_____________________________________________________________________________________ Vacancy Notice No: IOM/005/10
Functional Title: Consultant – Research Assistant / Field team Leader
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: February – mid June, 2010 (4.5 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 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 Sex Workers (FSWs) in Nairobi, Kenya
4. Tasks to be performed under this contract:
Working under direction of the Health Programme Officer / Principle Investigator, the incumbent will serve as the research assistant for the project and Field Team Leader (FTL) responsible for managing and participating in data gathering, overseeing quality control of interviewing, and ensuring data delivery to the Principal Investigator.The Field Team Leader (FTL) will be trained in RDS methodology and must have athorough 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.Most importantly, the field team leader oversees the quality of the assessment process and ensures that staff members are following the protocol.The FTL has broad management responsibility of the field team and is responsible for ensuring that staff members are conducting their jobs effectively.
The incumbent will undertake the following tasks:
· Assist in recruitment of data gathering teams and training of new field staff (interviewers, screeners, coupon manager)
· Assist in locating and equipping appropriate RDS sites.
· Assist Research Manager in procurement of necessary equipment and supplies
· With assistance of local Technical Advisors, liaise with community leaders, government officials and other stakeholders in order to gain access to target groups and permission to undertake data collection.
· Maintain close and constant communication with Technical Advisors, relevant IOM staff, and local authorities.
· Data entry as required.
· Ensure prompt delivery of all data to the Principal Investigator
· Oversee quality assurance of the interview process and performance of the interviewers, screener, and coupon manager. The FTL is responsible for ensuring that the study protocol is strictly followed.
· Fulfil the tasks of other RDS staff if required and therefore be capable of undertaking the tasks and responsibilities of other staff members (i.e., coupon manager, screener, interviewer) when needed.
· Ensuring that the RDS interview sites are well stocked with supplies.
· 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 data entered and e-mailed to Principle Investigator for verification.
· File and store in a locked file cabinet all data according to operating procedures on a daily basis, while respecting the confidentiality of respondents at all times.
· Coordinate with and oversee collection of specimens and oversight of biological specimens and paperwork transport.
· Coordinate and facilitate validation workshops with stakeholders.
· Other duties as may be assigned by the Principle Investigator.
5. Qualifications
Experience
· A minimum of two years experience undertaking qualitative/quantitative and anthropological / social research in the field of HIV and AIDS, including research on hard-to-reach groups.
· Practical experience in leading research projects at field level in collaboration with government and stakeholders.
· Experience in training research staff and in research methods and maintaining confidentiality of study respondents.
· Knowledge on professional ethics and confidentiality in research and VCT settings
· 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 not required, but an asset
· Practical experience participating in research projects at field level in collaboration with government and stakeholders not required, but an asset
· Experience with RDS methodology an asset
Education
· Degree in public health and/or anthropology, applied social research, or related background.
Languages Skills
· Excellent command of spoken and written English
· Fluent in Somali, Oromo or Amharic
Computer Skills
· Microsoft Office
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
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Any questions on this opportunity please email: kenyanjobsandvacancies@googlemail.com or get us on facebook
Functional Title: Consultant – Research Assistant / Field team Leader
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: February – mid June, 2010 (4.5 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 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 Sex Workers (FSWs) in Nairobi, Kenya
4. Tasks to be performed under this contract:
Working under direction of the Health Programme Officer / Principle Investigator, the incumbent will serve as the research assistant for the project and Field Team Leader (FTL) responsible for managing and participating in data gathering, overseeing quality control of interviewing, and ensuring data delivery to the Principal Investigator.The Field Team Leader (FTL) will be trained in RDS methodology and must have athorough 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.Most importantly, the field team leader oversees the quality of the assessment process and ensures that staff members are following the protocol.The FTL has broad management responsibility of the field team and is responsible for ensuring that staff members are conducting their jobs effectively.
The incumbent will undertake the following tasks:
· Assist in recruitment of data gathering teams and training of new field staff (interviewers, screeners, coupon manager)
· Assist in locating and equipping appropriate RDS sites.
· Assist Research Manager in procurement of necessary equipment and supplies
· With assistance of local Technical Advisors, liaise with community leaders, government officials and other stakeholders in order to gain access to target groups and permission to undertake data collection.
· Maintain close and constant communication with Technical Advisors, relevant IOM staff, and local authorities.
· Data entry as required.
· Ensure prompt delivery of all data to the Principal Investigator
· Oversee quality assurance of the interview process and performance of the interviewers, screener, and coupon manager. The FTL is responsible for ensuring that the study protocol is strictly followed.
· Fulfil the tasks of other RDS staff if required and therefore be capable of undertaking the tasks and responsibilities of other staff members (i.e., coupon manager, screener, interviewer) when needed.
· Ensuring that the RDS interview sites are well stocked with supplies.
· 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 data entered and e-mailed to Principle Investigator for verification.
· File and store in a locked file cabinet all data according to operating procedures on a daily basis, while respecting the confidentiality of respondents at all times.
· Coordinate with and oversee collection of specimens and oversight of biological specimens and paperwork transport.
· Coordinate and facilitate validation workshops with stakeholders.
· Other duties as may be assigned by the Principle Investigator.
5. Qualifications
Experience
· A minimum of two years experience undertaking qualitative/quantitative and anthropological / social research in the field of HIV and AIDS, including research on hard-to-reach groups.
· Practical experience in leading research projects at field level in collaboration with government and stakeholders.
· Experience in training research staff and in research methods and maintaining confidentiality of study respondents.
· Knowledge on professional ethics and confidentiality in research and VCT settings
· 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 not required, but an asset
· Practical experience participating in research projects at field level in collaboration with government and stakeholders not required, but an asset
· Experience with RDS methodology an asset
Education
· Degree in public health and/or anthropology, applied social research, or related background.
Languages Skills
· Excellent command of spoken and written English
· Fluent in Somali, Oromo or Amharic
Computer Skills
· Microsoft Office
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
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Any questions on this opportunity please email: kenyanjobsandvacancies@googlemail.com or get us on facebook
