Research Assistant at Malaria Consortium

Purpose and Objectives

• The purpose of the consultancy is to conduct a qualitative study to evaluate the perceived feasibility and acceptability of the integrated EQA-CQI intervention, as experienced by key stakeholders involved in its implementation and oversight.

The specific objectives are to:

• Explore stakeholder perspectives on the implementation of the integrated EQA-CQI intervention, including facilitators and barriers encountered.
• Assess the acceptability of the intervention design, tools, and processes among key actors including hospital staff, project implementers, and government stakeholders.
• Gather recommendations from stakeholders on how the intervention can be improved, institutionalised, or scaled up.

Scope of the Assessment

• The qualitative assessment will be conducted in selected project-supported hospitals and relevant oversight institutions, including the State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) and the Hospital Management Board (HMB), in Kano State.
• The assessment will involve key informant interviews (KIIs) with stakeholders engaged in the design, implementation, or oversight of the integrated EQA-CQI intervention.
• These will include clinical and laboratory personnel, hospital managers, EQA supervisors, CQI facilitators, and government officials from SMEP and HMB.

Approach and Methodology

The assessment will follow a qualitative research design to complement the quantitative evaluation of the EQA-CQI intervention. This will involve:

• Gathering data through key informant interviews to capture diverse stakeholder perspectives.
• Using purposive sampling to ensure representation across relevant stakeholder groups.
• Applying thematic content analysis to identify key patterns and insights.
• Adhering to ethical standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation.
• Synthesising findings to provide contextual understanding and inform programme improvement and potential scale-up.

Specific Tasks:

• Support the scheduling and coordination of key informant interviews across selected sites.
• Assist with notetaking and audio recording during interviews.
• Transcribe interview recordings promptly and accurately; translate from Hausa to English where applicable.
• Organise and label transcripts and recordings for easy retrieval and analysis.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in handling sensitive information.
• Provide general fieldwork support, including scheduling, respondent follow-up, and documentation.
• Participate in daily debriefings or check-ins with the lead consultant to ensure progress and resolve issues.

Deliverables:

• Accurate English translations and transcripts of assigned interviews, with corresponding audio files and labelled field notes submitted to the lead consultant.

Person’s Specifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, social sciences, or a related field.
• Experience supporting qualitative data collection, including transcription and translation.
• Proficiency in English and Hausa (spoken and written).
• Good organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow ethical research protocols.