TITLE: RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (12)

LOCATION: Lusaka Province

ASSIGNMENT LENTH:  April to August 2024

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Population Council is an international, nonprofit, nongovernmental institution that seeks to improve the well-being and reproductive health of current and future generations around the world and to help achieve a humane, equitable, and sustainable balance between people and resources. The Council conducts biomedical, social science, and public health research and helps build research capacities in developing countries. Established in 1952, the Council is governed by an international board of trustees. Its New York headquarters supports a global network of regional and country offices.  We are seeking individuals to fill the position described.

Population Council in partnership with Implenomics, Research Triangle Institute and the Society for Clinical and Radiation Oncologists of Zambia (ZASCRO) is undertaking a study whose overall aim is to develop and test an integrated model of cancer control for adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYAHIV), aged 15-39, that can be delivered as an embedded component in existing HIV treatment programs in primary care facilities and linked with specialist treatment at the Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH). The study will be conducted in Lusaka Province in Lusaka, Chongwe and Chilanga Districts.

The program proposes to use theory-informed multilevel strategies to create the AYAHIV Role-based Responsibilities for Oncology-focused Workforce (ARROW) program. The ARROW program works to increase uptake of services for early diagnosis and improve compliance with cancer treatment for Kaposi-Sarcoma (KS), Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL), and Cervical Cancer (CC).

The aims of this project are planned to be achieved in two phases:

• Phase 1 – Formative Phase
  • Patient Level – The study team has conducted formative research and develop and refine educational materials regarding cancer screening, early diagnosis, and treatment, and also discuss stigma faced by AYAHIV to refine measures that will be used in Phase 2.
  • In phase 2 – Intervention Phase (current phase) the study will assess the efficacy of the multilevel strategies on implementation and clinical outcomes.

In order to ensure the study aims are met, the Population Council is seeking to recruit 12 Research Assistants who will support data collection for the baseline and subsequent intervention monitoring in target facilities in Lusaka, Chilanga and Chongwe Districts. The Research Assistants will report to the Study Coordinator and work in collaboration with the study Principal Investigators and Ministry of Health teams, at selected facilities. The ideal candidates will have previous experience working in a high paced research environment, have ability to engage and establish good rapport with adolescents and young adults to gain their trust and confidence. Prior experience with positively engaging adolescent girls and boys or community mobilization will be an added advantage.

Research Assistant Responsibilities

• Participate in startup training workshops to receive orientation on various study aspects.
• Screen and recruit participants into the study according to the set eligibility criteria.
• Conduct data collection and follow up activities including tracking adolescent girls/boys and young adults and conducting visitations as may be required.
• Complete necessary reports following activity completion.
• Adhere to study protocol and training material in undertaking of one’s duty.
• Ensure privacy and confidentiality of all study participants.
• Safeguard and maintain study equipment and materials.
• Complete Human subjects Protection (HSP) and Good Clinical Practices (GCP) training.
• Obtain informed consent from participants before conducting any data collection.
• Build rapport with participants to facilitate open and accurate reporting or recording of information.

Qualifications and requirements

• Males and females between the ages of 20-35years
• Grade 12 certificate with a minimum of a credit in English, Maths, and Sciences
• Diploma in a Development/Clinical related field
• Certificate in Psychosocial Counselling will be an added advantage.
• Basic knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV support preferred.
• Willing to carry out duties listed above.
• Possesses strong leadership qualities.
• Work with minimal supervision.
• Fluent in English and the Zambian language(s) of the community (Bemba, Tonga or Nyanja is recommended)