Research Assistants

Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health with funding from the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) is implementing a study to evaluate the Oral PrEP Delivery Models in Uganda here referred to as the (“Oral PrEP Study”). This evaluation will identify the various PrEP delivery models currently in use in Uganda and how effective they are as well as the cost for delivery of PrEP and feasibility for further scale up. It will also involve establishing the feasibility of injectable PrEP to find out whether the delivery of injectable PrEP is feasible in Uganda and if providers as well as users and potential users are ready to provide or take up injectable PrEP and what necessary preparation is needed ahead of the roll out of injectable PrEP.

The study will involve collection of both qualitative and quantitative data from PrEP Users, Potential PrEP Users of different groups and sub-population including key population groups, health-care workers involved in the provision of Oral PrEP at health facilities and Community Drop-In Centers, Implementing Partners supporting the provision of Oral PrEP services in the regions and facilities among other key stakeholders. Quantitative data will be collected through client exit interviews with a selected sample of PrEP clients, while qualitative data will be collected through In-depth interview, focus group discussions and key informant interviews with PrEP Users, Potential PrEP Users, and Providers of PrEP services respectively. The study will also involve abstraction of data from PrEP clients registers at the facilities and as well completing a Facility PrEP services provision Assessment tool.

The study will be conducted in 20 districts randomly selected across the country. The respective districts include; Central (Kyotera, Mubende, Kayunga), Kampala (Kampala, Wakiso), Nothern (Gulu, Lira, Arua), Eastern (Tororo, Mbale, Busia), and Western (Hoima, Ntungamo, Mbarara).

The Study lead team wishes to recruit twenty-five (25) research assistants to support data collection. The purpose of this advertisement is to request interested persons to apply for the post of research assistant.

 Key job responsibilities:

1. Mobilizing prospective research participants and sensitizing them about the Oral PrEP study, being able to explain the study objectives and study procedures
2. Enlisting informed consent from research participants before interviews
3. Administering quantitative survey questionnaire on selected respondents
4. Conducting a Time and Motion Observation for PrEP clients receiving services at the facility/center
5. Conduct qualitative interviews including focus group discussions, In-depth interviews, and key informant interviews
6. Conducting data abstraction from clients registers at the health facilities
7. Completing a Facility Services Assessment form
8. Reimbursing research participants for time compensation and transport refund where necessary and accounting for any funds advanced for the conduct of field/study related activities
9. Participating in data quality control activities such as; editing questionnaires, review of qualitative interview scripts and attending debriefing meetings from time to time as need might arise
10. Any other field/study related activities as may be assigned by the Study PI and or Study coordinator

Required Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in humanities and health related disciplines; preferably Social Sciences, Education, Adult and Community Education, Public Health, Health Services research, Development Studies, Community Psychology, and Nursing.
• At least 2 years of experience in health-related research and especially research related to HIV/AIDS, and TB.
• Proven experience and skills in conducting high quality qualitative interviews through focus group discussions, key informant interview, and In-depth interviews. A practical demonstration of this experience will be required.
• Training in Human research subjects Education and research ethics (GCP) is required.
• Training and experience in HIV/AIDS counselling and psychosocial support is an added advantage.
• Proficiency in English and the local language of the respective study region and or district/s of the applicant’s interest.
• Ability to demonstrate working on short deadlines, adapting to field dynamics and dealing with challenges.
• Good rapport skills and networking with local district support structures including PLHIV network groups/leaders, health facilities and district health teams among others.
• Pleasant, social, hardworking, flexible, with a spirit of team work/building.
• With good interpersonal skills, and high integrity.
• Self-motivated and able to work under minimum supervision.
• Willingness to work and reside in a rural setting.
• Willing and ready to work for long hours.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit their application letters, resume and a support letter from one of the referees as ONE PDF DOCUMENT to the Dean Makerere University School of Public Health on recruitment@musph.ac.ug.

NOTE: Applicants must indicate the region and district of interest in the email subject.

Application deadline:

Not later than 20th March, 2023 at 5:00pm. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.