Consultant – Researcher (Interviewer): International Organization for Migration (IOM) Jobs in Kenya

_____________________________________________________________________________________ Vacancy Notice No: IOM/007/10

Functional Title: Consultant – Researcher (Interviewer) – 4 positions available

Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya

Duration: February – mid May, 2010 (approx. 3.5 months)

1. Background

To date the HIV response has been targeted towards general population efforts, and as such little is known about the risk of HIV infection among most-at risk groups (MARPs) in Kenya.There has been some research around sex work, but these studies tend to recruit Kenyan born sex workers, leaving out a large proportion of the sex work population which comprises migrants including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and undocumented and irregular migrants.Agencies working with sex workers in Nairobi note that these women are not being reached by current HIV programming.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the National AIDS Control Council of Kenya (NACC), the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), the Kenya AIDS Control Project (KACP), University of Nairobi, and the Joint UN Team on AIDS (JUNTA) in Kenya proposes a joint effort in an attempt to obtain the required strategic information for intensifying prevention programmes among this key population, currently overlooked by the national response.The goal of this activity is to provide baseline data to initiate routine HIV surveillance of this group, to be replicated in two to three years.

Findings will be reported to all stakeholders and the Ministries of Health (MOH) and information will be used to better target prevention programmes for this vulnerable group.Results will also contribute towards global efforts in identifying HIV risks and vulnerabilities among migrants and displaced persons residing outside of camp settings.In many countries Integrated Bio-Behavioral Surveillance (IBBS) studies have become an integral component informing the national HIV response.These studies have been shown to be particularly useful in providing information on behaviors among sub-populations who are difficult to reach through traditional household surveys, but who are likely to be at higher risk of HIV infection or transmission, such as sex workers and their clients.

The research will use a methodology called Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) that requires in depth training, monitoring and close supervision of all staff and data collection sites.Due to the technical and logistical challenges of researching inherently marginalized populations, a collaborative approach will be undertaken in implementing this project.Technical experts at the country, regional, and/or global level from respective agencies will provide inputs during each stage of the project. Government officials and local NGOs will assist in providing the necessary permissions for undertaking the research and for accessing marginalized populations

2. Nature of the consultancy

Participate in the implementation of an IBBS survey among migrant FSWs in Nairobi.

Objective: To establish baseline data on key HIV risk behaviors and HIV prevalence among migrant FSWs in Nairobi.


3. IOM Project to which the Consultancy is contributing:Integrated Bio-Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBS) among Migrant Female SexWorkers (FSWs) in Nairobi, Kenya

4. Tasks to be performed under this contract:

Working under the direction of the Field Team Leader (FTL) and under the overall supervision of the Principal Investigator the incumbent will serve primarily as interviewer, in addition to performing other field research related activities.The researcher will be trained in RDS methodology and must have an overall understanding of all components of RDS, including enrollment and eligibility procedures, interviewing processes, management and payment of the incentive, coupon management and steps involved in the collection and management of biological samples.The interviewer reports directly to the FTL.The incumbent will undertake the following tasks:
· Conduct face-to-face interviews, in a non-judgemental manner, ensuring that respondents’ answers to questions are recorded immediately
· Record data using computer assisted device interviewing (CADI).
· Build rapport with the respondents to put them at ease.
· Ensure that the accurate ID survey number and coupon number are entered into the CADI and any paper forms.
· Ensure that the interview is private, and that no onlookers are present in the interview room (except the FTL, and only if agreed to by the respondent).
· Ensure confidentiality of information collected.
· Report promptly to the FTL if the respondent is unable to continue with the interview or when there problems occur.
· Data entry and coding as required.
· Ensure prompt delivery of all data to the FTL.
· Filing, transporting, and maintaining documents while respecting the confidentiality of respondents at all times.
· Ensure that all forms and questionnaires (electronic and paper based) are properly handed over to the FTL at end of each day, while respecting the confidentiality of respondents at all times.
· Interview additional population groups including truck drivers, police and military using other sampling methodologies (yet to be confirmed).
· Assist in coordinate of validation workshops with stakeholders.
· Other duties as may be assigned by the FTL and Principal Investigator

5. Qualifications

Experience
· A minimum of one year experience undertaking qualitative/quantitative and anthropological / social research in the field of HIV and AIDS, including research on hard-to-reach groups in the Somali context.
· Practical experience participating in research projects at field level in collaboration with government and stakeholders.

Education

· High School Education

Languages Skills

· Excellent command of spoken and written English.
· Fluent in Somali, Oromo or Amharic (2 positions for Somali speakers and 1-2 for Oromo and Amharic)

Computer Skills

· General use of computers

Skills and Competencies

· Ability to work independently, with flexibility, and meet deadlines.
· Demonstrated ability to identify, approach, and coordinate with stakeholders of diverse backgrounds and levels of expertise.
· Understanding of qualitative and quantitative approaches in social science research.
· Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
· Excellent negotiation and management skills.
· Ability to work in a team and good interpersonal skills.
· Ability to work under time constraints and deadlines in difficult settings.

6. Duration and Remuneration

· Travel within Nairobi to data collection sites will be required.
· Flexible hours (possibly very early mornings) as dictated by the research requirements (and possibly subject to change part way through the contract).
· Remuneration will be determined based on skills and experience.

Mode of Application:

Submit well-written cover letter and CV including daytime telephone and email address to:
International Organization for Migration (IOM),
Human Resources Department
P.O Box 55040-00200
Nairobi

or send by email to hrnairobi @ iom.int

Closing Date: 15 February 2010

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