Research Assistant/Data Collector at Abt Global | June 2024

Research Assistant/Data Collector, Tanzania Community Health Worker Supervision Assessment   

The World at Abt 

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Global. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges. We are a team of 4,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.  

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you. 

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance. 

The Opportunity 

Abt Global seeks a research assistant (RA)/data collector to support an assessment of institutional roles, responsibilities, and capacity for supportive supervision of community health workers (CHWs) in Tanzania. This assessment is implemented as part of CHW Career Progression Activity under the USAID-funded Local Health System Sustainability Project (LHSS). LHSS aims to help low- and middle-income countries transition to sustainable, self-financed health systems as a means to support access to universal health coverage. Led by Abt Associates, the six-year project works with partner countries and local stakeholders to reduce financial barriers to care and treatment, ensure equitable access to essential health services for all people, and improve the quality of health services. 

As an RA/data collector, you will be responsible for collecting, transcribing, and cleaning data from two councils under the guidance of the activity leads. The data collection will focus on local structures, processes, and roles for CHW supervision, as well as existing capacity, barriers, and innovations. It will target local government authorities, health facilities, and CHWs. The assessment aims to propose a model for CHW supervision through a consultative process. 

This is a part-time position anticipated to begin in July 2024, and end in August 2024. The assessment is being implemented in the Tabora and Urambo regions. Residents from this region, and especially women, are highly encouraged to apply. Depending on applicants and availability, up to two RAs/data collectors may be recruited for this role. 

Core Responsibilities  

Participate in data collection training 

Read and understand the assessment protocol and data collection tools 

Conduct data collection at the local and facility level 

Record in-depth interviews using a digital audio recorder 

Listen and transcribe the audio of the interviews  

Review, verify, and make necessary corrections to the transcriptions 

Provide daily updates on data collection progress to the activity leads using standard reporting forms 

Maintain the confidentiality of the information collected 

Communicate regularly with the activity leads to address challenges that may arise 

Carry out activities in accordance with assessment procedures 

Take ethical aspects into account when performing your duties, maintaining professional secrecy, and guaranteeing the confidentiality and privacy of the information to which you have access 

Perform other job-related duties as requested  

Report on the daily basis of the accomplished activities and progress  

What We Value  

A degree in a social or biomedical field (anthropology, sociology, biology, medicine, psychology, among other related areas) 

A minimum of 1 year of experience in quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods data collection and analysis  

Experience conducting in-depth interviews and focus group discussions  

Fluency in Swahili required 

Previous experience working in public health or policy research is preferred  

Previous experience in and/or knowledge of Tanzania’s community health landscape is highly desired 

Ability to work well in a collaborative team environment  

Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office programs 

Previous experience using Open Data Kit (ODK) software for data collection is desired 

What We Offer  

We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits, flexible schedules, and professional development.