Volunteer, Research Assistant

Clinton Health Access Initiative; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 250 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in global health is seeking passionate Research Associates to contribute to maternal and child health initiatives in South Africa. This role involves conducting patient interviews, managing data, and providing health education to support vital research efforts. The organization is dedicated to improving health outcomes and ensuring equitable access to care. Join a dynamic team focused on making a significant impact in the community, where your skills will be valued and your contributions will help shape the future of healthcare delivery. If you are driven by a commitment to health equity and possess strong research abilities, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in research with patient interviews and data capturing.
• Strong communication skills to explain complex concepts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct patient recruitment interviews and manage data integrity.
• Support health education and assist in training sessions.

Skills

Research Skills

Communication Skills

Data Management

Interpersonal Skills

Maternal and Child Health Knowledge

Education

Grade 12

Diploma

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

REDCap

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low-and middle-income countries while strengthening the capabilities of governments and the private sector in those countries to create and sustain high-quality health systems that can succeed without our assistance. For more information, please visit: Clinton Health Access Initiative.

CHAI approaches some of the most pressing issues in global health with a business-oriented strategy to fundamentally change the underlying economics. CHAI’s solution-oriented approach focuses on improving market dynamics for medicines and diagnostics, lowering prices for diagnosis and treatment, accelerating access to lifesaving technologies, and helping governments build the capacity required for high-quality care and treatment programs. By addressing global market failures and accelerating access to the most effective, high-quality health products at affordable and sustainable prices, CHAI helps patients access the care and treatment they need.

CHAI strives to be an equal-opportunity employer and promotes fairness, respect, equity and dignity in the workplace. CHAI welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and encourages people from historically disadvantaged groups to apply. CHAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an environment of fairness, and mutual respect where all applicants have access to equal employment opportunities. CHAI values diversity and inclusion and recognizes that our mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and culture.

Position Overview:

Across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), maternal, neonatal health (MNH) outcomes lag behind those in high-income countries. Among other factors, this inequity is driven by systemic weaknesses in health systems and unequal access to lifesaving products and interventions. Maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH) remains a significant public health issue in South Africa. In the past decade, many efforts and interventions have been undertaken to reduce maternal, neonatal and child mortalities. However, the outcomes are still not adequate. While interventions for addressing major drivers of maternal and newborn mortality are known, South Africa faces challenges in equitable implementation of high-quality care across its geographies, driven by wide disparities in resource availability and workforce capacity within the country.

CHAI has partnered with the University of Pretoria and aims to highlight the role of low-cost, point-of-care (POC) technology in helping to close this disparity and outline a strategy for ensuring greater access to these devices in primary healthcare (PHC) settings in South Africa. CHAI is seeking Research Associates with relevant experience in maternal and child health programs. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting patient recruitment interviews for research studies, providing maternal and child health promotion education, accurately entering and managing data, ensuring its integrity, and supporting our research initiatives. This role will be seconded to UP to join the project team and report under UP Project Lead.

The Research Associates will be based in Gauteng (Tshwane), and will be reporting to a Research Associate Supervisor in the specific province.

Responsibilities

Training and Study Onboarding

• Assist in identifying potential participants for the study by reviewing eligibility criteria and conducting initial screening.
• Keep detailed and accurate records of all recruited participants, noting their contact information, eligibility status, and any interactions related to their enrollment in the study.
• Obtain informed consent from study participants and ensure that participants have a clear understanding of the study by offering any necessary documents or resources.
• Schedule appointments or follow-up communication to officially enroll participants in the study.
• Ensure all client interactions are conducted with the highest level of sensitivity, respect, and objectivity.

Interviews and Health Education

• Support the study recruitment process by reaching out to potential participants, scheduling interviews, and ensuring that participants meet the necessary criteria for the study.
• Help prepare interview materials, including consent forms, interview guides, and any necessary background information for participants. Ensure all equipment (e.g., audio recorders, consent documentation) is set up and ready to use before each session.
• Under supervision, conduct interviews with participants in a structured format, following the established protocol.
• Accurately transcribe interview data, taking care to capture participants' responses verbatim.
• Organize and store interview data in a secure and organized manner.
• If needed, assist with scheduling follow-up interviews with participants or collect additional information to clarify any ambiguities from the initial interviews.
• Assist in the creation of easy-to-understand materials (e.g., flyers, posters, or digital presentations) that explain the purpose and process of the research study to participants in the waiting room.
• Assist in conducting brief informational sessions or discussions with participants in the waiting room.
• Help distribute and collect consent forms, ensuring all necessary signatures and information are obtained before participants engage in the study.
• Keep a log of participants who have attended the information sessions, noting any individuals who express interest or who may need follow-up communication.

Data Entry and Management

• Utilize the electronic data management systems (such as REDCap) to capture and manage data for research projects.
• Put collected data into electronic systems (such as REDCap or other databases) while ensuring adherence to protocols and standards.
• Maintain open communication with the Principal Investigator (PI) to promptly report and discuss any data entry errors or inconsistencies and develop strategies for correction.
• Ensure that all collected data is kept confidential and secure, in compliance with ethical guidelines and data protection regulations.
• Review data entries.

Training and Collaboration

• Attend all relevant training sessions related to the research study.
• Work collaboratively with team members to address and resolve evolving issues related to the study.
• Attend meetings with the research team to discuss progress and any challenges.
• Perform any other tasks as necessary for the study as directed by the principal investigator, project lead, or supervisor of research assistants.

Qualifications

• Grade 12/Diploma/Bachelor’s degree with appropriate experience in a research environment
• A minimum of 5 years with a Diploma or 10 years with Grade 12 of experience in a research environment with patient interviews and data capturing
• Strong writer, facilitator and oral communicator able to explain complex concepts to a variety of audiences.
• Understand maternal and child health
• Ability to work independently, self-motivated and propose new initiatives;
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and quickly adapt to changing priorities;
• Full proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
• Proficiency in the use of databases and software, e.g. REDCap.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to build relationships in a multicultural environment;
• Excellent verbal, written interpersonal and presentation skills in English.

Advantages

• Valid Driver’s license is desirable
• Good Clinical Practice Training is desirable