Qualitative Research Assistants

Zambart is an independent Zambian research organization whose headquarters is at the University of Zambia’s Ridgeway Campus in Lusaka. Zambart is globally renowned for its interdisciplinary research on HIV and Tuberculosis and has contributed to HIV and TB policy and practice at national and global levels. Zambart’s research portfolio now includes a broader scope of urgent public health issues. Zambart staff form an interdisciplinary team with a range of expertise including epidemiology, clinical science, social science, laboratory, operations research, health systems and services research, health policy analysis, health economics, health communication and counselling. Zambart’s vision is to conduct quality interdisciplinary health research on issues of public health importance in Zambia and contribute to improving health policy and practice leading to better health for all. Our mission is to conduct high-quality health research and train world-class health researchers.

In collaboration with the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), Antwerp, Belgium, Zambart is implementing the PrEPforTwo study, funded by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), Belgium. PrEPforTwo is a mixed-methods study that aims to understand the integration of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and syphilis testing into antenatal and postnatal care in Zambia by examining PrEP use among pregnant and postpartum adolescent girls and women and assessing syphilis testing, treatment, and outcomes. The qualitative component of this study will explore the individual, social, and health system factors influencing PrEP decision-making among pregnant and postpartum adolescent girls and women, their partners, healthcare providers, and community members. It will also examine preferences for postpartum PrEP delivery. Findings will inform the design of woman-centred, contextually appropriate strategies to strengthen integrated HIV and syphilis prevention services and reduce maternal and perinatal HIV and syphilis infections.

Zambart invites applications for the position of Qualitative Research Assistant to support the PrEPforTwo study.

Position: Qualitative Research Assistants (02) – Full time

Reporting to: Study Supervisor

Job Location: Zambart House, Garden Site 3 Health Centre, and Chipata Level One Referral hospital, Lusaka

Duration: Short-term

Position Summary: The Qualitative Research Assistant will work closely with the Study Supervisor and Principal Investigator to support the implementation of the qualitative component of the PrEPforTwo study. The successful candidate will be responsible for qualitative data collection activities, including conducting in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with pregnant and postpartum adolescent girls and women, male partners, healthcare providers, and community members. This position is ideally suited to an early-career researcher with experience in qualitative social science research, and a strong interest in HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and the integration of HIV/STI prevention into antenatal and postnatal care services.

Roles and Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Planning and implementation of qualitative research activities for the PrEPforTwo study.

Introducing study and its activities to stakeholders and study participants in study communities.

Providing study information and obtaining informed consent from study participants while maintaining privacy, confidentiality, and respect.

Conducting qualitative research activities including participant recruitment and data collection using qualitative research methods (focus group discussions, interviews).

Writing detailed field notes and interview summaries.

Transcribing audio recordings of collected data accurately and in a timely manner.

Managing and organising qualitative research data in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and study documentation procedures.

Supporting qualitative data analysis, including rapid qualitative assessments.

Supporting study outputs, including policy briefs, reports, presentations, and academic publications.

Assisting with the preparation of technical and progress reports for the study funder.

Undertaking any other duties assigned by the study supervisor or principal investigator.

Qualifications and experience:

A bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Demography, Public Health, Development Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Gender Studies, or another relevant social science or health-related discipline from a recognised higher education institution.

Experience conducting qualitative research, including interviews and focus group discussions.

Previous experience working on HIV, sexual and reproductive health, maternal health, or implementation research projects.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Demonstrated analytical ability, sound judgement, and high ethical standards.

Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Good computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.

A strong interest in pursuing a career in academic or public health research.

Flexibility and willingness to work in community and health facility settings.

Fluency in English and at least one local language, preferably Nyanja or Bemba.

Desirable requirements:

Proven experience of being active in community activities or research work.

Prepared to work in a busy and challenging environment and flexible working hours.

High level of confidentiality.

Mature Knowledge of the study community.

[Click the Apply button below to apply, and Create my CV to build a CV tailored to this offer, professionally]