• Please note that you may be contacted or invited by the Malaria Consortium’s Project Technical Team to discuss progress of activities, deliverables and timelines as related to this assignment.

Compensations
Please note that all terms will be discussed and agreed with the project lead. Payments are subject to satisfactory and timely completion of all assigned deliverables and will be according to Malaria Consortium’s finance policies.

Application Instructions:

The application deadline is 19th January, 2025 (5:00PM). Qualified and interested candidates can “CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION” It is important to visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply successfully for this vacancy.

Website:
Official Job Website: https://www.malariaconsortium.org/

Note

• For this position, previous working experience with MC and in SMC are added advantages.
• Applicants who do not follow this specification will be disqualified.
• Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Kindly note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and as a result, the process may conclude before the advertised deadline. Therefore, early applications are highly encouraged.
• Malaria Consortium does not accept or ask for payment during recruitment. We also would not accept hardcopy CVs; all applications should be sent through the above link.