Research Assistant 2YoungLives

BACKGROUND

2 Young Lives (2YL) is a mentoring scheme for pregnant teenagers and adolescent mothers in Sierra Leone.

As part of the NIHR Global Partnership fund, 2YL is undergoing a pilot trial in 12 sites across Sierra Leone. We will compare the outcomes for pregnant teenagers and their babies in 6 sites where 2YL is running, compared to 6 sites where 2YL is not running. The trial is targeting the districts of Koinadugu, Bonthe, Moyamba, and the Western Area and is collecting detailed routine data on women aged under-18 at both PHU and hospital facility level.

The 2YoungLives Research Assistant will help co-ordinate research activities under supervision of Sierra Leone based Programme Manager at Welbodi Partnership and UK-based Co-Investigator. Candidates are required to have an in-depth knowledge of the Sierra Leone healthcare system.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

· District 2YoungLives Data Collectors

· Welbodi Programmes Manager / MEL Manager / Full time Research Assistant

· UK-based Co-investigator

· 2YL mentors and mentees

· District Health Management Teams (DHMT)

· MDSR teams

· Peripheral Health Unit (PHU) and Hospital Staff

· Community leaders

TASKS & RESPONSIBILTIES

· Engaging with key stakeholders in control and intervention communities to support data collection

· Working with WP colleagues to support collection and monitoring of data in accordance with agreed processes

· Working with wider research team to organise, carry out and/or support data collection activities in trial sites

· Contributing to data analysis, writing academic publications, and research dissemination at all levels

· The role will involve travel with the 2YoungLives team with overnight stays in the districts

This job description should be viewed as a guide to the duties required and is not definitive or restrictive in any way. 2 Young Lives is one element of a wider body of research being undertaken for this programme, and research assistants will be expected to engage deeply with the wider project to collaborate and share skills and knowledge as required.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

· QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field

· EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working in a community setting with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience managing a small team
• Experience of conducting research and collecting primary data and/or monitoring & evaluation activities
• Experience in liaising with government officials and a variety of donors and other partners
• Experience managing multiple tasks and/or projects concurrently
• Experience of using MedSciNet data collection tool or similar online tool

· KNOWLEDGE

• A deep understanding of the gender-based pressures and abuses that girls in Sierra Leone face
• Knowledge of the maternal health system in Sierra Leone, including knowledge of teenagers’ experiences of maternity care

· SKILLS:

• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to build rapport when meeting new people
• Excellent spoken and written English. Krio speaker
• Ability to work collaboratively across boundaries in partnership with colleagues
• Computer skills i.e. email, Word, EXcel, or electronic record systems i.e. DHS2,
• Highly effective organisational and time management skills
• Proactive team player
• Ability to problem-solve

· PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Ability to self-motivate and work autonomously and with initiative within the scope of the role with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work well under pressure and deliver deadlines whilst maintaining an excellent level of written and oral communication and respectful working relationships
• A non-judgmental stance on teenage pregnancy
• Passionate about improving outcomes for pregnant teenagers in Sierra Leone
• Reliable and conscientious approach to duties
• Absolute commitment to teaching and learning and skills improvement of others
• Confidence, diplomacy, and sensitivity in working with local authorities, healthcare providers and senior staff from partner organisations including the Government.
• A team player who shows enthusiasm and is committed to the goals and principles of Welbodi Partnership.
• Must not hold a pin code or should not be a current civil servant employed and actively working for the Government of Sierra Leone. Midwives, Nurses and CHO’s waiting for a pincode may apply.

· VALUES:

• Honesty: Shows a high level of integrity and will not fabricate responses or misrepresent the programme
• Communication: Confidently expresses self, able to clearly ask questions and help the respondent understand what is needed from her/him
• Relationship Building: Able to build trust with people at Welbodi, DHMT, PHUs and Hospitals and maintain confidentiality
• Accuracy: Must be able to monitor data accurately
• Endurance: Must be able to work for full day working hours in the field across a number of days
• Pro-activeness to lead activities independently
• Responsiveness toward colleagues

GENERAL POLICIES PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES

In addition to the key job responsibilities detailed in this job description all employees and volunteers at Welbodi Partnership are expected to comply with the general duties outlined below and detailed in full in our policies.

SAFEGUARDING

Welbodi Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers are therefore expected to behave in such a way that supports this commitment. Applicants for this position should be aware that if successful, they will be requested to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, or equivalent in countries other than the UK. The Welbodi Partnership complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice.

DATA PROTECTION

Welbodi Partnership complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

TERMS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Working hours: 22.5 hours per week. Due to the nature of the role, the post holder may be expected to accommodate flexible working hours, including weekends, when required

Probationary period: 3 months – During the first 3 months the contract may be terminated with 1 weeks’ notice.

Salary: Competitive salary and benefits package based on experience and skill