Research Assistant (12 Positions)

POSITION: Research Assistant (12 Positions)

Reports to: Project Coordinator
Duty Stations: Nairobi (3), Kisumu (3), Homa Bay (3), Migori (3)
Contract Duration: 6 Months

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The WHO Implementation Research (WHO IR) Project: Implementation Research on Introducing and Scaling Up Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Infection within Family Planning Services in Kenya is a one-year mixed-methods implementation research study being conducted in selected health facilities across Nairobi, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori Counties.

The project seeks to strengthen the integration of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) into Family Planning (FP) services in Kenya. Although national policies support the integration of HIV prevention and reproductive health services, there is limited evidence on effective, acceptable, and sustainable approaches for implementing PrEP within FP clinics.

Using quantitative and qualitative research methods, the study will assess policy and health system readiness, implementation processes, and client experiences to identify barriers and facilitators to successful integration. The project will engage stakeholders at national, county, facility, and community levels to generate practical, evidence-based strategies that improve PrEP uptake and adherence. The ultimate goal is to develop a scalable, client-centred model for integrating HIV prevention into family planning services, thereby reducing HIV risk among women in Kenya.

JOB PURPOSE

The Research Assistant will support the implementation of the WHO Implementation Research (WHO IR) Project: Implementation Research on Introducing and Scaling Up Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Infection within Family Planning Services in Kenya in selected health facilities across Nairobi, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori Counties.

The successful candidate will support participant recruitment, enrollment, informed consent, follow-up, and retention while ensuring adherence to study protocols and ethical standards. The Research Assistant will collect high-quality qualitative and quantitative data, facilitate community engagement activities, and contribute to the successful implementation of implementation research activities.

Working closely with the Project Coordinator, research team, healthcare providers, Community Advisory Boards (CABs), peer educators, and county stakeholders, the Research Assistant will conduct interviews, focus group discussions, surveys, and participant follow-up visits to assess the integration of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) into Family Planning (FP) services and factors influencing PrEP uptake, adherence, and continuation.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. 
   
2. Participant Recruitment, Enrollment and Retention
   

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• Identify, recruit, screen, and enroll eligible study participants in accordance with approved study protocols.
  
• Obtain informed consent while ensuring participants fully understand study procedures, risks, and benefits.
  
• Implement participant-centred recruitment and retention strategies to maximize enrollment and minimize loss to follow-up.
  
• Develop individualized participant follow-up plans and maintain regular communication throughout the study period.
  
• Conduct reminder calls, community tracing, and home visits where appropriate and in accordance with ethical guidelines.
  
• Track participant attendance and document reasons for missed visits while working with the study team to address barriers.
  
• Maintain accurate documentation of recruitment, retention, and participant follow-up activities.
  

1. 
   
2. Data Collection and Research Implementation
   

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• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research activities according to study protocols, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and ethical guidelines.
  
• Administer structured questionnaires and electronic surveys using REDCap.
  
• Conduct baseline and follow-up interviews at one, three, and six months following PrEP initiation.
  
• Conduct and audio-record in-depth interviews (IDIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews as required.
  
• Facilitate qualitative interviews in culturally appropriate and participant-friendly environments.
  
• Prepare detailed field notes, interview summaries, debrief reports, and reflective memos after each interview or focus group discussion.
  
• Enter participant demographic and study information into REDCap and ensure data accuracy and completeness.
  
• Ensure confidentiality and secure handling of all study data and participant information.
  

1. 
   
2. Qualitative Data Management
   

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• Translate and transcribe interviews and focus group discussions accurately.
  
• Support development, review, and refinement of qualitative codebooks.
  
• Participate in qualitative data coding and analysis using appropriate qualitative analysis software.
  
• Assist with data cleaning, verification, and quality assurance processes.
  
• Contribute to preliminary interpretation of qualitative findings and preparation of technical reports.
  

1. 
   
2. Community Engagement and Stakeholder Collaboration
   

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• Conduct community sensitization and awareness activities in collaboration with Community Advisory Boards (CABs), peer educators, community health promoters, and healthcare providers.
  
• Build and maintain productive relationships with local women's groups, youth organizations, community leaders, and health facilities to facilitate participant referrals.
  
• Explain study objectives and procedures using culturally appropriate communication approaches.
  
• Share community feedback with the project team to strengthen participant experience and study implementation.
  

1. 
   
2. Reporting and Administrative Responsibilities
   

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• Prepare weekly and monthly progress reports on recruitment, retention, and data collection activities.
  
• Maintain accurate records of participant interactions, recruitment logs, consent documentation, and study activities.
  
• Support prudent utilization of project resources in accordance with organizational policies.
  
• Participate in project meetings, trainings, supervision visits, and quality improvement activities.
  
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Project Coordinator or Principal Investigator.
  

Qualifications and Experience

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• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Community Health, Public Health, Nursing, Social Work, or a related field from a recognized institution.
  
• Minimum of three (3) years' research experience, preferably in implementation research, HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, or public health programmes.
  
• Certificate in Human Subjects Protection is mandatory.
  
• Demonstrated experience using REDCap or other electronic data capture systems.
  
• Experience conducting qualitative and quantitative data collection.
  
• Experience translating and transcribing qualitative interviews and focus group discussions.
  
• Experience using qualitative data analysis software such as NVivo, ATLAS.ti, or Dedoose is required.
  
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili (spoken and written) is required.
  
• For positions based in Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori, fluency in Dholuo (spoken and written) is mandatory.
  
• Familiarity with the assigned study area and local communities is highly desirable.
  

Key Competencies

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• Strong interviewing, facilitation, and participant engagement skills.
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical research standards.
  
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
  
• Strong computer literacy and proficiency in electronic data collection platforms.
  
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
  
• Willingness to travel frequently within the assigned county.
  

Working Conditions

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• The position is based within the assigned county (Nairobi, Kisumu, Homa Bay, or Migori) and requires frequent travel to participating health facilities and surrounding communities.
  
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to accommodate participant schedules and project timelines.
  
• The successful candidate must maintain the highest standards of confidentiality, data protection, and ethical conduct.
  

Application Instructions

Qualified and interested candidates should submit the following documents as one PDF file:

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• Application letter.
  
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) including at least two professional referees with their telephone numbers and email addresses.
  
• Copies of relevant academic certificates and testimonials.
  

Applications should be addressed to:

The Principal Investigator
WHO Implementation Research Project
Implementation Research on Introducing and Scaling Up Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Infection within Family Planning Services in Kenya

Submit your application via email to no later than whoirproject@gmail.com27th July 2026.

Applicants are also required to complete the Google Form using the link below:

Google Form: https://forms.gle/Fodz6X6n1sNY7upw7

Please note:

Only candidates who submit their documents via email and complete the Google Form will be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.