SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL DRIVERS OF ZOONOSES INTANZANIA

POISITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Field Research Assistant - General

This position is for a field research assistant to support the activities of an international multi-partner research project based at the Nelson Mandela Africa Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha. The project is funded through the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and Research Councils UK (RCUK) through the Zoonoses in Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS) programme, and will involve a range of interdisciplinary research activities to investigate how changing livestock systems affect livestock and human health and livelihoods in rural and peri-urban communities of northernTanzania. The research activities include field studies in northern Tanzania, laboratory-based research at NM-AIST and Killimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC),and policy interactions with local, national and international policy-makers.

This position holder will be a member of a research team under the direct supervision of project coordinator, and will work closely with investigators and technical staff from NM-AIST, and other partner institutions in Tanzania (KCMC, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, Ministry of Health and SocialWelfare) as well as international partners from the UK (University of Glasgow and University of Sussex), New Zealand (Otago University) and USA (Washington State University). The position holder will have responsibility for assisting in field data collection,livestock sample collection and storage, questionnaire data collection and other survey data collection, for example through focus group discussions, key informant interviews andother participatory methods. The work will involve frequent travel to and from other implementation sites including Kilimanjaro, Monduli, Longido, Manyara districts, often with considerable periods of time in the field as required (e.g. during field surveys).

The initial duty station will be Moshi for a period of up to 12 months, with shift of duty station to Arusha for up to an additional 2 years.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:• Fieldwork experience, including experience of livestock handling, sampling and

processing of animal samples.• Punctual and reliable, meticulous attention to detail.• Ability to follow instructions precisely, including written standard operating

procedures.• Ability to spend considerable periods of time under field conditions in a range of

settings.• Ability to deal effectively and patiently with others.• Experience in working in international teams (English knowledge).• Good communication skills in both English and KiSwahili, with ability to produce

written reports in English and prepare oral presentations.• Willingness to learn new skills and adapt within the role.• Computer literacy.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:• Collection of field data collection, including biological samples from livestock,

recording, labeling and processing of samples, and appropriate storage in designated activities at KCMC and NM-AIST.

• Collection of questionnaire data, including animal and household-level surveys.• Contribute to collection of data from key informant interview, focus group

discussions and other participatory methods.• During field research activities required to spend considerable periods of time

under field conditions with responsibility for providing day-to-day support for general activities relating to sampling and sample storage, household surveys and other field surveys depending upon requirements.

• To provide general assistance when requested.

The duties and responsibilities outlined are not intended to be an exhaustive list butprovide guidance on main aspects of the job. The post-holder will be required to be flexiblein their duties.

Salary ScaleBetween PUSS 2.8 and PUSS-3.1. The exact figure will depend on qualifications and experience

Mode of applicationAll applications are required to submit their applications including the following:

• Certified photocopies of relevant certificates and academic transcripts• Curriculum Vitae• Names and contact details of at least two professional referees• Individuals currently employed in the Public Service should route their applications

through their employers.• Contact details: telephone, e-mail and postal addresses

Closing date for receipt of applications:December 5th 2014

All applications should be addressed to: Professor Joram BuzaThe Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST)P.O. Box 447 Arusha, TANZANIA

Telephone: +255 767-012-616Email: joram.buza@nm-aist.ac.tz