Research Fellow 2YoungLives – Sierra Leone

BACKGROUND

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

As part of the NIHR Global Partnership Fund, 2YL is being piloted in 12 locations in Sierra Leone. We will compare outcomes for pregnant teenagers and their babies in 6 sites where 2YL works versus 6 sites where 2YL does not. The research is focused on the areas of Koinadugu, Bonte, Moyamba and Western Zone and collects detailed routine data on women under the age of 18 at both the PHU and hospital facility levels.

The 2YoungLives Research Assistant will help coordinate research activities under the direction of the Sierra Leone-based Program Manager at Welbodi Partnership and the UK-based Co-Researcher. Applicants are required to have a thorough knowledge of the Sierra Leone healthcare system.

KEY LINKS:

· District 2YoungLives data collectors

· Welbodi Program Manager / MEL Manager / Full Time Research Assistant

· UK-based co-investigator

· 2YL mentors and mentees

· District Health Management Teams (DHMTs)

· MDSR teams

· Peripheral Health Unit (PHU) and hospital staff

· Community leaders

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

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

· Working with the wider research team to organise, conduct and/or support data collection activities at trial sites

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

· The role will involve traveling with the 2YoungLives team with overnight stays in neighborhoods

This job description should be considered as a guide to the duties required and is not definitive or limiting in any way. 2 Young Lives is one element of a wider body of research being undertaken for this program and Research Assistants will be expected to engage deeply with the wider project to collaborate and share skills and knowledge if necessary.

SPECIFICATIONS OF PERSONS

· QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field

· EXPERIENCE:

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

· KNOWLEDGE

• Deep understanding of gender-based pressures and abuses facing girls in Sierra Leone
• Knowledge of the maternal health care 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. Cryo speaker
• Ability to work collaboratively across boundaries in partnership with colleagues
• Computer skills ie. email, Word, EXcel or electronic record systems ie. DHS2,
• Highly effective organizational and time management skills
• Proactive team player
• Ability to solve problems

· PERSONAL QUALITIES:

• Ability to be self-motivated and work autonomously and proactively within the role with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining an excellent level of written and verbal communication and a respectful working relationship
• 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 improving the skills of others
• Confidence, diplomacy and sensitivity when dealing with local authorities, healthcare providers and senior staff from partner organizations including government.
• A team player who shows enthusiasm and is committed to the goals and principles of Welbodi Partnership.
• Must not hold a PIN or be a current civil servant employed and actively working for the Government of Sierra Leone. Midwives, nurses and CHOs waiting for a pin code can apply.

· VALUES:

• Honesty: Shows a high level of integrity and will not make up answers or misrepresent the program
• Communication: Expresses oneself confidently, is able to clearly ask questions and help the respondent understand what is being asked of her/him
• Building Relationships: Able to build trust with people from Welbodi, DHMT, PHU and hospitals and maintain confidentiality
• accuracy: Must be able to monitor data accurately
• Endurance: Must be able to work full time in the field on some days
• Proactivity independently lead activities
• Responsiveness to colleagues

COMMON 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 detailed below and detailed in our policies.

PRECAUTION

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

DATA PROTECTION

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

RULES AND CONDITIONS OF WORK

Working hours: 22.5 hours per week. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent may be expected to work flexible hours, including weekends when required

Probation: 3 months – During the first 3 months, the contract can be terminated with 1 week’s notice.

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

How to apply

To apply, send an updated CV (no more than 2 pages), a cover letter and 2 references to lucy.november@kcl.ac.uk

The deadline for accepting applications is July 13, 2022

Applications will only be accepted from people living or working in one of the areas listed above.

Interviews will take place the week of July 18th online (via Zoom).

Only approved candidates will be invited to the interview.