Social Science Field Investigators at ALIMA

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Preparation of the formative study – Participate in training sessions on the study protocol and the implementation of the research components of WP7 – Discuss with field experts on existing LF community sensitization strategies, including their suggestions for key messages, communication tools (e.g., posters, radio spots, talks), target populations, and other advice for the design and implementation of the community sensitization strategy – Contribute to the identification and compilation/synthesis of relevant contextual information: socio-cultural context (related to health, infectious diseases, epidemics, and LF in particular); political, historical, epidemic, religious context of Nigeria; community reactions to LF (including national management and treatment guidelines), to clinical 3 trials in general, and to the INTEGRATE trial in particular. This documentation will be from scientific and grey literature, media articles, government documents, participant observation notes, and informal discussions in the field Quantitative data collection – questionnaire – Plan data collection work according to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): 

• Select potential participants
• Verify informed consent for participation in the study 
• Schedule appointments – Carry out the collection of quantitative data (i.e., questionnaire) which will be performed in English or local languages with community leaders and members (n=75/site), and enter their responses directly on the study tablet (using software e.g., RedCap or Kobo Collect) Qualitative data collection – individual interviews – Plan data collection work in accordance with the SOP – Carry out the collection of qualitative data (individual interviews) which will be performed in English or local languages with community leaders and members (subsample of questionnaire respondents, n=10/site) – Take notes after the interviews – Translate interviews and notes in English if applicable – Proceed to the transcription of interviews and notes – Manage the storage and transfer of audio and Word files to the study's secure server (Cloud) Iterative analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, and formative study report writing Contribute to the analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data, and to the drafting of the report on the findings and recommendations of the formative study Throughout the study – Participate in regular meetings, that will be held by the international social science research assistant on a weekly basis at the beginning of the study, then every 2 weeks – Produce a brief report of the research activities that took place during the week

SKILLS REQUIRED

Education

• Master’s degree Degree in Human and Social Sciences (sociology, psychology, anthropology) or in Public Health/Global Health.

Professional experience

• Experience in conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews (mandatory)
• Experience in transcribing interviews (mandatory)
• Experience in quantitative data collection (e.g., survey type) would be an asset
• Experience in implementing and evaluating interventions would be an asset 
• Experience in investigating epidemic diseases such as LF or Ebola would be an asset Technical skills
• Ability to communicate in English and the main Nigerian languages spoken in the location of assignment (Owo or Irrua)
• Good writing skills – Proficiency with office tools (Word)
• Experience with a quantitative data collection tool (e.g. RedCap, Kobo Collect) would be an asset

Attitudes and personal qualities 

• Autonomy
• Respect for the hierarchy
• Team spirit
• Sense of organisation and initiative
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good character
• Scientific ethics
• Good interpersonal skills