Research Assistant- Market analysis of refractive error services At Sightsavers

Contract: Consultancy – approximately one month full time

Rate: To be discussed between consultant and Sightsavers

Background

The global need for eye care is projected to increase dramatically in the coming decades posing a considerable challenge to health systems. Scalable models to accelerate a reduction in the burden of vision impairment caused by refractive error are urgently required. There is growing recognition that market shaping and private sector engagement will have to be part of the solution.

The aim of this analysis is to better understand the structure of the market; understand the conduct of the sellers and buyers (including different target populations); identify ways to improve access to services and products for people in need; and provide insights to develop a sustainable and effective model that is both profitable and allows access to the poorest.

Nature of Services to be rendered

The main purpose of this consultancy is to provide support for market analysis for refractive error services in Kenya. Specifically, the consultant will:

• Conduct desk review to identify evidence base and knowledge gaps on refractive error services in Kenya.
• Conduct a mapping exercise to identify refractive error service providers in Nairobi and Homa Bay counties.
• Lead primary data collection activities for the project at the national and sub-national levels.
• Extract secondary data on refractive eye care services from the District Health Information Software (DHIS2) and other data sources.
• Assist in the analysis of survey data
• Administer informed consent to potential study participants
• Strictly adhere to standard operating procedures for data collection and management
• Strictly adhere to research ethics
• Perform any other duties assigned by the study PI.

Knowledge, skills and experience required

• Undergraduate degree in public health, community health, or social sciences, or equivalent experience
• Experience in primary and secondary data collection including desk reviews
• Experience in primary and secondary data analysis
• Good understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Must be willing and available to spend considerable amounts of time in the field
• Experience in stakeholder engagement
• Good understanding of research ethics. A certificate in human subject protection will be an added advantage

Consultancy Fee

The fee will be based on task completion and the amount is to be discussed between Sightsavers and the consultant. There will be an initial payment to facilitate logistics with the balance paid on successful completion of the assignment.

Please complete a budget template with details of your fee. Details of this are below under ‘To Apply’.

For full details of the work please see the Terms of Reference.

Closing date: Sunday 22 August 2021

Interviews are likely to take place in early September