Research Assistant (Qualitative Data Collector and Coder)
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Addis Ababa and Sheger City Administration, Ethiopia
Role description
Research Assistant (Qualitative Data Collector and Coder)
Location:
Addis Ababa and Sheger City Administration, Ethiopia
Employment Type:
Contract
Duration:
Project-based (up to 60 - 90 days)
Reports To:
Principal Investigator
About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support a qualitative research project involving participant recruitment, in-depth interviews (IDIs) and key informant interviews (KIIs), transcription and translation of qualitative data, coding and analysis of qualitative data, and preparation of research summaries. The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator and project team to ensure adherence to research protocols, maintain data quality, and contribute to rigorous qualitative analysis.
Key Responsibilities
1. Qualitative Data Collection
Participate in a one day training on qualitative data collection procedures and research protocol
Plan and schedule IDIs and KIIs in coordination with the Principal Investigator and Project Coordinator.
Assist in the recruitment of study participants according to the approved study protocol.
Conduct up to 34 IDIs and KIIs (the final number may vary depending on the achievement of theoretical saturation).
Maintain accurate records of data collection activities, including sampling and interview logs.
Identify private, safe, and comfortable locations for interviews to ensure participant confidentiality and minimize distractions.
Test recording equipment before each interview to ensure high-quality audio recordings.
Take detailed field notes during interviews and prepare reflexive memos immediately following each session.
Submit daily progress updates and participate in debriefing meetings with the Principal Investigator.
Promptly report any field challenges or ethical concerns requiring action.
2. Qualitative Transcription and Translation
Properly label and organize all interview materials, including participant identification codes, interview dates, audio files, and field notes.
Submit audio recordings, field notes, and reflexive memos to the Principal Investigator on a daily basis.
Accurately transcribe audio recordings from IDIs and KIIs verbatim.
Translate transcripts into English while preserving contextual meaning and participant perspectives.
Ensure completeness, accuracy, and consistency of all transcripts.
Organize and maintain transcripts using appropriate metadata and version-control procedures.
3. Qualitative Coding, Analysis, and Reporting
Develop and maintain codebooks in collaboration with the research team.
Apply coding frameworks to qualitative transcripts using manual or software-assisted methods.
Reconcile and harmonize coding schemes across multiple data sources when required.
Support thematic analysis through systematic coding and categorization of qualitative data.
Participate in iterative refinement of coding frameworks to ensure coding consistency and reliability.
Extract key themes and findings aligned with the study objectives and research questions.
Prepare concise, evidence-based summaries and analytical reports.
4. Quality Assurance and Team Collaboration
Conduct quality checks on transcripts, field notes, reflexive memos, and coded data.
Ensure adherence to research protocol, ethical standards, and confidentiality requirements.
Work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator and the research team, incorporating feedback promptly and accurately.
Attend research team meetings, debriefing sessions, and other project-related activities as required.
Properly utilize project equipment, including digital voice recorders, and return all equipment upon project completion.
Provide additional support to the research team as needed
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in Public Health, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience in qualitative data collection, transcription, translation, and coding.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality and accuracy.
Ability to follow research protocols and maintain organized project documentation.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in spoken and written English and Amharic.
Preferred Qualifications
Formal training or coursework in qualitative research methods.
Experience conducting in-depth interviews and key informant interviews.
Familiarity with qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti, or MAXQDA).
Knowledge of research ethics and confidentiality requirements.
Experience preparing evidence-based summaries, reports, or academic manuscripts.
Skills and Competencies
Strong qualitative interviewing and facilitation skills.
High level of accuracy in transcription, translation, and coding.
Ability to identify patterns, themes, and insights from qualitative data.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Strong documentation and file-management practices.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Compensation
Salary/Wage:
total of 100,000 birr/2 months
Duration of project
: 2months
How To Apply
Application Requirements
Interested applicants should submit:
Updated Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A brief cover letter describing:
Relevant experience in qualitative data collection, transcription, translation, and analysis
Motivation for applying for the position
Contact information for at least two professional references
Optional supporting materials (e.g., writing sample, coded transcript sample, or research report)
Email: please send your application and copy of scanned documents required at the following email addresses by the end June 30, 2026, at midnight 12am:
Gulilat.Korbu@thet.org
;
Tibebe.Deribe@thet.org
;
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to gender, age, disability, religion, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics.
However, for this specific project we are dealing with interviewing women on their health status and hence women applicants would be highly encouraged.
