Zambart is an independent Zambian research organization with a longstanding research partnership between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the University of Zambia which began in 1988, and it has become one of Zambia’s leading research groups specialising in Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

We facilitate quality interdisciplinary health research on issues of public health importance in Zambia. Over the years, Zambart has expanded its scope to include both qualitative and quantitative studies around TB and HIV as well as other infections and public health issues such as poverty, mental health and more. Results from numerous studies have contributed to policy and practice at both national and global levels.

Zambart staff form an interdisciplinary team with a range of expertise including epidemiology, clinical science, social science, laboratory, operations research, health systems and services research, health policy analysis, health economics, health communication research compliance and counselling.

Study Summary:

Zambart is currently recruiting staff for a new study entitled: “Global Burden Estimation of Human Papillomavirus (GLOBE-HPV). This study aims to estimate the prevalence of HPV 16 and/or 18 infection among a representative sample of girls and women. In addition, the study aims to estimate the incidence of HPV infection in selected populations over 2 years.

To support our wide range of research activities, we are looking for full time candidates to fill the following positions:

Senior Research Assistants – Cross Sectional Survey (2 in Lusaka and 2 in Kanakantapa) 24 Months Contract

The Research Assistant (RA) is someone familiar with the community in which they work, appointed to enrol participants in the study. The role includes information giving about the study and obtaining informed consent from study participants. The RAs will ideally be younger than RA CSS. RA LS will enrol participants from the facility ART department specifically. Overall, the RAs should be part of a collective effort to inform study participants about the study and the benefits of the study. The Senior RA will report to the Study Nurse.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Provide study information and obtain informed consent/parental/assent from study participants.
• Demonstrate to the participant how to collect vaginal swabs by insertion of the swab in the 3 D model
• Ensure that samples collected are of high quality
• Administer the study questionnaire using electronic data capture
• Engage with study participants in a respectful way
• Maintain high level of confidentiality and privacy throughout the study procedures

Requirements

• Diploma in a relevant field or equivalent experience in working with people living with HIV in study circles
• Good social communication skills.
• Must be a psycho-social /HIV testing counsellor
• Knowledge of HIV and HPV research.
• Computer literacy and ability to use an electronic data capture device (tablet).
• Be registered with Counselling Council of Zambia.
• A minimum of 2 years work experience in a similar position.
• Fluency in English, Nyanja and Bemba spoken in target community.
• Must be willing to work long hours or as duty demand.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Resident in the catchment area.