Background

Households experiencing water insecurity may face adverse health challenges. Estimates suggest that globally, up to 4 billion people globally may experience water insecurity each year with projected increases in coming decades due to changes in physical water availability due to anthropogenic climate change. There is limited information on both the long- and short-term dimensions of household water insecurity (HWI), its impact on health and well-being, and how households manage acute and long-term HWI. The aim of the study is to explore how exposure to temperature (heat) and precipitation (rainfall, drought) events – collectively referred to as weather-related events (temperature, rainfall, drought) affects HWI and HWI coping mechanisms over a 1-year period in low income, peri-urban neighbourhoods in Lusaka, Zambia. The secondary aims are to explore if the relationship between weather-related events and water insecurity are mediated by water supply services, and if the relationship between weather-related events and health impacts are mediated or modified by water supply services and/or water insecurity. A small exploratory parallel cohort study will also explore the feasibility and reliability of using computer-assisted telephone interviews for routine data collection in the local context.

Job Summary

 Reporting to the Study Coordinator, the Research Assistant, based in Lusaka Province, will conduct surveys in selected households within Lusaka.

Main Duties

1. Recruitment of study participants and complete consenting as per Good Clinical Practice
2. Complete participant surveys, observations and other checklists as part of data collection
3. Ensures data is collected, organized and securely stored as per study protocol and standard operating procedures
4. Carry out quality assurance activities in the field in a timely and diligent manner as per quality control/ quality assurance (QC/QA) procedures
5. Accountable and responsible for study resources and supplies, such as data collection forms, participant files, laptops, and tablets
6. Completes all required study training, including routine Human Subjects Protection and Good Clinical Practice and maintain NHRA registration
7. Assist with transcriptions ensuring they are of high quality.  
8. Maintain confidentiality of study data and privacy of participants at all times.
9. Attend and participate in regular social science group meetings, weekly research meetings and other standing meetings as assigned.
10. Attend workshops, conferences and other meetings as requested.
11. Perform any other duties or responsibilities found necessary for the successful implementation and functioning of ongoing research projects.

  Qualifications

1. Grade 12 certificate
2. Diploma in Development Studies/ Sociology/Public Health/Adult Education or in another relevant area.
3. Experience with WASH and HWISE Methodology
4. Demonstrated experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection.
5. Demonstrated experience in transcription.

1. Ability to work quickly and willingness to deliver quality products under time pressure and short deadlines.
2. Excellent interpersonal skills, including integrity, good judgment, team working and diplomacy.
3. Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (word and excel)

         Fluency in English and Bemba, Nyanja

Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.