Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a U.S. non-profit organization dedicated to creating, evaluating, and replicating innovative solutions to poverty and policy problems worldwide.  IPA specializes in using randomized impact evaluation to assess the effectiveness of development programs.

Job Summary

IPA seeks a Qualitative Research Staff for immediate hire on contract, who will assist with moderating of Focus Group Discussions and In-depth Interviews for the African Health Markets for Equity (AHME) Qualitative Evaluation.

The research project will collect data from small health facilities and households in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions to measure the health impacts of improving the delivery and quality of private healthcare provision.

The intervention is two-fold, and aims to impact health outcomes through both the supply of services, and the demand for them. This position is temporary and will be based in Accra and will require extensive travel within and across the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Ashanti regions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Moderator will work closely with both international and local researchers and other field staff to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:

•   Work with community leaders and clinic providers to identify and recruit interview and focus group discussion participants from local communities and clinics
•   Screen participants for eligibility and ensure informed consent process is thoroughly conducted for all participants
•   Conduct in-depth interviews with clinic staff and patients
•   Direct FGD discussions
1) Draw participants out and encouraging people to speak during the discussion
2) Moderate dominant participants or people making inappropriate comments without disrupting the group
3) Take minimal notes during interviews Handle environmental conditions, and respond to unexpected interruptions
4) Record the discussion
5) Follow-up on comments made by respondents that need clarification
6) Make the group of participants feel comfortable and safe
7) Have a good understanding of the subject matter for discussion
•   Assist in organizing the FGD, i.e. logistics planning, identify locations, advance contact with participants etc.
•   Debrief with team after interview or focus group sessions
•   Provide suggestions for improving guides and interviewing techniques

Qualification Required & Experience

•   A Diploma or University degree in Social Sciences or related field of discipline is an added advantage
•   Must  be a careful listener that will guide the discussion
•   Complete knowledge of both source (English) and target (Twi) language
•   Ability to understand various expressions
•   Excellent verbal communication in both English and Twi is desired
•   Able to refrain from making comments or suggestions that will bias the conversations
•   Preferred previous experience conducting qualitative research interviews
•   Preferred previous experience working with poor communities and women

Location: Accra and Tamale

How To Apply For The Job

Please submit your complete CV and cover letter by email to:

jobs-ghana@poverty-action.org

using the subject line: IPA Ghana Private Healthcare Provision FGD Moderator:  Firstname Lastname

•   All documents should be submitted as attachments, and the file names should include the name of the applicant.
•   The documents may be submitted in Word document or PDF format.  Applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted by email or phone.

Closing Date: 14 June, 2013