Research Assistants

Under the leadership of the Ministry of Health (MoH), the African Institute for Health and Development (AIHD) seeks to engage short-term Research Assistants (RAs) in 11 counties across the Lake and Coast regions. Kenya is currently implementing the second phase of the Accelerate Resilient Innovative Sustainable Elimination (ARISE II) project targeting Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). ARISE II focuses on the treatment of Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) and Schistosomiasis (SCH). The STH/SCH program is being implemented in the following counties:

• Lake Region: Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Busia
• Coast Region: Mombasa, Kwale, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Taita Taveta

The program supports the Kenya National NTD Master Plan 2023–2027, reflecting the Government of Kenya’s commitment to the prevention, control, and elimination of four Preventive Chemotherapy (PC) NTDs endemic in the targeted counties. Mass Drug Administration (MDA) is implemented by the MoH – Vector-Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit (VBNTDU) in collaboration with County Governments and AIHD, with financial support from The END Fund under the ARISE II project.
Objectives of the Coverage Evaluation SurveyThe main objective of the survey is to generate precise estimates of PC coverage while minimizing biases and errors that may lead to underreporting or overreporting of treatment coverage.

• Assess and validate MDA treatment coverage (PZQ & MBZ) for all target populations, including Snakebite Envenoming, in:
• Six (6) Coast counties: Mombasa, Kwale, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Taita Taveta
• Five (5) Lake region counties: Kisumu, Busia, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori
• Identify reasons for non-compliance with MDA among target populations.
• Assess awareness levels of MDA, and evaluate the effectiveness of social mobilization and communication strategies.

The findings will inform evidence-based recommendations to evaluate the November 2025 STH/SCH MDA, strengthen intervention delivery, and guide future NTD program planning, including improved social mobilization and communication strategies.

• To achieve this, a quantitative coverage evaluation survey will be conducted among target communities and wards across the 11 counties.

Position Description: Research Assistant / EnumeratorThe Research Assistant (RA) will serve as a temporary enumerator responsible for household-level data collection under the supervision of MoH/AIHD supervisors in the following counties: Busia, Homa Bay, Kilifi, Kisumu, Kwale, Lamu, Migori, Mombasa, Siaya, Taita Taveta, and Tana River.
Key Responsibilities

• Attend a 2-day training on data collection tools
• Conduct household-level data collection, including obtaining informed consent and ensuring confidentiality
• Participate in daily debrief meetings
• Submit quality data to the ona.io server
• Ensure secure storage of all collected data as per procedures
• Complete assigned interviews within set timelines
• Adhere to research ethics standards
• Report regularly to the immediate supervisor and communicate any challenges
• Maintain confidentiality of collected data
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor

Requirements

• Applicants must meet the following qualifications:
• At least a first degree in Social Sciences from a recognized university
• Fluency in English, Swahili, and the local language
• Ownership of a functional smartphone for data collection
• Proven experience in quantitative data collection, preferably using ODK/Kobo Toolbox
• Strong organizational skills and ability to follow study procedures
• Good verbal and written communication skills

How to Apply

• Interested candidates should submit: An application letter, A detailed CV with contacts of three referees. Send applications via email to

: info@aihdint.org cc mmaghanga@aihdint.org Deadline: Saturday, 7th February 2026, by 12:00 PM (EAT)Ensure the county you are applying for is clearly indicated in the email subject line.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.