Interviewer, Quantitative Survey at Malaria Consortium

Objectives
The Specific Research Objectives are as Follows:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of the hybrid model
• To evaluate the impact of the hybrid model on malaria vaccination coverage, timeliness of vaccination, vaccine-preventable malaria parasitological outcomes, caregiver outcomes (vaccine awareness, knowledge and perceptions) and utilization of non-vaccine malaria prevention interventions
• To assess the costs associated with implementing the interventions.

Purpose of the Assignment

• The purpose of the assignment is to engage research consultants who will conduct qualitative surveys (FGDs and KIIs).

Scope of Assignment

• The overall objective of this consultancy is to support MC in generating evidence for an effective hybrid model of malaria vaccine delivery in highly seasonal malaria transmission settings.
• This involves conducting qualitative survey to assess the feasibility and acceptability of implementing the hybrid malaria vaccine immunization with different delivery approaches.

Methodology

• The qualitative survey will draw on a framework of constructs important in feasibility studies described by Proctor et al (2011) to develop topic guides and areas of questioning for both Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews. The qualitative survey will be conducted across 3LGAs in Kebbi state where the project is being implemented.
• The study will employ a purposive sampling strategy to maximize the range and diversity of the participants, ensuring that we have a diversity of participants across criteria which may influence SMC and EPI programming. Furthermore, the KIIs component of the qualitative research will be conducted either virtually or in-person among two (2) national, two (2) sub-national level policy makers, two (2) program managers and 12 health workers – four (4) from each LGA (inclusive of LGA-level malaria and immunization lead amongst others) that have experience and understanding of the SMC and EPI programs (2 + 2 + 2 + 12 = 18 KIIs). Two groups of FGDs will be conducted with local leaders, fathers and caregivers of children age 5-20 months in each LGA (2 X 3 X 3 = 18 FGDs), will be conducted in person (face-to-face) in groups of 10 -12 participants and will take place in a communal space in participant’s communities.
• The six (6) interviewers to be recruited will form 3 groups/teams (two (2) persons per group/team). One group/team to conduct 2 interviews per day. The 3 groups to conduct 6 interviews per day.
• The 36 interviews (18 FGDs and 18 KIIs = 36 interviews) will be conducted in 6 days. For the transcription/translation, assuming an interview was conducted in a local language, one person will transcribe and then translate such record as one day level-of-effort. In such situation, the six interviewers will transcribe and translate 36 recordings in 6 days, making a total of 12 days’ work for the six interviewers. However, where an interview was conducted in English Language, two recordings will be transcribed by the research assistant for one (1) day level-of-effort.
• All the interviews and FGDs will be conducted by local researchers. A second research assistant will be present to take notes and record observations. If the participants consent to audio recording, the interviews and discussions will be recorded and transcribed.

The key outcomes (domains) to be measured are:
Acceptability:

• Health worker (HW) satisfaction and adherence to hybrid approach.
• Community, HW perception of benefits and risks of hybrid model

Appropriateness:

• Community, HW perceptions of fit/relevance of seasonal messaging to vaccine uptake improvement.

Practicality & Sustainability:

• Health systems capacity to implement hybrid approach supply management, other relevant infrastructure)
• Perception of ease of maintenance or routinization of hybrid model

Adoption & Fidelity:

• HW and CHWs’ uptake of hybrid approach and implementation consistency.

Specific tasks for Interviewers / Facilitators

• Attend the training on the use of the interview guide, FGD guide, and interview and FGD process.
• Participate in the pre-test and finalization process for the interview guide
• Identify and recruit participants for FGDs
• Facilitate FGDs and collect data using the interview guide and the observation guide provided.
• Ensure the interviews and FGDs are accurately recorded.
• Compile and sort the recorded interview records as directed by the research Team lead.
• Ensure anonymity of respondents and develop a relationship of trust and safe space during interview exercises with respondents.
• Identify and report any challenges faced that could affect the quality of the data.
• Ensure the integrity of data from collection to storage.
• Ensure project equipment is used with care and is protected from damage.
• Present the data to the Research Team lead at the end of each day.
• Report to the Research Team lead before and after the day’s work for further direction.
• Follow confidentiality and security procedures to ensure respondent privacy is protected.
• Submit all interview and FGD records (audio) and transcribed files to the supervisor(s).
• Transcribe and translate interviews and FGDs.
• Depending on the assignment, collect data using the interview guide and the observation guide provided, take notes during interviews and FGDs.
• Document all the findings in the interview provided, observation and FGD guide.
• Transcribe all recorded (audio) interviews.
• Verbatim transcribe audio recording of interviews and FGDs.
• Translate the transcription of interviews and FGD from Hausa to English.
• Ensure that data is handled in accordance with the approved research protocol.
• Ensure the integrity of data and the accurate storing as directed by the supervisor.
• Take all mandated steps to guarantee the protection of personal data.
• Report to the Research Team lead any issues or concerns that may impact compliance with the research protocol.
• Use project equipment with care, avoiding any damage.
• Promptly report any safeguarding risks or incidents.

Deliverables for Interviewers / Facilitators / Note takers/Transcribers/Translators

• Completed interviews and FGDs records.
• Transcription of interview and FGD records.
• Translation of interview and FGD transcriptions.
• Daily report submitted to the Research Team lead.

Person specification: Interviewers / Facilitators
Essential:

• OND / HND or a BSc in a relevant academic field.
• At least 5 years experience in collecting data for qualitative studies, or experience with professional translation.
• Attention to detail.
• Computer literacy to be able to work on electronic recording devices.
• Good interpersonal and social skills.
• Strong written and verbal skills in Hausa.
• Strong written skills in English.

Desired:

• Resident in Kebbi state.
• Good communication skills and experience in participatory methodology.
• Innovative, motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Mother tongue Hausa

Note: For this position, previous working experience with MC and in SMC are added advantages.