Research Assistant
Ngo & Social Services Jobs
- PSI - Population Services Int…
- Expires 26 Mar 2026
- Harare
- Part Time
Job Description
The Research Assistant will support the implementation of the STI study across selected health facilities in Harare Metropolitan province. S/he will be responsible for the identification and recruitment of eligible study participants (asymptomatic pregnant women and symptomatic men and women), conducting informed consent, supporting sample collection, conducting interviews, capturing clinical and demographic data using mobile applications, ensuring data synchronization, and coordinating research work at health facilities. The role requires strict adherence to study protocol and ethical standards to preserve data integrity and participant confidentiality. The positions will be required for a period of six months.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Identify and recruit eligible participants (pregnant women at ANC, and STI symptomatic women and men at public and private sector health facility) in line with study protocol.
• Conduct informed consent discussions in the participant’s preferred language (English or Shona), ensuring participants understand study procedures, rights, and confidentiality before enrolment.
• Document reasons for refusal and screening outcomes.
• Collect demographic, clinical, and behavioural data using study intake and exit tools.
• Capture and record data accurately on mobile applications (ODK or similar) and ensure daily synchronization with central servers.
• Monitor completeness, accuracy, and consistency of collected data; promptly resolve data discrepancies.
• Safeguard participant confidentiality in line with PSI and national ethical standards.
• Assist clinical staff in coordinating sample collection and ensure correct labeling and storage.
• Support proper packaging and transportation of samples to the PSH-managed laboratory in Chitungwiza for confirmatory testing.
• Document participant and partner notification follow-up per protocol.
• Coordinate daily research activities at assigned health facilities to ensure smooth study implementation.
• Liaise with facility staff, pharmacists, and PSI study team to maintain fidelity to the study protocol.
• Perform quality checks on data and processes to ensure adherence to SOPs and ethical standards.
• Provide daily and weekly progress updates to the Research Coordinator.
• Ensure partner notification procedures are explained and followed in line with national STI guidelines.
• Engage health facility staff and community partners in supporting participant recruitment and retention.
• Prepare and submit weekly field activity reports to the Research Coordinator.
• Serves as the site research liaison person linking with PSI management.
• Ensure availability of study resources in available on site (stationery, forms, questionnaires, STI test kits, etc)
• Respond to project-related communication in a timely manner.
• Attend scheduled trainings, meetings, and debrief sessions.
Qualifications and Experience
• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Public Health, Nursing, Demography, Statistics, or related discipline.
• Certificate in Health Research Ethics.
• Minimum of one year of experience in field data collection for health research or population-based surveys.
• Experience in obtaining informed consent and engaging clients in clinical/research settings.
• Knowledge of STIs, HIV, and reproductive health services in Zimbabwe is an advantage.
• Experience using mobile data collection tools (e.g., ODK, Kobo Collect, Survey CTO) is required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with fluency in English and Shona.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in facility-based settings.
How to Apply
PSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of actual or perceived race, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, family status or responsibilities, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions or breastfeeding, genetic information, amnesty, veteran, special disabled veteran or uniform service member status or employment status.
How to apply
Step 1: Complete the Application form:
(b) Click the following link https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7LiczSHmKkeXmlSatbokcNO7h-fzQdlLv2uX4UTqbxxUM1o0OVFVTDFQWTVQVjVKVEY3Vzk0NkNRSCQlQCNjPTEu to apply for the Research Assistant position.
Step 2: Send your updated CVs to recruitment@psh.org.zw
All Applications should be shared not later than March 26, 2026.
Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
