Innovations for Poverty Action Various Vacancies

About Innovations for Poverty Action: Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a non-profit research organization that creates and evaluates approaches to solving development problems and disseminates information about what works and what does not to policymakers, practitioners, investors and donors around the world.

Vacancies: Qualitative Research Staff (Interviewer, Transcriptionist & Translator)

Start Date: 15th October 2013

Location: Nairobi
 

Description of Work:

The AHME Impact Evaluation is an external evaluation of the African Health Markets for Equity (AHME) initiative.

The goal of the impact evaluation is to rigorously evaluate the extent to which transforming the business model of franchised providers and expanding access to demand side financing through AHME generates effective and cost-effective coverage of priority technologies and interventions amongst the poor. 

The research project aims to measure the health impacts of improving the delivery and quality of private healthcare services throughout Kenya. 

The intervention is two-fold, and aims to impact health outcomes through both the supply of services, and the demand for them. 

This position is temporary and will be based in Nairobi but will require extensive travel within and across Nairobi, Eastern and Central regions. 

Overnight stays in these regions lasting several days of the study will be required. Staff will be expected to work on weekends and evenings if needed.

IPA seeks Interviewers, Transcriptionists and Translators for immediate hire on a 1 – 2 month contract, who will assist with a variety of activities for the qualitative evaluation including:

• recruiting and screening participants for Focus Group Discussions and In-depth Interviews
• conducting Focus Group Discussions and In-depth Interviews
• translating and transcribing of Focus Group Discussion audios and In-depth Interviews

We are recruiting for Interviewer, Transcriptionist, and Translator positions. 

If invited for the training, all applicants will be trained together initially, and after assessment of skills and review of preferences, applicants will join either the Interviewer Group or the Transcriptionist / Translator Group. 

Applicants will remain in their assigned group for the remainder of training.

We encourage all applicants with skills in qualitative research, interviewing and/or transcription to apply.
 

1) Interviewer Position
 

Interviewer Responsibilities:
 

The Interviewer will work closely with both international and local researchers and other field staff to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:

• Work with community leaders and clinic providers to identify and recruit interview and focus group discussion participants from local communities and clinics
• Screen participants for eligibility and ensure informed consent process is thoroughly conducted for all participants
• Conduct in-depth interviews with clinic staff and patients
• Direct focus group discussions by:

1. Draw participants out and encouraging people to speak during the discussion
2. Moderate dominant participants or people making inappropriate comments without disrupting the group
3. Take minimal notes during interviews

• Handle environmental conditions, and respond to unexpected interruptions
• Record the discussion
• Follow-up on comments made by respondents that need clarification
• Make the group of participants feel comfortable and safe
• Have a good understanding of the subject matter for discussion
• Assist in organizing the focus group discussion, i.e. logistics planning, identify locations, advance contact with participants etc.
• Debrief with team after interview or focus group sessions
• Provide suggestions for improving guides and interviewing techniques
• Completion of scheduled activities each day in a timely manner

Interviewer Key Requirements:

• A Diploma or University degree in Social Sciences or related field of discipline is an added advantage
• Must be a careful listener that will guide the discussion
• Complete knowledge of both English and Kiswahili languages
• Ability to understand various expressions
• Excellent verbal communication in both English and Kiswahili is desired
• Able to refrain from making comments or suggestions that will bias the conversations
• Preferred previous experience conducting qualitative research interviews
• Preferred previous experience working with poor communities and women
• Willingness to travel within the regions we are working in
• Comfortable with interviewing individuals who are professionals

2) Transcriptionist /Translator Positions
 

Transcriptionist /Translator Responsibilities:
 

The Transcriptionist / Translators will work closely with both international and local researchers and other field staff to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:

• Check translations of technical and/or medical terms from Kiswahili terminology to ensure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation into English language.
• Listen to original recording material in Kiswahili and type out Focus Group Discussion and In-Depth Interview texts word-for-word (Transcriptionist)
• Translate Kiswahili text into English, ensuring that translations from the Kiswahili language retain the content and meaning of the original material (Translator)
• Proofread to correct spelling mistakes and grammar in English.
• Accurately relay style or tone so that meaning remains the same when translating or interpreting from Kiswahili to English language
• Adhere to strict deadlines when dealing with translating written material
• Protect the confidentiality of material as required
• Transcriptionists do have the opportunity to work from home after an initial probationary period in the office

Transcriptionist/Translator Key Requirements:

• A diploma or University degree in related field of Kenyan language (Kiswahili) and English language is an advantage
• Strong oral and written communications skills in English
• Strong oral proficiency in Kiswahili is required
• Knowledge of additional languages used in Nairobi, Eastern and Central is an advantage
• Listening ability to understand and grasp various expressions, idioms and specific vocabulary and their uses
• Should have basic knowledge in Kiswahili grammar and English
• Experience in transcription or translation for at least 1 year is preferred
• Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Word and excellent typing skills is required for this position
• Willing to work evenings if needed

To apply: 

Please send a cover letter and detailed CV, 3 references, daytime phone number(s), and email address. 

Your CV should include your scores or grades and other measures of academic achievement, and details about any relevant work experience.

Applications can be submitted to any of our branch offices, or by email to jobs-kenya@poverty-action.org, or by post office using P.O Box 373, Busia area code 50400 Kenya. 

If you submit by email, please ensure that the subject line reads: “QRS-Interviewer, QRS-Transcriptionist or QRS-Translator.” REF NO AHME-2013-09-03.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. 

Deadline to Apply: 30th September 2013

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
 

Please note that you can only apply for one of the above stated position.
 

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by Qualitative Research Staff. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to confirm the information listed above with IPA prior to releasing any extensive personal information to the organization. Please direct questions to jobs-kenya@poverty-action.org.