Helen Keller Intl. is an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) working in health and nutrition in Nepal since 1988 to improve the nutritional status of women and young children through evidence-based research and programs. Helen Keller Intl. in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population (Family Welfare Division) and with ethical approval from the Nepal Health Research Council is conducting a research study titled: “Assessing prevalence, determinants, and care and management practices of low-birth- weight babies: A multicentric, observational study in Nepal.” We request applications from qualified individuals for short-term assignments as mentioned below:

Position: Research Investigator
No of requirements: 5
Tentative duration: Approximately 3.5 months starting February 27, 2025 (not exceeding 105 days). However, if the desired sample size from a health facility is achieved, the assignment could end earlier.

Position Overview

This position is based in the Labour Room (Maternity Ward) of the 5 selected hospitals mentioned below. The candidate will collect data on birth weight measurement, and delivery care practices based on direct observation in the labour room. The candidate will also interview the mothers when they are transferred to the maternity ward or before discharge from the hospitals. The candidate is required to conduct interviews of a minimum three (3) health facility staff and facility managers.

Department/ Location:

Field Based (In any of the 5 Municipalities located across 5 districts as follows:

• Dailekh (Dailekha District hospital – 1 number)
• Kapilvastu (Pakadi Health Post – 1 number)
• Rupandehi (Parroha Health Post – 1 number)
• Bhajang (Khiratadi Health Post – 1 number)
• Bajura (Kolte PHC – 1 number)

Note: Please mention your choice of district and the health facility on the cover letter while applying for this position. LOCAL candidates with relevant skills and qualifications (see below) will be preferred.

Summary of Job Purpose:

The Research Investigator/ enumerator will collect data from the labour room in selected hospitals based on an observation checklist. The candidate will be placed in the labour room of selected hospitals and will observe every delivery, facility infrastructure, and birth weight measurement practices. The candidate will then fill up a checklist/ template for every observed delivery. The candidate will also interview sampled mothers when they are transferred to the maternity ward or before discharge, whichever is convenient. The candidate is also required to conduct a minimum of three interviews of health facility staffs (two staffs conducting the delivery and one health facility manager).

The investigator will have to go through 3-4 days of training. The research questions and tools will be finalized during the training.

Basic Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in public health, nursing, nutrition, or social sciences with at least one year of experience in research or field data collection; OR an intermediate/ Auxiliary Nurse Midwife/ Auxiliary Health Worker with a minimum of three years experience in community level activities on health/nutrition.

Ethics requirement:

All candidates must strictly adhere to the Helen Keller research ethics. Using mobile phones, taking pictures or videos inside the labor room is strictly prohibited. All candidates must sign a legally binding agreement with Helen Keller to not take any pictures/ videos inside the labor room or publish/disclose any data attracting legal/ penal consequences.

For detailed Job description please visit https://helenkellerintl.org.np/consultants/