Research Assistant

Role Overview

This field-based research role supports the safe and consistent delivery of a study involving human participants. You will guide participants through study information and consent, collect quantitative and qualitative data, and keep accurate records so the research team can protect participants and rely on high-quality findings.

Key Responsibilities

• Explain the study’s purpose, procedures, possible risks and benefits, and participation requirements; screen prospective participants using the approved eligibility criteria.
• Assess whether participants can provide informed consent, obtain consent or assent as appropriate, and complete the required documentation.
• Administer questionnaires and psychological assessments, conduct in-depth interviews and focus groups, and collect data in line with the protocol and standard operating procedures.
• Enter and check data using secure electronic collection tools, including encrypted devices, while following data-protection requirements.
• Keep participant files and study records complete, current, confidential, and securely stored.
• Document field activities, implementation experiences, challenges, lessons learned, and proposed responses in accordance with study procedures.
• Prepare required field updates, including monthly and semi-annual reports.
• Support monitoring and quality checks, helping ensure compliance with the study protocol, ethics requirements, standard operating procedures, and institutional procedures.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Diploma in Nursing, Psychology, Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Community Health, or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
• Demonstrated experience collecting both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, digital devices, and electronic data collection platforms such as REDCap.
• Working knowledge of ethical research practice, including informed consent, confidentiality, data protection, and basic data-quality checks.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well with participants and colleagues.
• Careful, dependable approach to work, with sound judgement, integrity, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• For the Turkana-based position, willingness to work in Turkana and familiarity with the local cultural context are required.
• Experience in mental health research or work with vulnerable populations is an advantage.
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and/or Human Subjects Protection (HSP) certification is highly desirable.