Research Assistants (12 positions)

Location: Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, Nyamira, Kwale and Mombasa.

Duration of engagement: 14 days

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We believe in a world in which every human life is valued, and health and human dignity are shared by all. We believe that access to quality healthcare is a basic human right. For more than 100 years, we have worked with global partners to deliver locally sustainable, quality healthcare solutions to women, children and their communities. We’re ready to make it 100 more.

In 2022, CMMB conducted an independent review of its Medical Donations Program (MDP) to determine how the program might evolve to address priority needs, optimize CMMB assets, as well as ensure and enable measurement of MDP’s positive impact. Results of the assessment included an affirmation of the continued need and benefit of addressing access to medicines, as health facilities continue to face stockouts of medications and supplies, and budgets are insufficient to meet all the operating needs. Most regions reached by MDP do not have local or regional pharmaceutical production and the communities and patients served by CMMB GIK donee partners are among the poorest in the country, for whom basic resources are unavailable or out of reach.

CMMB is launching the Targeted Global Impact Initiative for Noncommunicable Diseases pilot project in Kenya with a focus on chronic conditions including diabetes and hypertension. These conditions are contributors to premature deaths due to cardiovascular disease and stroke, which are among the top 5 causes of death across countries reached by our Medical Donations Program. In coordination with Ministries of Health (MoH), MDP donees and partner facilities, CMMB seeks to create a program to meaningfully address this health burden. To design and develop the global program, in 2024 we are piloting the project in Kenya.

Project Scope:

To carry out a research survey to understand the drivers and influencing factors around access to non-communicable disease (NCD) medication and treatment. Study will include supply chain issues, as well as diagnostic and healthcare delivery components. The Research is intended to help outline existing resources, systems, and innovations, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each. The findings from this research will inform CMMB’s program design and development in ensuring responsiveness of the interventions and align our access to medicines programming to address the current and emerging issues. The research will generate knowledge for catalysing the increased access to treatment and the optimal utilization of NCD services. The activity will result in a research paper that will be publishable in an appropriate journal.

The survey is targeting 26 hospitals in 10 counties in Kenya, including Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, Nyamira, Kwale and Mombasa.

Reporting to the Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, the Research Assistants’ role will include the following:

1.    Data Collection:

•    Help gather data from various sources, such as government reports, health surveys, and hospital records. This may involve contacting relevant organizations and institutions for data access.

•    Conduct interviews with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community members to understand their perspectives on NCDs.

•    Participate in field data collection activities, which could involve surveys, measurements, or observations in different communities across Kenya.

2.    Data Management:

•    Assist with data entry and cleaning to ensure accuracy and consistency.

•    Organize and code data for analysis using software programs Provided.

•    Participate in preparation of data visualizations such as charts and graphs to present findings.

3.    Data Analysis:

•    Help in analysis of quantitative and qualitative data to identify patterns and trends related to NCDs in Kenya.

•    Contribute to the creation of maps and other visual aids to represent the geographical distribution of NCDs.

•    Participate in discussions with the lead researcher to interpret the research findings.

Minimum Qualifications and Competencies

Education:

Be a holder of Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Geography, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Statistics, or a related discipline.

Experience:

•    Previous research/data collection/Analysis experience.

Skills:

•    Ability to conduct literature reviews, analyze data (quantitative and qualitative), and interpret findings.

•    Proficiency in data entry, cleaning, and organization using software like Excel or SPSS.

•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Additional local languages for the target communities are an asset.

•    Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage time effectively.

•    Strong ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Desirable Competencies:

•    Understanding of research ethics and best practices.

•    Experience conducting field research, including interviews and surveys.

•    Knowledge of the Kenyan landscape and NCD landscape.

•    Cultural competency and ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

Terms of engagement

The successful candidates will be engaged on short a term basis (14 days). Due to the nature of engagement, locals from Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, Nyamira, Kwale and Mombasa are highly encouraged to apply.