Research Investigators

Helen Keller Intl. is an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) working in health and nutrition in Nepal since 1988 to improve the nutritional status of women and young children through evidence-based research and programs. Helen Keller Intl. in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population (Family Welfare Division) and with ethical approval from the Nepal Health Research Council is conducting a research study titled: “Assessing prevalence, determinants, and care and management practices of low-birth-weight babies: A multicentric, observational study in Nepal.” We request applications from qualified individuals for short-term assignments as mentioned below:

Research Investigators

Required No.: (18 numbers) – FEMALE Candidates ONLY

Tentative duration:
Approximately 4 months starting May 27, 2024 (not exceeding 120 days). However, if the desired sample size from a health facility is achieved, the assignment could end earlier.

Title of the Project:

Assessing prevalence, determinants, and care and management practices of low-birth-weight babies: A multicentric, observational study in Nepal.

Position:

Research Investigators (18 numbers) – FEMALE Candidates ONLY

Overview of the position:

This position is based in the Labour Room (Maternity Ward) of the 18 selected hospitals mentioned below. The candidate will collect data on birth weight measurement, and delivery care practices based on direct observation in the labour room. The candidate will also interview the mothers when they are transferred to the maternity ward or before discharge from the hospitals. The candidate is required to conduct interviews of a minimum three (3) health facility staff and facility managers.

Department / Location:
Field Based (In any of the 18 Municipalities located across 11 districts as follows:

1. Dailekh (Dailekha District hospital, Dullu Hospital – 2 numbers)
2. Jajarkot (Jajarkot District Hospital – 1 number)
3. Salyan (Salayan District Hospital) – 1 number)
4. Kapilvastu (Shivapur Health Post, Pakadi Health Post, Krishnanager Health Post – 3 numbers)
5. Rupandehi (Provincial Hospital Lumbini, Parroha Health Post, Lumbini PHC – 3 numbers)
6. Achham (Bayalpata Hospital, Chaurpati PHC – 2 numbers)
7. Dadeldhura (Dadeldhura Hospital – 1 number)
8. Bhajang (Khiratadi Health Post – 1 number)
9. Bajura (Kolte PHC – 1 number)
10. Darchula (Gokuleshwor Hospital, 1 number)
11. Kailali (Seti Provincial Hospital, Baliya Hospital – 2 numbers)

Duration of assignment:
Approximately 4 months (not exceeding 120 days). However, if the desired sample size from a health facility is achieved, the assignment could end earlier.

Reports to:
Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Manager/ Senior Advisor – MER

Overall responsibilities:
The Research Investigator will collect data from the labour room in selected hospitals based on an observation checklist. The candidate will be placed in the labour room of selected hospitals and will observe every delivery, facility infrastructure, and birth weight measurement practices. The candidate will then fill up a checklist/ template for every observed delivery. The candidate will also interview sampled mothers when they are transferred to the maternity ward or before discharge, whichever is convenient. The candidate is also required to conduct a minimum of three interviews of health facility staff (two staff conducting the delivery and one health facility manager).

The investigators will have to go through 3-4 days of training. The research questions and tools will be finalized during the training.

Deliverables:

1. Enroll study participants and acquire written informed consent.
2. Deliver clean dataset based on observation and interviews.
3. Coordinate with the delivery room staff/ hospitals on data collection and interviews.
4. Collaborate effectively with the hospitals selected for this study, including obtaining permission, data collection etc. Helen Keller will provide necessary government letters and other support if required.
5. Regularly review and verify the quality of collected data for accuracy and completeness.
6. Ensure data collection activities in the field are executed efficiently and according to the research implementation plan.

Qualifications and experiences:

1. Selected candidates (Females only) should have a bachelor’s degree in public health, nursing, nutrition, or social sciences with at least one year of experience in research or field data collection; OR an OR an intermediate/ Auxiliary Nurse Midwife/ Auxiliary Health Worker with a minimum of three years’ experience in community level activities on health/nutrition.
2. Female Nursing students, who are currently pursuing their degree in any of the selected hospitals, or who are local residents, will be preferred.
3. Skills in conducting interviews, strong verbal communication skills, and ability to negotiate.
4. Previous experience of research in public health or similar data collection activity.
5. Knowledge of conducting qualitative interviews, data collection, observation, and note taking.
6. Previous experience working in/with health facilities at a district/municipality-based position.

Other desirable skills:
Fluency in Nepali and basic/ intermediate English language skills. Computer literate and proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel.

Note: Please mention your choice district and the health facility in the cover letter while applying for the position. LOCAL candidates with relevant skills and qualifications (see below) will be preferred.

Ethics:
All candidates must strictly adhere to the Helen Keller research ethics. Using mobile phones, taking pictures or videos inside the labor room is strictly prohibited. All candidates must sign a legally binding agreement with Helen Keller of not to take pictures/ videos inside the labor room or publish/disclose any data attracting legal/ penal consequences.