VACANCY: Short term Consultant for Qualitative Data Coding and Analysis for the Study on  Preparing Maternal Immunization Delivery in Tanzania

BACKGROUND 

PATH is an international organization that drives transformative innovation to save lives and improve health, especially among women and children. We accelerate innovation across five platforms—vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, devices, and system and service innovations—that harness our entrepreneurial insight, scientific and public health expertise, and passion for health equity. By mobilizing partners around the world, we take innovation to scale, working alongside countries primarily in Africa and Asia to tackle their greatest health needs. Together, we deliver measurable results that disrupt the cycle of poor health.

Recently licensed maternal vaccines and candidates in development have the potential to not only reduce young infant morbidity and mortality from certain pathogens—namely respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Group B Streptococcus (GBS)— but to also pave the way for MI delivered via a broader, integrated (ANC) platform within national public health systems for comprehensive care for mothers.

PATH is conducting a cross-country study in Tanzania, Ghana, Senegal, and Zambia designed to assess health system readiness and acceptability of upcoming vaccines for maternal immunization against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Group B Streptococcus (GBS). In Tanzania, this study is conducted in Kilimanjaro (Moshi Municipal Council and Hai District Council) and Morogoro (Morogoro Municipal Council and Mvomero District Council). The findings from this research will provide valuable insights into the feasibility and acceptability of maternal immunization against RSV and GBS in Tanzania. This knowledge will be instrumental in shaping policy recommendations and programmatic interventions.

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Consultant Information and Attachments

For comprehensive information regarding this RFQ/tender, we invite you to download the attachments provided below. These documents contain all the necessary details, including specifications, requirements, and submission guidelines. Please review them carefully to ensure you have all the pertinent information needed to participate.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their CV, a cover letter, two examples of previous qualitative research work, proposed technical and financial proposal of a maximum of three pages to: rmageni@path.org and cc: vmaganga@path.org by 9^th August 2024.

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Study objectives

The objectives of this study are three-fold:

1. Assess the suitability of ANC as a platform for MI delivery in Tanzania contexts vis-à-vis:
   • Current systems and service delivery processes of maternal health and EPI within ANC and crossprogram coordination therein.
   • Potential impact of MI on ANC service delivery, access, quality, and equity.
   • Timing and distribution of ANC visits in relation to optimal vaccine administration windows.
2. Identify knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and practices around care in pregnancy; immunization in general and in pregnancy specifically; and the potential acceptability of new maternal vaccines among key stakeholders.
3. Assess awareness of RSV and GBS and burden of disease among pregnant women, community members, and health care providers, and perceived prevention priorities among key policy-making stakeholders.

Data Collection procedures

The study deploys multiple methods of data collection—semi-structured interviews (SSIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), facility spot checks, record review, and self-administered electronic survey—to address the above study objectives. These methods were selected based on employing the most efficient and effective methodologies to gather the diverse types of data needed for this research from different types of stakeholders or health data systems.

The qualitative data collection will be led by Tanzania research team using the above data collection methods. The research team will translate the raw data into English before commencement of data analysis

About the Assignment

PATH is looking to engage a consultant to help with coding the qualitative data in Atals.ti as part of the study team.

The consultant would also contribute to analysis of this data by sharing key themes and insights from the coded data.

Activities

• Review and familiarize yourself with the Maternal Immunization Research qualitative data.
• Develop a coding framework in consultation with the study team.
• Work as part of the research team to code data from the interviews and focus group discussions on Atlas.ti. This will entail learning and practicing the code book to ensure a high level of inter-coder agreement, and coding data as agreed with study lead.
• Share coding updates regularly with the study lead to be able to resolve questions and challenges
• Develop and share key themes and insights from the coded data.
• Provide inputs into the analysis based on learning from the coding
• Attend check in meeting with the research team with Tanzania research Lead and Seattle team

Consultancy level of effort 

This consultancy is for a maximum of 30 working days.

Mode of Payment: Payment are on deliverable based, to be paid after submission and approval of each deliverable.

Deliverable Schedule 

Consultancy Qualifications

• A master’s or doctoral degree in social sciences, anthropology, sociology, psychology, public health, education, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in qualitative research and data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting qualitative research, including data collection, coding, and analysis. Experience in a specific public health research will be an added advantage
• Expertise in using qualitative data analysis software such as Atlas.ti, NVivo, MAXQDA, or Dedoose
• Strong skills in coding qualitative data, developing coding frameworks, and conducting thematic analysis to identify patterns and insights.
• Ability to critically analyze and interpret complex qualitative data to draw meaningful insights.
• Excellent writing skills for preparing detailed and clear reports that summarize findings, themes, and insights.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their CV, a cover letter, two examples of previous qualitative research work, proposed technical and financial proposal of a maximum of three pages to: rmageni@path.org and cc: vmaganga@path.org by 9^th August 2024.