Skills (mandatory):
Communication, Attention to detail, Problem solving
Work experience:
1-3 years
Apply Now!
Location:
Addis Ababa and Sheger City Administration, Ethiopia
Employment Type:
Contract
Duration:
Project-based (up to 60 - 90 days)
Reports To:
Principal Investigator
About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support a qualitative research project involving participant recruitment, in-depth interviews (IDIs) and key informant interviews (KIIs), transcription and translation of qualitative data, coding and analysis of qualitative data, and preparation of research summaries. The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator and project team to ensure adherence to research protocols, maintain data quality, and contribute to rigorous qualitative analysis.
Key Responsibilities
1. Qualitative Data Collection
Participate in a one day training on qualitative data collection procedures and research protocol
Plan and schedule IDIs and KIIs in coordination with the Principal Investigator and Project Coordinator.
Assist in the recruitment of study participants according to the approved study protocol.
Conduct up to 34 IDIs and KIIs (the final number may vary depending on the achievement of theoretical saturation).
Maintain accurate records of data collection activities, including sampling and interview logs.
Identify private, safe, and comfortable locations for interviews to ensure participant confidentiality and minimize distractions.
Test recording equipment before each interview to ensure high-quality audio recordings.
Take detailed field notes during interviews and prepare reflexive memos immediately following each session.
Submit daily progress updates and participate in debriefing meetings with the Principal Investigator.
Promptly report any field challenges or ethical concerns requiring action.
2. Qualitative Transcription and Translation
Properly label and organize all interview materials, including participant identification codes, interview dates, audio files, and field notes.
Submit audio recordings, field notes, and reflexive memos to the Principal Investigator on a daily basis.
Accurately transcribe audio recordings from IDIs and KIIs verbatim.
Translate transcripts into English while preserving contextual meaning and participant perspectives.
Ensure completeness, accuracy, and consistency of all transcripts.
Organize and maintain transcripts using appropriate metadata and version-control procedures.
3. Qualitative Coding, Analysis, and Reporting
Develop and maintain codebooks in collaboration with the research team.
Apply coding frameworks to qualitative transcripts using manual or software-assisted methods.
Reconcile and harmonize coding schemes across multiple data sources when required.
Support thematic analysis through systematic coding and categorization of qualitative data.
Participate in iterative refinement of coding frameworks to ensure coding consistency and reliability.
Extract key themes and findings aligned with the study objectives and research questions.
Prepare concise, evidence-based summaries and analytical reports.
4. Quality Assurance and Team Collaboration
Conduct quality checks on transcripts, field notes, reflexive memos, and coded data.
Ensure adherence to research protocol, ethical standards, and confidentiality requirements.
Work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator and the research team, incorporating feedback promptly and accurately.
Attend research team meetings, debriefing sessions, and other project-related activities as required.
Properly utilize project equipment, including digital voice recorders, and return all equipment upon project completion.
Provide additional support to the research team as needed
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in Public Health, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience in qualitative data collection, transcription, translation, and coding.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality and accuracy.
Ability to follow research protocols and maintain organized project documentation.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in spoken and written English and Amharic.
Preferred Qualifications
Formal training or coursework in qualitative research methods.
Experience conducting in-depth interviews and key informant interviews.
Familiarity with qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti, or MAXQDA).
Knowledge of research ethics and confidentiality requirements.
Experience preparing evidence-based summaries, reports, or academic manuscripts.
Skills and Competencies
Strong qualitative interviewing and facilitation skills.
High level of accuracy in transcription, translation, and coding.
Ability to identify patterns, themes, and insights from qualitative data.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Strong documentation and file-management practices.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Compensation
Salary/Wage:
total of 100,000 birr/2 months
Duration of project
: 2months
How To Apply
Application Requirements
Interested applicants should submit:
Updated Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A brief cover letter describing:
Relevant experience in qualitative data collection, transcription, translation, and analysis
Motivation for applying for the position
Contact information for at least two professional references
Optional supporting materials (e.g., writing sample, coded transcript sample, or research report)
Email: please send your application and copy of scanned documents required at the following email addresses by the end June 30, 2026, at midnight 12am:
Gulilat.Korbu@thet.org
;
Tibebe.Deribe@thet.org
;
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to gender, age, disability, religion, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics.
However, for this specific project we are dealing with interviewing women on their health status and hence women applicants would be highly encouraged.
Skills (mandatory):
Communication, Attention to detail, Problem solving
Work experience:
1-3 years
Apply Now!