POSITION INFORMATION
Job Title: Research Assistant (RA) – Qualitative Research
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
Number of Posts: 2
Job Commitment: 50%
Contract Duration: 4 months
Reports to: CHI² Project Coordinator Zimbabwe
Start Date: August 2026
PURPOSE OF JOB
To support implementation of the CHI² project by conducting community-based qualitative data collection with children and caregivers to explore the impact of heat on respiratory health and daily life. The RA will ensure culturally sensitive, ethical engagement and accurate data collection and management.
Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Harare
- Category: Research
- Closing Date: 2026-07-24
Key Responsibilities
- Develop Standard Operating Procedures for working with children.
- Work with the SDC and local stakeholders to recruit participants reflecting diverse ages, genders, and vulnerabilities.
- Conduct interviews and book venues.
- Obtain informed consent and assent.
- Audio record interviews and manage field notes.
- Assist with visual ethnography data collection (photovoice method).
- Label and transfer recordings and notes securely to the Data Manager.
- Ensure privacy and confidentiality of collected data.
- Assist with transcription, translation, and verification of transcripts.
- Participate in regular team debriefs and contribute insights for thematic analysis.
- Conduct data analysis.
- Contribute to manuscript writing and information dissemination.
- Produce weekly research progress reports to the Study Coordinator.
- Perform any other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Principal Investigator (PI), Coordinator, or Data Manager.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science degree in Health/Social Sciences (Health Promotion, Social Work, Development Studies, Environmental Health).
- At least 1 year of experience in qualitative data research.
- Prior work with community/school-based projects.
- Experience with obtaining informed consent is required.
- Familiarity with climate change and health issues.
- Research ethics certification.
- Understanding of qualitative research methodologies and the use of data analysis software (NVivo).
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a diverse team.
- Multilingual (Shona and English). Understanding of Ndebele is an added advantage.
How to Apply
About the Company
The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) is a public university in Harare, Zimbabwe. It was opened in 1952 as the University College of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, and was initially affiliated with the University of London. It was later renamed the University of Rhodesia, and adopted its present name upon Zimbabwe's independence in 1980. UZ is the oldest university in Zimbabwe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and experience are typically required for a Research Assistant (Qualitative) role at the University of Zimbabwe?
Generally, a Bachelor's degree in social sciences, public health, or a related field is expected. Practical experience with qualitative data collection methods, such as interviews and focus group discussions, is highly valued.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of a Qualitative Research Assistant in a Zimbabwean context?
Daily tasks often involve conducting in-depth interviews or focus group discussions with participants in various communities, meticulously documenting field notes, and transcribing interviews. You'll also assist with data cleaning, preliminary analysis, and report writing under supervision.
What are the key aspects of the local work culture and expectations for a Research Assistant within a Zimbabwean university setting?
Punctuality, strong ethical conduct, and respect for community members are paramount when conducting field research. A proactive approach, adaptability to changing field conditions, and a collaborative spirit within the research team are highly valued.
What are the typical career progression opportunities for a Research Assistant specializing in qualitative research in Zimbabwe?
Many RAs advance to Senior Research Assistant or become full Researchers, particularly after gaining significant experience and potentially pursuing further postgraduate studies. Opportunities also exist in project coordination roles or specialized data analysis positions within research institutions or NGOs.
As a contract Research Assistant, what types of benefits (like leave, medical aid, or pension) are typically offered at the University of Zimbabwe?
Contract roles at universities often include provisions for defined periods of annual leave, and sometimes basic medical aid coverage may be offered or accessible. Pension schemes are less common for short-term contracts but might be discussed for longer-term engagements.
What should I focus on when applying for a Research Assistant role at the University of Zimbabwe, and what do employers typically look for?
Highlight your practical experience in qualitative data collection, strong communication skills in English and local languages, and your understanding of research ethics. Employers seek candidates who demonstrate meticulousness, reliability, and a genuine interest in the research topic.