Interviewers / Facilitators at Malaria Consortium

Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2022, there were an estimated 249 million malaria cases and 608,000 deaths, primarily among children under five. Furthermore, progress toward malaria elimination has slowed in recent years and new tools and strategies are needed to accelerate efforts. One recent development is the introduction of two malaria vaccines, RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M, which the WHO has recommended for widespread use in moderate and high transmission settings. Currently, twelve countries have introduced malaria vaccines as part of their childhood immunization programs and Nigeria initiated malaria vaccine delivery in November 2024. Despite introduction of these vaccines, the most effective delivery method remains unclear. In many African regions malaria transmission is seasonal, and to effectively reduce malaria in these settings it is crucial to provide protection within the peak transmission season.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Interviewer / Facilitator

Location: Kebbi

Overview

• Malaria Consortium is a recipient of a new grant from Gavi to carry out an implementation research to generate evidence for an effective hybrid model of malaria vaccine delivery in Nigeria. 
• It will assess feasibility, coverage, health impact and cost effectiveness of the hybrid model in highly seasonal malaria transmission settings. 
• The hybrid model proposed offers timely demand creation, monitoring and follow-up to maximize protection for eligible children during the malaria season.

The specific research objectives are as follows:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of the hybrid model
• To evaluate the impact of the hybrid model on malaria vaccination coverage, timeliness of vaccination, vaccine-preventable malaria parasitological outcomes, caregiver outcomes (vaccine awareness, knowledge and perceptions) and utilization of non-vaccine malaria prevention interventions
• To assess the costs associated with implementing the interventions.

Purpose of the Assignment

• The purpose of the assignment is to engage research consultants that will conduct qualitative surveys (FGDs and KIIs).

Scope of Assignment

• The overall objective of this consultancy is to support MC in generating evidence for an effective hybrid model of malaria vaccine delivery in highly seasonal malaria transmission settings. 
• This involves conducting qualitative survey to assess the feasibility and acceptability of implementing the hybrid malaria vaccine immunization with different delivery approaches.

Methodology

• The qualitative survey will draw on a framework of constructs important in feasibility studies described by Proctor et al (2011) to develop topic guides and areas of questioning for both Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews. 
• The qualitative survey will be conducted across 3LGAs in Kebbi state where the project is being implemented.
• The study will employ a purposive sampling strategy to maximize the range and diversity of the participants, ensuring that we have a diversity of participants across criteria which may influence SMC and EPI programming. 
• Furthermore, the KIIs component of the qualitative research will be conducted either virtually or in-person among national and sub-national level policy makers and program managers that have experience and understanding of the SMC and EPI programs. FGDs will be conducted in person (face-to-face) in groups of 10 -12 participants and will take place in a communal space in participant’s communities.
• All the interviews and FGDs will be conducted by local researchers. A second research assistant will be present to take notes and record observations. If the participants consent to audio recording, the interviews and discussions will be recorded and transcribed.

The key outcomes (domains) to be measured are:
Acceptability:

• Health worker (HW) satisfaction and adherence to hybrid approach.
• Community, HW perception of benefits and risks of hybrid model.

Appropriateness:

• Community, HW perceptions of fit/relevance of seasonal messaging to vaccine uptake improvement.

Practicality & Sustainability:

• Health systems capacity to implement hybrid approach supply management, other relevant infrastructure)
• Perception of ease of maintenance or routinization of hybrid model.

Adoption & Fidelity:

• HW and CHWs’ uptake of hybrid approach and implementation consistency.

Expected Output / Deliverables

• Satisfaction & Adherence to hybrid approach (including consistency of messages delivered and willingness to deliver targeted messages)
• Community & HW perception of fit or relevance of the seasonal messaging.
• Health system capacity to implement hybrid approach including supply management & other relevant infrastructure Process Evaluation incorporating some of these key elements KIIs, quantitative (Health facility record review (HWs duty roster, immunization register.
• HW & CHWs uptake of the hybrid approach and consistency of implementation.

Specific Objectives

• Attend the training on the use of the interview guide, FGD guide, and interview and FGD process.
• Participate in the pre-test and finalization process for the interview guide
• Identify and recruit participants for FGDs
• Facilitate FGDs and collect data using the interview guide and the observation guide provided.
• Ensure the interviews and FGDs are accurately recorded.
• Compile and sort the recorded interview records as directed by the research Team lead.
• Ensure anonymity of respondents and develop a relationship of trust and safe space during interview 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.
• Present the data to the Research Team lead at the end of each day.
• Report to the Research Team lead before and after the day’s work for further direction.
• Follow confidentiality and security procedures to ensure respondent privacy is protected.
• Submit all interview and FGD records (audio) and transcribed files to the supervisor(s).
• Transcribe and translate interviews and FGDs.

Deliverables for Interviewer / Facilitator

• Completed interviews and FGDs records.
• Transcription of interview and FGD records.
• Translation of interview and FGD transcriptions.
• Daily report submitted to the Research Team lead.

Qualifications
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 Hausa.
• Strong written skills in English.

Desired:

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

Application Closing Date
Wednesday, 16th April, 2025 (5:00pm).