14 Research Assistants – Governance and Health Financing at JSI

Job Description

Organization Background:

JSI Research & Training Institute is a public health organization dedicated to expanding access to services for vulnerable populations. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, and Washington, DC, JSI collaborates with national and local governments, NGOs, the private sector, and traditional leaders.

The organization focuses on improving the health of underserved communities through innovative approaches in areas such as HIV, sexual and reproductive health, health systems management, supply chain strengthening, technical and organizational capacity building, strategic information management, and policy development.

Project Overview: NextGen Ugavi Bora, Afya Bora

The NextGen Ugavi Bora, Afya Bora Project aims to strengthen Tanzania’s public health supply chain and pharmaceutical services to ensure sustainable access to safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable health commodities.

The project focuses on building the capacity of local systems, institutions, and individuals to manage supply chains sustainably, including both US Department of State (DOS)-procured and locally procured health commodities.

It also supports the enhancement of local pharmaceutical management systems and national regulatory systems.

Position 1: Research Assistants – Governance and Health Financing (14 positions)

Job Overview:

The Research Assistants will support data collection for a comprehensive mapping of Tanzania’s supply chain and pharmaceutical management (SC&PM) governance and financing landscape.

This includes gathering qualitative and quantitative data on structures, processes, policies, and mechanisms at national and sub-national levels.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Participate in training sessions to understand mapping objectives, tools, and methodologies.
• Revise and translate data collection instruments in Kiswahili and English.
• Develop schedules for data collection in assigned study areas.
• Coordinate meetings with focal persons at national, regional, council, and health facility levels.
• Collect data through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and document reviews.
• Accurately record data and maintain ethical standards and confidentiality.
• Support clarification and follow-up on data points as needed.
• Participate in team meetings and collaborative activities.
• Identify and resolve obstacles to timely task completion and communicate unresolved challenges.
• Maintain records of meetings and research activities, including meeting minutes and activity logbooks.
• Ensure regular communication with team leads and other members.
• Maintain safety and security of project materials, personnel, and team.
• Perform additional tasks as requested by team leads.

Deliverables:

• Finalized assessment tools (qualitative and quantitative)
• Field notes summarizing key findings and audio files
• Daily progress reports
• Activity report summarizing observations, challenges, and recommendations

Duration: 17 days (including 2 training days, 1 pilot day, 2 travel days, and 10 fieldwork days)

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, Pharmacy, or related fields
• Experience in qualitative and/or quantitative data collection
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficiency in Kiswahili and English
• Ability to travel within assigned regions and work independently
• Understanding of Tanzania’s service delivery and leadership at various levels
• Familiarity with health systems (governance, financing, etc.) or supply chain concepts is an added advantage

How to Apply:
Send your CV/resume to tanzaniaHR@jsi.org