Field Research Facilitators (3)

Helen Keller Intl is an international Non-Profit Organization currently working in 14 countries in Africa, Kenya included. Helen Keller Intl was co-founded by Helen Keller. The organization is guided by her fierce optimism and belief in human potential. Since 1915, the organization has delivered life-changing programs that are proven and science-based targeting vulnerable families in places where the need is great but access to care is limited. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities each county faces, and we tailor our programs to provide actionable recommendations for improved health outcomes.

Helen Keller in partnership with Vitamin Angels and IDE are implementing “Transforming Lives through Nutrition” initiative across 12 countries aimed to improve maternal and child health through the delivery of evidence-based nutrition interventions and strengthening health and food systems at scale by putting women and children at the centre. Embedded within the Transforming Lives Initiative is the Global Affairs Canada funded Gender Responsive Health Services Project that comprises of a research study which aims to understand the range of gender-related barriers women face in seeking and accessing five lifesaving nutrition interventions from the health system (prenatal supplements, counseling and support for optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding, vitamin A supplementation of children 6-59 months, and the early detection and treatment of acute malnutrition in children under five) to inform improved delivery models.

For the implementation of a mixed-method participatory action research study in Kilifi County in Kenya Helen Keller is currently recruiting Three Field Research Facilitators to support research activities including data collection. This involves facilitation of Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews, and Community Action Committees to gather diverse perspectives from women and health workers, while also ensuring sustained engagement and participation of members in Action Committees throughout the duration of the project. Field Research Facilitators will also engage closely with different community stakeholders to gain their insights and contribute to co-design processes.

Position: Three Field Research Facilitators

Where: Kilifi

Level of responsibility: Reports to Gender Research Manager

Contract period; 1 year

Key Responsibilities

1. Attending a 5-day mandatory participatory research methodology training
2. Attending county meetings
3. Recruiting and setting up of action committees
4. Facilitating Action community Committees using creative participatory research techniques
5. Facilitating Key Informant Interviews, In-depth Interviews, and Focus Group Discussions
6. Note taking and transcriptions of Action Committee, Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions
7. Writing reports

Qualifications and Skills Required

• BA degree in Social Sciences, Gender studies, social work or related filed from a recognized university (Master’s in a related field degree an asset)
• 3 years experience with participatory action research
• Diploma Certificate will be considered with 4-5 years experience in facilitating community groups or focus group discussions
• Experience facilitating Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions and other qualitative data methods
• Strong facilitation and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to write and speak English, Swahili and fluency in the local language
• Familiar with gender issues is an added advantage
• Ability to collaborate within teams and build equitable, trust-based partnerships with community stakeholders
• Preference will be given to candidates who reside in Bamba, Mariakani and Garashi wards or surrounding areas.
• Must be willing to travel across wards and work long hours including some weekends
• Any other duties as assigned

Time commitment:

• The position requires a commitment of approx. 1 year, with some flexibility. Specific hours and work schedules will vary depending on project milestones and community engagement/research phases

Expected Behaviors

As a member of the Hellen Keller Family, each employee is expected to:

• Help develop and maintain an environment that welcomes and develops a diverse workforce.
• Foster a work environment where everyone feels valued and included.
• Support employees’ evaluation and promotion processes based on skills and performance.
• Promote a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all members of Helen Keller family, stakeholders in general, and particularly for the communities we serve.
• Follow Helen Keller Code of Conduct helping to prevent any type of abuse including workplace harassment, sexual abuse and exploitation, and trafficking in persons.
• Adhere to the Organizational Core Values