JOB VACANCY – Qualitative Research Assistant
(Three positions – 2 male and 1 Female)
SolidarMed is a leading non-profit organisation working to improve the health care of 2.5 million people in Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Working with national partners to strengthen health systems and community capacities, we are committed to scientific evidence and policy dialogue both as foundations and objectives of our work. We seek motivated persons to join our team as qualitative research assistants for the ComBaCaL (Community Based Chronic Care Lesotho) project. Preferably, fresh graduates who conducted qualitative research work during their undergraduate program and are now interested in contributing to impactful research and expanding their skills in qualitative analysis.
The qualitative research assistant will support the qualitative work for the CoPraC (Community health worker-led HIV Prevention and Care). CoPraC is a sub-study within the ComBaCaL main cohort, which aims to assess a Village Health Worker-led, eHealth-assisted model of care for delivering HIV services in rural communities of Butha-Buthe and Mokhotlong.
Contract Type: Short-term for three months with a possible extension for a maximum of two months
Assignment: Place Butha-Buthe with frequent travel to Mokhotlong
Required Competencies:
• Communication and report writing skills, ability to work under pressure, knowledge of qualitative research.
• Ability to keep confidentiality/secure patients’ information.
• Positive overview, good interpersonal skills, reliability, punctuality, self-motivation and team player.
• Ability to communicate fluently in written and spoken Sesotho and English
Key Responsibilities (1) Support researchers in organisation, recruitment, and participant selection
Core tasks
• Arranging logistics: scheduling interviews/focus groups, securing venues and ensuring necessary equipment is available.
• Taking a proactive role in the recruitment of study participants in collaboration with the study team
• Ensuring participants meet the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the study.
• Collecting precise demographic information from each participant at enrolment.
• Giving a detailed explanation and correctly document and obtain written informed consent.
Key Responsibilities (2) Conduct in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs)
Core tasks:
• Establish confidentiality & build rapport by establishing a comfortable and open environment.
• Follow interview guides and manage and facilitate FGDs.
• Actively listening, paying attention to participants’ responses, and asking for clarification where necessary.
• Facilitating group dynamics and encouraging balanced participation from group members
• Audio-record discussions and note down non-verbal cues (e.g. body language, facial expressions)
Key Responsibilities (3) Transcription and translation of interview and FGD data
Core tasks:
• Transcribe and translate all interviews and FGDs from audio recordings into written text by typing spoken words verbatim, including all speech, pauses, ‘filler words’ and expressions (e.g. laughter, sighs)
• Maintain consistency in formatting, punctuation, and style throughout the transcription, using timestamps to mark significant points in the audio.
• Ensure translation from Sesotho into English captures meaning and context of the original text
Qualification Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, preferably a Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, or a related Social Science academic program.
Job Experience
None
Interested candidates should email their applications to [email protected] before the close of business on March 29, 2024, Subject line: Qualitative Research Assistant – ComBaCaL Project
Applications must include:
• A cover letter outlining your motivation and how you meet the requirements.
• Curriculum Vitae indicating relevant qualitative research work experience.
• Contact details of 3 professional referees and
• Certified copies of your latest and /or most relevant qualification.
NB:
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.