Qualitative Research Assistant at Malaria Consortium (2 Openings)

Malaria Consortium - Established in 2003, Malaria Consortium is one of the world’s leading non-profit organizations specializing in the comprehensive prevention, control and treatment of malaria and other communicable diseases among vulnerable and underprivileged populations. We increasingly find our work on malaria can be effectively integrated with other similar public health interventions for greater impact and therefore expanded our remit to include child health and neglected tropical disease interventions. We work in Africa and Asia with communities, governments, academic institutions, and local and international organizations, to ensure effective delivery of services, which are supported by strong evidence.

Malaria Consortium, through funding from the Philanthropy Funding supports NMEP and SMEP in Bauchi, Borno, FCT, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kogi, Nasarawa, Oyo and Plateau States to implement Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC). SMC involves the administration of monthly treatment courses of a combination of antimalarial drugs with the objective of maintaining therapeutic antimalarial drug concentrations in the blood throughout the period of transmission (rainy season) to prevent malaria.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Qualitative Research Assistant

Locations: Bauchi and Osun

Purpose of the Assignment

• The purpose of this assignment is to conduct research and other field activities for quantitative and qualitative research to test the two behaviorally informed and final interventions designed to increase insecticide treated nets (ITNs) in selected areas of Osun state in Nigeria. We will evaluate the interventions separately.
• Each intervention will be implemented in a cohort of around 150 households, forming a community or group of contiguous communities. The two interventions will be evaluated separately.
• The study will employ both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection to provide measures of operational feasibility, acceptability among users and intermediaries involved in delivering the intervention, and the cost of the intervention. 
• The quantitative sample is expected to be representative of the demographic characteristics of the population residing in the location selected.
• The study will employ the framework developed by Bowen et al. which proposes eight areas of focus that a feasibility study may address: acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, adaptation, integration, expansion, limited-efficacy.

Scope of Work

• In this study we will pilot the two interventions, which employ different behavioural mechanisms, in a real-life setting. Each intervention will be piloted in a separate location and with separate communities. 
• We will use both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection to provide measures of operational feasibility, acceptability among users and intermediaries involved in delivering the intervention, and the cost of the intervention.

Specific tasks
Specific tasks for Qualitative Research Assistants (FGDs/Interviews):

• Participate in the training activity on the use of FGD and KII topic guide and process.
• Participate in the pre-test and finalization process for the interview guide
• Participate in identifying and recruiting of participants for FGDs and KII
• Depending on the assignment, collect data using the interview guide and the observation guide provided, facilitate FGDs, take notes during FGDs.
• Document all the findings in the provided FGD guide.
• Ensure the interviews and FGDs are accurately recorded.
• Compile and sort the recorded interview records as directed by the supervisor.
• Transcribe all recorded (audio) interviews.
• Ensure anonymity of respondents and develop a relationship of trust and safe space during interview exercises with respondents.
• Transcribe Verbatim and translate interviews and FGDs.
• Ensure that data is handled in accordance with the approved research protocol.
• Ensure the integrity of data and the accurate storing as directed by the supervisor.
• Take all mandated steps to guarantee the protection of personal data.
• Report to the supervisor any issues or concerns that may impact compliance with the research protocol.
• 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 interview and FGD records (audio) and transcribed files to the research officer.

Person specification: Qualitative research assistants
Essential:

• OND / HND or a BSc 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.
• Previous participation in Malaria Consortium’s qualitative research.
• Innovative, motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision.

Application Closing Date
2nd June, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• For this position, previous working experience with MC and in SMC are added advantages.
• Kindly note that 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.
• NB: 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.