The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is a leading research-to-policy institution that plays a crucial role in advancing health and development issues in Africa. The organization is dedicated to generating evidence, strengthening the capacity for research across the continent, and engaging with policymakers to drive evidence-informed decision-making. APHRC has, over the years, positioned itself as a premier institution in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly through its commitment to building research leadership and providing data-driven insights that inform both local and regional development policies.
Currently, APHRC is spearheading the Kenya Young Adolescents Gender Norms Study. The study’s objective is to generate and share knowledge on the key gender norms shaping behavior, health, and socio-economic outcomes among young adolescents aged between 10 and 14 years in Kenya. As part of the preparatory work for this large-scale study, the organization intends to conduct cognitive interviews to assess how survey tools will be understood and received by the target population. The findings from this stage will help refine the study tools to ensure that they are both contextually appropriate and meaningful for the communities involved.
To facilitate this work, APHRC invites applications from individuals who will serve as Cognitive Field Interviewers. These individuals will play a vital role in engaging with young adolescents and collecting accurate data that will shape the broader objectives of the study. A total of eighteen interviewers will be recruited to support this initiative. Data collection is planned for October and November 2025, and applications are encouraged particularly from residents of Kilifi, Narok, and Migori counties where the fieldwork will be conducted.
The following section outlines the detailed job description, duties, and requirements for the role of Cognitive Field Interviewer.
Position: Cognitive Field Interviewer
Location: Kilifi, Narok, and Migori Counties
Deadline: August 29, 2025
Number of Positions: 18
Overview of the Role
The Cognitive Field Interviewer will be central to the data collection activities of the Kenya Young Adolescents Gender Norms Study. The interviewer’s role is not merely to ask questions but to carefully observe, record, and analyze how young respondents interpret and respond to the survey tools. This level of engagement ensures that the tools are both effective and culturally appropriate for the intended audience.
The position requires individuals with a strong ethical foundation, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work with young adolescents in a sensitive and respectful manner. The successful candidates will undergo training to equip them with the necessary skills and understanding of the study objectives, after which they will be deployed to the field for data collection.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties of the Cognitive Field Interviewer will include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Obtaining and Documenting Consent and Assent
The interviewer will be responsible for upholding ethical standards by ensuring that every study participant provides informed consent or assent before participating in the interview. This includes explaining the purpose of the study, the voluntary nature of participation, and the measures taken to safeguard confidentiality. - Conducting Cognitive Interviews
The core responsibility will involve engaging with respondents in cognitive interviews. These sessions go beyond typical question-and-answer formats; they involve probing how questions are understood and interpreted by participants. The interviewer must create an environment where respondents feel comfortable expressing their thoughts. - Observing and Recording Interpretations
During each interview, the interviewer must pay close attention to how respondents interpret the questions. This includes noting any signs of confusion, hesitation, or alternative interpretations. Detailed documentation of these observations will be essential for refining the survey tools. - Documenting Insights, Issues, and Feedback
After each interview, the interviewer will compile detailed notes highlighting any challenges faced by respondents. These insights will help researchers identify problematic questions and make necessary revisions to the survey tools. - Transcribing Audio Recordings
Cognitive interviews will often be recorded for reference. Interviewers will be tasked with transcribing these recordings accurately to support further analysis and review by the research team. - Populating the Data Analysis Framework
The interviewer will input findings into structured analysis frameworks designed by the research team. This ensures that all data collected is standardized and can be easily compared across different locations and respondents. - Other Assigned Duties
From time to time, the interviewer may be required to undertake additional tasks as assigned by supervisors. These could include assisting with logistical arrangements, participating in team debrief sessions, or contributing to tool refinement workshops.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants for the Cognitive Field Interviewer positions must meet the following minimum requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Sociology, or a related discipline within the social sciences.
- Residency in one of the target counties (Kilifi, Narok, or Migori).
- Proficiency in both English and Swahili, with knowledge of local languages spoken in the study areas considered an added advantage.
- Previous experience in conducting cognitive interviews or working with adolescents will be considered an added advantage.
- Strong oral and written communication skills in both English and Swahili.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
- Experience with electronic data collection methods.
- Availability for full-time engagement during both training and data collection phases.
Application Process
Interested candidates are required to prepare and submit the following documents:
- A cover letter clearly stating the county of residence.
- An updated curriculum vitae (CV) with contact details of three referees.
- Copies of relevant academic certificates.
Applications should be submitted through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) at the Kenya Young Adolescents Gender Norms Survey Cognitive Interviewers job posting. The deadline for submission is August 29, 2025.
Important Notices
Applicants should take note of the following important information:
- At no point during the recruitment process will applicants be required to make any payments. Recruitment by APHRC and its partners is entirely free of charge.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process.
- Successful candidates must be available full-time for training and data collection during October and November 2025.
- Applications must be submitted within the set deadline. Late applications will not be considered.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The African Population and Health Research Center, in collaboration with Flexi Personnel, is firmly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and organizational needs. The institutions do not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, or any other protected characteristic.
Special consideration and reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request. This ensures that all qualified individuals have a fair opportunity to participate in the recruitment process.
Conclusion
The recruitment of Cognitive Field Interviewers presents a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about research and adolescent health to contribute to a meaningful project. The Kenya Young Adolescents Gender Norms Study is a critical initiative that seeks to deepen the understanding of how gender norms shape the lives of young adolescents in Kenya. By joining the study team, interviewers will not only contribute to evidence generation but also help influence policies that can create healthier and more equitable outcomes for future generations.
Interested individuals who meet the outlined requirements are encouraged to prepare their applications and submit them via the designated Applicant Tracking System before the application deadline.
