Research Assistants - Mwanza

 VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

MITU,based at the National Institute for Medical Research campus in Mwanza, Tanzania, is a collaborative
research unit of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the National Institute for Medical
Research. The mission of the Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit is to contribute to improving health through the development and evaluation of interventions against HIV and other health problems by conducting research to the highest international standards; to enhance the capacity to carry out such research in Tanzania and the East African region; and to contribute to the translation of research findings into health policy.

The Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit (MITU) is inviting applicants for the following posts to perform data collection for a new research study investigating drowning in Tanzania.

Research Assistants - Mwanza

The Research Assistants will be responsible for data collection for a new research project aiming to generate evidence to support the development of drowning prevention strategies in high-risk populations around Lake Victoria in Tanzania. 

Specific objectives of the project are to:

1. estimate the incidence of drowning deaths among fishermen and other resident groups in lakeside communities;

2.  improve understanding of who is most at risk and why;

3.evaluate potential effects of perceived drowning risk on other health-related risk behaviours, focusing on sexual behaviour and HIV;

4.  assess the social and economic impact of drowning deaths; and

5.  explore perceived feasibility and acceptability towards potential drowning prevention interventions.

Data will be collected from fishermen and the wider lakeside fishing communities through structured interviews
and surveys, in-depth death reviews, and observational analyses of behaviour.

The Research Assistants will playa crucial role in collecting high quality data that will allow us to meet these objectives. In order to do this, they will be required to spend a significant proportion of their time in Lake Zone fishing communities (including overnight stays in cases where sites are very far).

The Research Assistants will report to the Senior Study Coordinator. The contract for each position will be for a duration of 6 months, and will ideally commence from mid-June 2017.

Responsibilities/duties

·        Describe the study to, and take informed consent from, study participants.

·        Collect data from existing data sources such as death registers and BMU records.

·        Perform in depth interviews with study participants.

·        Lead focus group discussions with study participants.

·        Guide participants through structured surveys.

·        Perform observational analyses of behavior of fishermen.

·        Communicate and build good relationships with localleadersin each of the study sites, such as Ward

Executive Officers, District Commissioners.

·        Report to the Senior Study Coordinator on a regular basis.

·        Carry out study procedures ethically and according to applicable laws and regulations.

·        Perform other tasks as required.

Selection Criteria 

. 

Essential

·       An undergraduate degree from a widely-recognized university in the field of health sciences (including
public health), social sciences, nursing, epidemiology or demography.

·       At least one year of research experience in the field of health sciences, social sciences, epidemiology
and/or demography.

·       Experience of performing data collection and analyses for qualitative research, through interviews,

surveys and/or focus group meetings.

·       Experience of administering structured surveys/questionnaires.

·       Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Swahili.

·       Computer literacy and ability to use Word, Excel and Power Point.

·       Ability to work independently and to take initiative.

·       Excellent interpersonal skills and a highly professional attitude.

Desirable

·       A postqraduate qualification in the field of health sciences, social sciences,epidemiology or demography from a widely-recognized university.

·       Experience and/or knowledge of socioeconomic research.

·        Experience with using data managemen

Usocial science/analysis packages such asST AT A and/or NVIVO.

How to apply

Interested applicants should email recruitment@mitu.or.tz to request an application form. The completed
application form should be submitted together with a cover letter and CV to the same email address by s"
June 2017. Paper applications will not be accepted. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.