Research Supervisors: Short Term Position for Baseline Data Collection

Position Type: Temporary.
Positions Available: 5
Locations: Misungwi, Mwanza

Introduction:

CUHAS-Bugando in collaboration with Mwanza Region and Misungwi District Health Management Teams, and in partnership with University of Calgary (UofC), Agriteam Canada, Save the Mothers (STM), the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) are planning to conduct a Household Survey as part of its baseline assessment in Mama na Mtoto (MnM) project.
This is one of the initiatives supported through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD)/Global Affairs Canada’s (GAC) Partnerships for Strengthening MNCH (PS-MNCH) program.
The project’s goal is to contribute to reductions in maternal and child mortality in Mwanza region. The project is complemented by an implementation research initiative which is supported through the International Development Research Centre’s (IDRC)- Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa (IMCHA) program.


Terms of Reference: CUHAS is conducting a household rural survey and is seeking Research Supervisors 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 a computer-based test and an in-person interview, eligible applicants will be invited to attend a pre-survey training beginning in late August. Individuals will not be considered for hiring until after they have successfully completed the scheduled training. Data collection will begin early in September and will last for an estimated three to four weeks.

Supervisors will supervise 5-6 Research Assistants who are collecting household survey data.  Working from rural areas, supervisors will ensure that RA’s are collecting accurate and complete data and in a timely and efficient fashion.  RA’s will review collected data, maintain accurate lists of households surveyed or yet to be surveyed, preform spot checks on research assistants and ensure that research equipment is functioning (i.e. tablets charge and ready to go each morning) and stored safely. Research supervisors will work closely with the research coordination team.  The position of supervisor is a demanding position of leadership that requires maturity, good organization skills, an ability to work as a team and trouble shoot as required.     
Source::: MKAGUZI BLOG

Qualifications & Job descriptions:
·         Must have a bachelor’s degree from a formally recognized university. Diploma holders with at least one-year field research experience may apply.
·         Must have proficient computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint); 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 a 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. The Candidate may be required to work long hours, holidays and weekends at times where necessary
·         Observe interviewer’s administering questionnaire (discreetly), and rotate between RAs to continue observations regularly throughout the survey.
·         Review all interview tools for quality every evening and discuss data quality issues with research assistants as soon as they are noted. 
·         Review ‘Other’ responses and re-categorize if applicable, daily. Supervisors will keep a tally of interviews completed and ensure that timelines are met.
·         Organize all interview tools by village into folders and ensure that completed tools and other research equipment are kept in a secure area.
·         Monitor for falsification of data
·         Manage a team of five to six research assistants; assist with any difficulties and address issues that arise within the team or between teams (i.e. illness, injury, inadequate performance etc)
·         Record problems and report to the research coordination team.
·         Report sick or malnourished children to health centre staff
·         Submit all tools at the end of each week to research coordination team (NOTE: the week’s work is not considered complete until these tools are submitted

Candidates should include in their application, contact information (day phone and email preferred) for two references, which may be academic or professional. 
Apply Through ....... 
How to apply: Interested candidates should send their applications by hand to Bugando Building Complex 4th floor room D406 or by email to the Mama na Mtoto (MnM) Project Coordinator: lyneamour@gmail.com AND Principal Investigator (PI): magonza@bugando.ac.tz. Please ensure your cover letter (hand written) and CV directly addresses each of the above qualifications.
Please note that, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Application Closing date will be 16th August, 2016 4pm.
Source::: MKAGUZI BLOG