Data Collector at Malaria Consortium

Evaluation Approach and Framework

• This qualitative evaluation will adopt an implementation research approach grounded in structured frameworks to understand how the Perennial Malaria Chemoprevention (PMC) intervention is delivered, perceived, and sustained within the Osun State context.
• The evaluation draws on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to explore multiple domains across different levels of the health system, while also integrating constructs from the Implementation Outcomes Framework (IOF) and the PIET-T model to assess the potential for adaptation, effectiveness, and broader transferability.
• Together, these constructs form the analytical foundation for the evaluation, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of both the operational performance of PMC and the broader systemic factors that influence its implementation and future scale-up.
• This would guide tool development, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Purpose of the Assignment

• The purpose of this term of reference is to define the scope, objectives, methodology, deliverables, and responsibilities for conducting this qualitative evaluation on the operational feasibility of PMC delivery through Nigeria’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) platform.

Scope of work:

• The study will involve in-depth interviews (key informant), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Case studies interviews.
• The target participants are caregivers, stakeholders, healthcare workers and health administrators in the selected health facilities, communities and the catchment population at the state level.
• Eight (8) Local Government Areas in Osun State will be selected for the study - Ayedaade, Ede South, Atakunmosa West, Iwo, Irewole, Ife North, Obokun and Egbedore.
• The study will also cover stakeholders at the federal level to gain insights into their perspective of PMC operational feasibility, policy adoption and scale-up.
• The results will provide evidence to support PMC scale up in Nigeria
• The scope of this evaluation also covers end-to-end management of the qualitative evaluation, including evaluation design, finalization of tools, training, data collection, field coordination, data analysis, reporting and dissemination.
• The evaluation team will be guided by a predefined framework with seven constructs to explore stakeholder perceptions, implementation realities and operational feasibility of the PMC intervention.

Data Collectors:

• The Data Collectors will be responsible for implementing field-level data collection activities, including conducting focus group discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews (IDIs), and case studies interviews using approved tools.

Specific Tasks for Data Collectors:

• Participate in training on qualitative data collection methods, ethics, and use of tools.
• Work with supervisor and local guides to secure FGDs and IDIs interview time and venue
• Introduce the study purpose and obtain informed consent from participants before any interview.
• Conduct assigned focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with caregivers, health workers, or policymakers.
• Use the provided topic guides and probing techniques to facilitate open and meaningful discussions.
• Ensure accurate audio recording and note-taking during all interviews.
• Take responsibility for all data collection equipment (recorders, devices, batteries, etc.) provided for the exercise.
• Translate, transcribe the recorded interviews on daily basis
• Ensure that mobile devices or recording tools are properly used and maintained during fieldwork.
• Safeguard the anonymity and confidentiality of all respondents throughout the data collection process.
• Develop a relationship of trust with participants to ensure a safe, respectful, and open environment.
• Upload recorded data or digital transcripts to the server (or hand over devices) at the end of each workday.
• Report field challenges, logistics issues, or participant concerns to the Supervisor in a timely manner.
• Participate in daily debrief sessions with supervisors and fellow data collectors to review findings, share challenges, and receive guidance.
• Return to complete interviews with participants who were unavailable during the first visit, when instructed.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and maintain ethical and professional conduct during all interactions.
• Submit all collected materials (transcripts, consent forms, recordings) daily to the Supervisor for review and quality check.

Key Deliverables

• Completed and transcribed FGD/IDI interviews with signed consent forms.
• Accurate and complete field notes submitted daily.
• Audio recordings and digital files uploaded as scheduled.
• Daily field report shared with supervisor.
• Participation in debrief sessions with reflections documented.
• Adherence to ethical procedures and SOPs confirmed.
• Report on follow-up interviews and respondent engagement.
• Equipment returns and usage log completed.

Person specification
Essential:

• A minimum of an OND / HND or BSc in Sociology, Public Health, Social Work, Anthropology, or any relevant social science field.
• At least 2 years of experience conducting qualitative data collection (e.g., focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, participant observations) in community-based or public health programs.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, particularly in notetaking, audio recordings, and accurate transcription or summary of responses.
• Experience using electronic data collection tools (ODK, KoBoToolbox, SurveyCTO, or similar platforms) for qualitative fieldwork.
• Basic computer literacy, especially with smartphone or tablet-based applications.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage respectfully with diverse community members, including caregivers, health workers, and community leaders.
• Fluency in Yoruba, including ability to conduct interviews and translate local expressions effectively during data collection.
• Resident in Osun State.

Desired:

• Experience with participatory or community-based methodologies and sensitivity to social and cultural dynamics in rural communities.
• Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working independently or with minimal supervision in the field.
• Willingness to complete assigned daily targets and report to the supervisor at the end of each workday for review and feedback.