Research Assistants: Short Term Position for Mid Evaluation Data Collection

CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH AND ALLIED SCIENCES (CUHAS)

Position Type: Temporary.

Focus: Maternal Mental Health and Early Childhood Development

Positions Available: 15

Locations: Geita and Sengerema

Time Frame: July - August

CUHAS-Bugando in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services and the Catholic Diocese of Geita are planning to conduct a Household Survey as part of its baseline assessment in Maternal Mental Well-being into an Early Child Developmental.

The proposed pilot research study seeks to test the impact of the maternal mental wellbeing intervention on maternal mental health, the uptake of key early childhood development practices and the attainment of age-appropriate developmental milestones by children 0-23 months.

Terms of Reference: CUHAS is conducting a household rural survey and is seeking Research Assistants (RAs) to join the research team to conduct household interviews in rural areas using tablet computers. The hiring process will consist of a computer-based test, personal interview with a selection committee. Based on the results of the computer-based test and in-person interview, eligible applicants will be invited to attend a pre-survey training. No individuals should consider successful until they have successfully completed the scheduled training. The data collection will begin this July for an estimated three weeks’ time.

RAs will report to and be supervised by field supervisors and the research coordination team. Successful applicants will be expected to have their own sun gears and appropriate walking shoes.

Qualifications:

• Must have a bachelor’s degree from a formally recognized university. Diploma holders with at least one-year field research experience in health issues may apply.

 • Must have proficient computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel); familiarity with tablet computer or smartphone applications is an asset.

• Prior experience with data collection is an added asset

 • Demonstrated accurate and efficient data entry using computers is considered an asset

 • Must be physically fit and willing and able to walk long distances, carrying at least 10kg back-pack of research items.

 • Must be comfortable and willing to work in rural areas and be sensitive to the confidentiality and privacy of rural communities; prior experience working in rural areas is an asset

• Must be fluent in Swahili and English with excellent communication skills in both languages. Fluency in Sukuma will be an added advantage.

 • Must be flexible and the candidate may be required to work long hours, holidays and weekends at times where necessary

• The candidate should bring all original documents at the time of interview.

Candidates should include in their application, a contact information (day phone and email preferred) for two references, which may be academic or professional.

How to apply: Interested candidates should send their applications by email to the School of Public Health at CUHAS via cuhas.mhecd@gmail.com

Please include only a CV in your email in a PDF format which addresses each of the above qualifications. All e-mail should have a subject indicating Research Assistant Positioning in MH & ECD

Please note that, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Application Closing date will be 18th July 2016 12noon.