Temporary Research Assistants/Data collectors to collect data for the Value and Preference Study - Uganda

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PATH is a global nonprofit advancing health innovations for the people who need them most. With 50 years of experience, a global team of experts, and trusted partnerships spanning 70+ countries, PATH turns breakthroughs into better health for millions every single year.

PATH, in collaboration with the International Community of Women Living with HIV Eastern Africa (ICWEA) and the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), is implementing the SAFEStart+ project, a four-year initiative funded by Unitaid.

The project aims to accelerate country- and community-led efforts toward the elimination of vertical transmission (EVT) of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B virus (HBV). It focuses on strengthening the integration of prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up services within routine maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) platforms to ensure that pregnant and breastfeeding women, their infants, and families have timely and equitable access to essential healthcare services.

Scope of work for Temporary Research assistants/Data collectors to collect data for the Value and Preference study

As part of this initiative, SAFEStart+ is conducting a multicountry mixed-methods study entitled "Assessing Values and Preferences Towards Integrated Delivery Strategies to Eliminate Vertical Transmission of HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B Virus, and Chagas Disease." In Uganda, the study will be conducted in five districts and cities in the south-central region: Kampala, Wakiso, Masaka City, Lwengo, and Kyotera. The study will explore the values, preferences, experiences, and perspectives of women, adolescent girls, male partners, healthcare workers, and program managers regarding integrated EVT service delivery approaches. The participating health facilities and target populations are presented in Section 6.

2. Study Approach and Data Collection Phases

The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, implemented in two sequential phases:

Phase 1: Qualitative Data Collection (20 days, including training and orientation)

This phase will involve:

• Focus group discussions (FGDs) with pregnant and breastfeeding women, adolescent girls and young women, non-pregnant women of reproductive age, male partners, facility-based healthcare workers, and community health workers.
• Key informant interviews (KIIs) with relevant program managers and other designated stakeholders. This phase will commence in November and December 2026

Phase 2: Quantitative Data Collection (15 days)

Findings from the qualitative phase will inform the quantitative phase, which will involve cross-sectional surveys among women and healthcare workers to further assess their values, preferences, and experiences regarding integrated EVT services. This phase will commence in February 2027

3.0 Selection Process

Selection will be on a rolling .Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews to assess their qualifications, relevant research experience, language proficiency, and suitability for the assignment. Only candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be recruited.

4. Objective of the Assignment

Overall Objective

To support the implementation of the SAFEStart+ Values and Preferences Study in Uganda through high-quality qualitative data collection, including participant mobilization, facilitation of focus group discussions, conduct of key informant interviews, transcription, and documentation of study findings in accordance with the approved study protocol and ethical requirements.

5. Scope of Work and Specific Responsibilities

The Research Assistants will work closely with the PATH Uganda and ICWEA SAFEStart+ project teams to undertake the following activities:

5.1 Training and Preparation

• Participate in a two-day study training covering the protocol, research ethics, informed consent procedures, qualitative data collection methods, and study tools.
• Participate in a one-day orientation at the assigned district and health facility.
• Review and demonstrate a clear understanding of the study protocol, standard operating procedures (SOPs), data collection guides, and informed consent and assent forms.
• Familiarize themselves with study eligibility criteria, participant recruitment procedures, and confidentiality requirements.

5.2 Participant Mobilization and Recruitment

• Support the identification and mobilization of eligible study participants in accordance with the approved sampling and recruitment procedures.
• Coordinate with designated health facility staff and community representatives to facilitate participant recruitment.
• Organize appropriate venues and logistical arrangements for FGDs and KIIs.
• Obtain and document informed consent and, where applicable, assent and parental or guardian permission in accordance with the approved protocol.

5.3 Qualitative Data Collection

• Facilitate and moderate FGDs using approved discussion guides.
• Conduct KIIs with identified program managers and other designated stakeholders.
• Take comprehensive field notes during FGDs and KIIs, documenting key observations, emerging issues, and relevant non-verbal interactions.
• Compile and organize field notes following each data collection session.
• Review completed data collection guides and identify emerging themes and issues requiring further exploration.
• Ensure that audio recordings are conducted only with appropriate participant consent.

5.4 Transcription, Translation, and Data Quality Assurance

• Transcribe audio-recorded FGDs and KIIs accurately and verbatim.
• Translate Luganda transcripts into English while preserving the original meaning, context, and terminology.
• Review, clean, and verify transcripts against audio recordings to ensure completeness, consistency, and accuracy.
• Maintain confidentiality and securely handle all study data, audio recordings, transcripts, and participant information.
• Submit completed transcripts, field notes, and other required documentation to the designated study supervisor within agreed timelines.

6. Study Locations and Target Populations

The qualitative and quantitative phases of the study will be conducted in five selected health facilities across Kampala, Wakiso, Masaka City, Lwengo, and Kyotera.

The planned qualitative data collection comprises 70 FGDs and 5 KIIs, distributed across the five study locations.

7. Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

Applicants should possess the following qualifications and competencies:

• At least a certificate in a health-related discipline, humanities, social sciences, or another relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience participating in research studies, surveys, or qualitative data collection assignments.
• Proven experience facilitating FGDs and conducting KIIs.
• Experience in qualitative data transcription, translation, thematic organization, and data quality assurance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, as well as electronic communication and data collection tools.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, facilitation, listening, and problem-solving skills.
• Fluency in spoken and written English and Luganda, including familiarity with relevant medical and public health terminology.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, demonstrate cultural sensitivity, and adhere to research ethics and participant protection requirements.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team and meet agreed deadlines.

8. Expected Deliverables

Each Research Assistant will be expected to submit the following deliverables for assigned data collection activities:

• Complete and clearly labeled audio recordings of FGDs and KIIs, where participants have consented to recording.
• Completed FGD/KII participant attendance or registration documentation, maintained separately from research responses to protect confidentiality.
• Comprehensive field notes and summaries from conducted FGDs and KIIs.
• Accurate, complete, and quality-checked verbatim transcripts in English, including translations from Luganda where applicable.
• All completed study documentation and data collection materials, submitted in accordance with the approved study procedures.

All deliverables must meet the required quality standards and be submitted to the designated offices as will be guided.

9. Duration and Period of Performance

The qualitative data collection assignment is expected to require 20 working days, including two days of training, one day of district and health facility orientation, and the remaining days for participant recruitment, data collection, transcription, and quality assurance.

The assignment is planned to take place between Monday, 16 November and Friday, 20 December 2026, with specific working days and activity schedules agreed upon with the study coordination team.

10. Daily Rate and Payment Terms

The Research Assistants will be compensated at a daily rate of UGX 150,000 (Uganda Shillings One Hundred and Fifty Thousand) for each approved day worked.

The daily rate is inclusive of applicable statutory deductions and taxes in accordance with Uganda's tax regulations and PATH Uganda's financial procedures.

Payment will be based on verified days worked, satisfactory completion of assigned responsibilities, and submission and acceptance of the required deliverables.