Epicentre – Qualitative study researcher – Mobile Implementation Officer (MIO) contract – 9 months At Epicentre

Description of the organization

Created by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in 1986, Epicentre conducts field epidemiology, training and medical research activities in support of MSF’s humanitarian objectives. We have 3 research centres in France, Niger and Uganda and relocated epidemiologists. Our areas of expertise cover infectious diseases (malaria, TB, HIV, cholera, Ebola, etc.), neglected diseases (leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, etc.) and chronic diseases that are on the rise in African countries, such as diabetes and cancer.

Job Description

CONTEXT: Urgepi Project, responses to emergencies in the Katanga region

MSF regularly intervenes in the Katanga region, made up of four provinces in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to respond to epidemic emergencies and the consequences of armed conflicts. Faced with epidemic challenges, operational decision-making remains complex due to a limited surveillance system and the multiplicity of simultaneous alerts.

The UrgEpi programme aims to design and evaluate innovative strategies to prevent and control epidemics, with a particular focus on measles prevention and control. In this context, MSF-OCP has implemented preventive vaccination activities targeting health zones considered to be most at risk from measles epidemics.

It is in this context that Epicentre is looking for a qualitative researcher to conceptualize and implement qualitative and mixed methods studies aimed at identifying barriers to vaccination and improving vaccination coverage assessment tools.

Mission :

The qualitative studies researcher will be responsible for implementing or providing technical expertise to a local researcher for the implementation of qualitative studies and mixed studies aimed at identifying barriers to vaccination in the DRC and improving the assessment of vaccination status during vaccination coverage surveys.

This role requires an experienced individual with expertise in qualitative and mixed methods research methods, expertise in supervision, adherence to ethical standards, data analysis, leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

The person in this role will ensure the methodological rigor of studies, compliance with MSF principles, adherence to ethical standards, the quality and accuracy of data collected, and the communication of results to operational and research stakeholders.

Main responsibilities:

• Identify relevant research questions, review literature on the topic and translate them into research questions, identify relevant conceptual frameworks.
• Develop, write or adapt concept notes for research protocols
• Develop qualitative data collection tools, including interview guides, observation grids or checklists, etc.
• Develop research plans, SOPS and guidelines for the informed consent process, data collection, retention and storage in accordance with the research protocol to ensure research rigour, data quality and adherence to good research practices.
• Plan and organize field studies, including research activities. HR (recruitment) and logistics
• Where applicable, collaborate in training or lead the field team.
• Identify key informants and community gatekeepers, organize study information sessions, organize and implement community mobilization activities or participatory approaches as appropriate.
• Conduct, or supervise and monitor, research activities (including the informed consent process and data collection) ensuring that they comply with ethical standards, good clinical practice and MSF principles.
• Implement processes that ensure data quality and scientific rigor
• Maintain constant contact with the principal investigator and report in a timely manner the progress of the study, the main results, difficulties or delays.
• Critically examine research processes and results and, if necessary, implement adaptations, strategies and solutions.
• Ensure participant confidentiality and data protection by enforcing secure encryption, anonymization and data storage.
• Perform data analysis using appropriate tools, software and methodologies
• Develop and write study reports and scientific publications for peer-reviewed journals.
• Plan, formulate and carry out the communication and dissemination of study results among relevant stakeholders, including through posters, presentations and research notes.

The main activities are (in collaboration with a qualitative study researcher recruited in the DRC):

1. Mixed surveys to identify barriers to vaccination in the DRC in order to develop vaccination strategies adapted to the local context.

• Adapt existing protocols to the specificities of the study context.
• Plan the study, including adjusting questionnaires and interview guides.
• Train and supervise investigators and interviewers involved in the study.
• Implement the study in accordance with established plans.
• Ensure communication and coordination between members of the research team.
• Facilitate liaison and information sharing between MSF research teams and operational teams.
• Contribute to capacity building in the research team.
• Carry out the analysis of qualitative and mixed data.
• Produce summaries and report the results to stakeholders.
• Write detailed reports on study results and analyses.
• Provide recommendations based on search results.

2. Qualitative survey to improve vaccination coverage surveys

• Adapt the research protocol
• Plan the study
• Train and supervise the data collection team
• Provide ongoing support during data collection.
• Ensure the collection of qualitative data in the field
• Ensure methodological rigor and data quality
• Analyzing qualitative data
• Write reports and summaries
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards
• Ensure scientific and methodological monitoring
• Collaborate with local and community partners
• Strengthen the team’s capacity in qualitative analysis
• Propose recommendations based on the results

Qualifications

Diploma

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in a field such as social sciences, anthropology, epidemiology or other relevant field

Experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience in the collection and analysis of qualitative data
• Experience in mixed methods research (desirable)

LANGUAGES

• Mastery of French essential
• English desirable

Knowledge

• Experience in team supervision
• Experience in writing study reports and communicating results
• Experience working with MSF or other NGOs in the health sector (mandatory)
• Scientific publications
• Knowledge of cultural dynamics in the DRC (desirable)

SKILLS

• Essential computer skills (MS Office, Internet)
• Qualitative data analysis software skills
• Personnel management and development
• Adherence to MSF principles
• Flexibility of behavior
• Results and sense of quality
• Teamwork and cooperation
• Autonomy, personal initiative, proactivity, motivation
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Good interpersonal skills, listening skills and empathy
• Open-mindedness, respect and tolerance

Additional information

Job specifics

9-month fixed-term contract – Full-time – Field position – level 12 – Remuneration according to the MSF/Epicentre field salary scale and based on seniority and experience.

Localisation :

Travel within the Katanga region, DRC; approximately 70% of the time. And the rest of the time, position based in the country of residence (telework or MSF office).

Start date : Desired start date: February 2025

• You will work with a multicultural team in the field of epidemiological research
• You will evolve in the humanitarian environment
• Your contributions and ideas will be valued and greatly appreciated.
• You will participate in the life of the association and your missions will evolve as your involvement progresses.