Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health (MoH) conducted multi-age-cohort (MAC) vaccination of HPV for girls aged 9-14 years in November 2024. JSI provided technical support to MoH in planning, coordination, demand generation and post campaign evidence review. JSI partnered with Girls Effect to implement a package of demand-generation activities prior to and during the week of the MAC in two woredas, Jigjiga town in Somali region and Derashie woreda in South Ethiopia region. In the two woredas, Girls Effect implemented a comprehensive demand-generation strategy in an effort to increase HPV vaccine uptake, which included asocial and behavioral change communication (SBCC) campaign through social media, community influencers, information, education and communication materials (i.e. handouts and audio messages), while also utilizing school-based and community engagement strategies. Both in-school and out-of-school girls aged 9-14 years, as well as their parents/caregivers and other influential decision-makers were targeted for the demand creation activities. Following the demand creation campaign conclusion, Girl Effect and JSI are planning to  assess its effectiveness through targeted surveys and qualitative inquiry. Insights will be gathered to measure the campaign's reach, its impact on awareness and attitudes, and how it influenced behaviors around HPV vaccination

To assess the effectiveness of demand creation activities in increasing uptake of HPV vaccination, a cross-sectional, mixed methods evaluation will be conducted. Household survey using LQAS sampling in two program woredas (one in Somali, one in South Ethiopia) and two control woredas (adjacent to intervention woredas) will be utilized.  Focus group discussion and in-depth interviews with key community influencers, and caregivers of adolescents aged 9-14 years will also be employed to gather qualitative insights.

We aim to estimate reported “dose of exposure” to each component of the intervention and explore potential associations between the intervention exposure dose and key outcome variables, including KAP indicators and uptake of the vaccine. The survey will examine associations of the KAP indicators with vaccination uptake. Through the survey we will collect information about sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes towards HPV vaccination, including questions on power dynamics and decision-making within the household to gather insights around gender-related barriers, and collect information around exposure to the demand intervention package. We will also collect information on the HPV vaccination status among girls aged 9-14 years of age. 

1. Post-Campaign survey:

   • Target population: Households with caregivers of girls aged 9-14

   • Survey Focus Areas:

     • Vaccination coverage: Gather data on the number of girls vaccinated through the campaign. LQAS method will be used for sampling households and data analysis. 

     • Behavioral impact: Track reported actions taken such as visiting center or encouraging others to seek vaccination; examine supply and demand related barriers towards vaccination (i.e gender, service experience, access)

     • Exposure Analysis:  Evaluate which channels (radio, social media, in-person mobilization) and dosage were most effective in reaching different segments of the population.

2. Post-Campaign Focus Group Discussions (FGDs):

• Participant Selection: FGDs will be conducted separately with caregivers of girls, and community leaders in each woreda. The groups will include participants who were exposed to the campaign as well as those who might not have engaged to understand the overall penetration and effects.

3. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs):

• Conduct one-on-one interviews with local health workers, teachers, and religious leaders who were involved in or influenced by the campaign. These interviews will offer insights into community-level responses and broader perceptions that may not surface in FGDs.

  • Topics: KIIs will focus on the effectiveness of the intervention on shifting community perceptions, the level of engagement, and their observations on any barriers to HPV vaccination uptake.

JSI is planning to hire consultants to lead the data collection, analysis and reporting. The actual design of the evaluation will be developed in consultation with BMGF, MOH and RHB including the possibility of comparing the performance of intervention Woreda with other non-intervention Woreda. We are planning to hire one senior researcher for the planned assessment.

Senior researcher (one person)

Roles and Responsibilities 

• Design data collection tools: develop of data collection tools– both quantitative and qualitative- in consultation with a team of JSI and its implementing partner – within one week

• Incorporate feedback and update the data collection tool and share with JSI 

• Provide training to data collectors (for both qualitative and quantitative data collection teams) 

• Facilitate and lead data collection: provide daily feedback to the data collection team and ensure the quality of the collected data

• Create data management tools and analysis frameworks for both quantitative and qualitative data.

• Carry out data management, analysis, and report writing using both quantitative and qualitative data

• Present the finding during dissemination

Deliverables 

• Data Collection tools

• Draft study report

• Quantitative and Qualitative raw data including verbatim transcription and codebook.

• Final Evaluation report: Submit final report incorporating feedback form JSI and its partner

Job Requirements

The ideal candidates should have:

• PhD in public health, or related fields 

• Experience in planning and conducting research projects on demand/health promotion  

• Familiarity in both qualitative and quantitative data management with experience in applying LQAS method

• Experience in writeup of study findings and publication

• Good understanding of the Ethiopian health system 

• Prior experience and familiarity with the national immunization program 

• Experience in HPV immunization is advantageous 

• Able to work independently with minimal supervision

• Able to work in a team

• Have good communication skills 

How to Apply

Interested applicants who meet the above minimum requirements should send and apply using THIS LINK

Applications should mention the position they are applying for in the email subject line: 

• “Senior Researcher [Name of Applicant]” for research coordinator

Applicants should share their application letter, relevant CV showing and evidence of recent engagement for similar activities, if any. Please also include three names with their contact addresses as references. 

N.B Applications not conforming to the above directions will NOT be considered. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

***** JSI  is a child-safe organization, and the safety and well-being of children is a priority of our organization. We have robust recruitment procedures to ensure that all staff are suited to work with the children served by our programs.

JSI  is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer committed to workplace diversity. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, disability, marital status,  genetic information, political affiliation, or military status (special disabled veterans or veteran status) in any employment decisions. M/F/V/D.

WOMEN ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!

NB. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Application Deadline:  December 15, 2024