Investment Case Field Assistant at Viable Knowledge Masters Limited

Background

Ebonyi State, Nigeria, has been grappling with high rates of preventable maternal deaths, unmet need for family planning, and gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices. To address these issues, a comprehensive investment case for Ebonyi state is being developed to mobilize resources and implement sustainable solutions. The focus is on achieving three key objectives: Zero preventable maternal deaths, Zero unmet need for family planning, and Zero GBV and harmful practices before 2030 in line with the sustainable development goals and Ebonyi state development priorities. This TOR outlines the scope of work, responsibilities, key deliverables with timelines, qualifications and other tasks required for an investment case field assistant to support the development of this investment case as a member of the team at Viable Knowledge Masters (VKM) conducting this exercise.

Purpose of the Assignment

The Investment Case Field Assistant will be responsible for gathering qualitative and quantitative data that will contribute to the Investment Case. The data collection process will involve fieldwork, including interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. The Data Collection Assistant will work closely with other team members to ensure that accurate and reliable data is collected in line with the project's objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Data Collection:
   • Conduct structured and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare providers, NGO representatives, and community members.
   • Compile data from documents and online and offline sources
   • Ensure the accuracy and completeness of collected data by following standardized data collection protocols.
   • Use digital tools and applications for data collection and ensure that data is recorded correctly and securely.
   • Transcribe interviews and develop reports of engagements.
   • Identify and collect relevant secondary data from government sources, international organizations, and academic institutions.
   • Review and compile data from existing reports, studies, and databases related to UNFPA's areas of focus in Ebonyi as required by Viable Knowledge Masters
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2. Fieldwork Coordination:
   • Collaborate with local stakeholders, including community leaders and health workers, to facilitate smooth data collection activities.
   • Coordinate with other data collectors and team members to ensure comprehensive coverage of the targeted locations
3. Data Management:
   • Safeguard the integrity and confidentiality of the data collected.
   • Regularly submit collected data to the Team Lead or designated supervisor in a timely manner.
   • Clean, labeled datasets ready for analysis
   • Data dictionary explaining variables and coding
   • Assist in the preliminary analysis of the data as needed.
4. Reporting:
   • Prepare daily briefs and weekly reports summarizing field activities, challenges encountered, and data collection progress.
   • Participate in debriefing sessions and contribute to discussions on the findings and insights from the data collected.
5. Compliance with Ethical Standards:
   • Adhere to ethical standards and protocols for conducting research, especially regarding informed consent and the confidentiality of respondents.

Qualifications and Experience

• Must be based in Ebonyi state
• A minimum of a Masters degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Health Economics, Statistics, Demography, or related fields.
• At least 2 years of experience in data collection, field research, or monitoring and evaluation in the health or social sector.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and engage with diverse communities.
• Familiarity with the local context and culture in the specified location(s) in Ebonyi.
• Ability to speak Igbo.

Duration and Work Schedule

• The Data Collection Field Assistant will be engaged for 20 days over 2-3 months.
• The work may require travel to various locations within Ebonyi and may involve working outside regular hours to meet deadlines.