Possible is a collaboration that develops and tests innovations to improve health in Nepal. Our partnership is between an independent Nepal-based non-governmental organization and a US-based non-profit. Possible envisions a world where everyone, everywhere has access to high-quality healthcare rooted in evidence, inclusion, and equity. As such, we engage in rigorous and collaborative research and innovation to address evidence, implementation, and policy gaps in the equity, quality, and accessibility of healthcare. Our research endeavors and partnerships aim to address challenges in context and from stated or established needs rather than for the novelty of research. We partner with community-based organizations, public and private sector academic institutions, and research organizations to leverage research and evidence to inform and implement innovative solutions to healthcare challenges in Nepal. For the last 15 years, we have been a leader in healthcare innovation in Nepal, with partnerships spanning several national and international institutions such as Kathmandu University, Harvard Medical School, University of California San Francisco, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and the University of Washington.

Position: Research Assistants

Possible, a non-governmental organization registered in Nepal, is seeking Research Assistants to support the adaptation and implementation of a family-based intervention aimed to improve the family relationship in the Dhanusha and Morang districts. The RAs are required to conduct research activities in Maithili and/or Nepali languages as per the context and protocol and will work closely with the Possible and Women Rehabilitation Centre (WOREC).  The position is open for 1 candidate for Dhanusha and 2 candidates for Morang.

Reports to: Intervention Research Officer at Possible
Works collaboratively with: Possible, WOREC, and local stakeholders in Dhanusha and Morang districts
Direct Report: None
Location: Dhanusha and Morang districts with travel within the district

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The Research Assistants will be chiefly responsible for the following areas of work:
1.Support the adaptation and training of study tools and intervention in Nepali and/or Maithili languages

• Support the adaptation process by reviewing and providing feedback on the study tools and interventions;
• Participate in training and refresher sessions on the adaptation and piloting of study tools;
• Support IRO in pretesting and administering study tools in Nepali and Maithili;
• Share observations and feedback with the study team on the process of adaptation.

2.Recruit participants, administer baseline questions, and conduct follow-ups in accordance with the study protocol

• Coordinate and seek support from stakeholders and continuously follow up on the recruitment of participants;
• Regularly maintain and update the list of potential participants for feasibility data
• Support the formation of a community advisory board (CAB) and support IRO in coordinating meetings with CAB as required.
• Coordinate and administer screening questions to the potential participants to check their eligibility to participate in the study;
• Recruit participants in the study by obtaining written informed consent from all eligible research participants;
• Administer baseline questions to participants who have provided voluntary consent to partake in the study;
• Schedule appointments with study participants to receive counseling per the study guidelines with counselors, follow-up assessments, and in-depth interviews;
• Track regular participation and experience from the participants based on the study protocols;
• Administer questions for follow-up assessment 1-month, 3-month and 6 months from the baseline;
• Facilitate in scheduling and conducting in-depth interviews with the participants by working closely with the Qualitative Research team;
• Strengthen role, responsibilities, and communication with counselors engaged in the study to ensure smooth implementation;
• Track and share the study progress, enrollment, and challenges regularly with IRO and stakeholders through team meetings;
• Share challenges during data the collection process and support IRO to ensure regular data quality checks.

3.Support in coordination and documentation including recording, referring, and, following up on any untoward/adverse events in the study

• Coordinate with stakeholders at multiple levels to inform and share about the study and its developments, as required;
• Manage overall logistic requirements of the field in coordination with the operations team;
• Keep the study documents safe maintaining confidentiality as relevant at the study site and liaise with the study team for safe transfer to the Possible office;
• Contact study participants to keep track of any untoward/adverse events caused throughout the study period;
• Notify any untoward/adverse events in the study to the IRO immediately, and support in documenting the events; Maintain an up-to-date record of any untoward/adverse events observed among the study participants
• Support in referring study participants to appropriate care as per study protocol;
• Work together with IRO, psychosocial counselors, and WOREC team in following up and managing the participants with untoward events
• Support IRO and the study team in donor reporting as appropriate

The above list of responsibilities is not comprehensive and may be changed with discussion and alignment between the Research Assistant and his/his/their Supervisor.

Must Haves: 

• Commitment to Possible’s Values, Mission & Vision
• Able to apply the concept of gender equity, disability, and social inclusion perspective into every aspect of the work
• Strong commitment and motivation to learn and develop; and able to adapt to a flexible working environment, including working with a diverse team.
• Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in public health or relevant degree
• Experience working and/or using the digital platform as a Research Assistant or Enumerator at least for one year
• Local Female candidates from Dhanusha and Morang districts; fluent in written and spoken Nepali and/or Maithili languages. 1 candidate from Dhanusha and 2 candidates from Morang
• Female applicants with prior experience in research assistance with vulnerable populations for example survivors of domestic violence, people with HIV/ AIDS, or mental health problems are highly encouraged to apply.

Application Process
Email CV and cover letter to recruitment@possiblehealth.org. When applying please include name and position in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until 24th of February 2023. If we believe that you and Possible are good potential fit, we will contact you to advance the application process. Please note that due to a large volume of applications, we may not individually respond to your application.