The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) stands at the forefront of transformative health and development research across the African continent. Established as a premier African-led research-to-policy institution, APHRC is dedicated to advancing evidence-based policies that influence positive change in public health and socio-economic development across sub-Saharan Africa.
The Center operates through a strategic tripartite mandate that includes generating high-quality research evidence, strengthening the research and development capacity of African institutions and individuals, and engaging with policymakers to catalyze the adoption of evidence-informed decisions. Over the years, APHRC has become synonymous with excellence in multidisciplinary research, contributing to improving health outcomes, education, population dynamics, and urban development among others.
As part of its core commitment to enhancing healthcare systems and population health, APHRC’s Research Capacity Strengthening (RCS) Division is rolling out an impactful project — the Partnership for Education of Health Professionals (PEP). This project is designed to tackle the growing burden of cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) in Kenya through a structured combination of evidence generation and capacity building.
To ensure effective implementation and successful data collection for this project, APHRC is inviting applications from qualified individuals to fill eighteen (18) positions of Research Assistant (RA). The Research Assistants will be instrumental in conducting field-based data collection activities in June and July 2025 across eleven counties: Narok, Turkana, Wajir, West Pokot, Tana River, Trans Nzoia, Marsabit, Bomet, Kwale, Nairobi, and Mombasa.
Job Title: Research Assistant – Partnership for Education of Health Professionals (PEP) Project
Project Duration: June to July 2025
Work Locations: Narok, Turkana, Wajir, West Pokot, Tana River, Trans Nzoia, Marsabit, Bomet, Kwale, Nairobi, and Mombasa Counties
Detailed Job Description
The selected Research Assistants (RAs) will be key contributors to the PEP Project’s fieldwork component, helping to ensure the accurate collection and management of data. The data generated will be essential in informing policy and capacity-building interventions to enhance the management of cardiometabolic diseases in the country. Below is a detailed outline of the responsibilities and expectations associated with the position:
1. Administering Surveys Using KoBoCollect or Similar Tools
Research Assistants will be responsible for administering electronic surveys to targeted healthcare professionals and community respondents using mobile data collection platforms such as KoBoCollect. This includes:
- Accurately entering responses during in-person interviews.
- Ensuring that skip patterns and logic flows in the questionnaire are followed.
- Troubleshooting minor technical issues with the KoBoCollect tool on mobile devices.
- Uploading completed survey forms to the server daily.
- Ensuring respondent confidentiality and obtaining informed consent prior to survey commencement.
2. Conducting In-Depth Interviews and Focus Group Discussions
The RAs will engage in qualitative data collection efforts, including:
- Identifying and scheduling appointments with key informants and focus group participants.
- Preparing discussion guides and notes in line with the project’s themes.
- Facilitating group discussions or one-on-one interviews while maintaining neutrality and professionalism.
- Ensuring ethical standards are upheld during data collection.
3. Transcription of Audio Recordings
Research Assistants will be expected to:
- Transcribe verbatim the recordings of all interviews and focus group discussions in a timely and accurate manner.
- Translate transcriptions from local languages to English, where necessary.
- Label and archive recordings and transcripts according to APHRC’s data management guidelines.
4. Data Entry, Cleaning, and Verification
In addition to data collection, the RAs will support:
- Daily reviews of collected data to ensure completeness and consistency.
- Use of software such as Excel or STATA to identify and correct data entry errors.
- Collaborating with data analysts or supervisors to resolve inconsistencies.
- Timely submission of cleaned and verified datasets to project coordinators.
5. Administrative and Logistical Support
RAs will also undertake various logistical responsibilities to facilitate smooth fieldwork operations. These may include:
- Organizing materials and resources required for interviews and surveys.
- Coordinating with local contacts to access facilities and transportation.
- Maintaining accurate records of field activities, expenditure, and movement.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered for the position of Research Assistant:
a. Experience in Data Collection Methods
- Proven experience in conducting structured surveys, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews is required.
- Candidates with prior involvement in public health or social science studies are preferred.
- Experience in collecting sensitive health-related data is highly desirable.
b. Familiarity with Health Sector Dynamics
- Prior experience or familiarity working with healthcare professionals, particularly within county or national health systems, is an added advantage.
c. Residency and Mobility Requirements
- Applicants must be current residents of at least one of the eleven counties where the study will take place.
- Willingness to travel to other counties within the study area is mandatory.
- Must be ready to stay for up to 20 consecutive days away from their home location during fieldwork.
d. Quantitative Data Collection and Analysis Skills
- Solid experience with quantitative data collection and analytical techniques.
- Familiarity with statistical software such as STATA, SPSS, or R is essential.
- Must demonstrate the ability to manage large datasets and maintain data quality.
e. Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis Skills
- Proven capacity to collect, transcribe, code, and analyze qualitative data.
- Knowledge of qualitative data analysis tools such as Nvivo or Atlas.ti is a strong requirement.
- Capable of synthesizing themes and patterns from interview transcripts.
f. Communication and Language Proficiency
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are required.
- Proficiency in Kiswahili and other local languages spoken in the counties of deployment is advantageous.
g. Personal and Professional Attributes
- Must demonstrate a high level of integrity, attention to detail, and a commitment to confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within diverse teams.
- Efficient time management and organizational capabilities.
Expectations During Engagement
- Research Assistants will be required to attend a training session prior to the commencement of fieldwork to familiarize themselves with the study tools and methodologies.
- They must strictly adhere to ethical standards and field protocols established by APHRC and the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
- Flexibility and adaptability to dynamic field environments are expected throughout the engagement period.
- Submission of daily reports and active participation in team debriefs will be mandatory.
Location-Specific Considerations
The study will be carried out in the following counties, and applicants must indicate their county of residence and any additional counties they are willing to travel to:
- Narok
- Turkana
- Wajir
- West Pokot
- Tana River
- Trans Nzoia
- Marsabit
- Bomet
- Kwale
- Nairobi
- Mombasa
Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate strong knowledge of the local context in the specified counties.
Why Join APHRC as a Research Assistant?
- Opportunity to contribute to meaningful health research aimed at improving lives.
- Gain field experience working with a leading African research institution.
- Enhance professional research and data analysis skills under expert supervision.
- Competitive remuneration for the period of engagement.
- Potential for consideration in future APHRC projects, depending on performance.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the qualifications outlined above are invited to submit their applications online through the official APHRC recruitment portal.
