MOMENTUM Qualitative Research Transcriber (Kenya)

Short-Term Consultancy (Two Vacancies)

MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity

Location: Kenya

Period of Performance: November – December 2023 (Dates TBD)

Level of Efforts: Up to 40 hours

BACKGROUND

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) is a public health management consulting and research organization dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities throughout the world. JSI manages the USAID-funded MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity project. The project is working in 18 countries with the overarching goal of strengthening routine immunization (RI) programs to overcome the entrenched obstacles contributing to stagnating and declining immunization rates and barriers to reaching zero-dose and under-immunized children with life-saving vaccines. The project works with countries to implement COVID-19 vaccination, including supporting strategies to reach hard-to-reach and priority populations. The project also provides country, regional, and global technical support for routine immunization of children and older populations. 

Childhood immunization remains one of the world’s most cost-effective health interventions, saving millions of lives every year. Significant gains have been made in vaccinating the world’s children, but millions of children are still being missed. Twenty-seven percent of Kenya’s sub-counties fully vaccinate less than 80 percent of infants. Eighty percent is the coverage believed to be required to protect most children from vaccine-preventable diseases. The negative attitudes, inadequate knowledge and skills, and poor performance of their duties by some health workers contributes to low uptake and completion of immunization.

The project is conducting a qualitative study to develop a strategy to improve and sustain health worker performance in immunization. In-depth interviews (IDIs) with health sector stakeholders at county, sub-county, and health facility levels will be the primary source of data collection for this activity. Root Cause Analysis group discussions with vaccinators and other health workers will be carried out to further explore key obstacles identified through the IDIs.

The project is seeking two detail-oriented and trustworthy transcribers to support data collection efforts in Homa Bay and Vihiga counties. The transcription work is expected to take place remotely.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Securely store all recordings, notes, and transcriptions on a flash drive or online filing system.
• Listen to and provide accurate English language transcriptions of interviews and group discussions daily during the data collection period.
• Include in brackets an English translation of any Swahili terms transcribed from the recordings.
• Review drafts to correct spelling, grammar, and formatting errors before submission.
• Communicate promptly with the designated contact person when there are issues.
• Submit all interview and group discussion transcriptions to project staff for review within two days of receipt.
• Revise and finalize transcriptions as required.
• Ensure all transcription data is filed and deleted securely before and after the data collection and analysis period as outlined in the study protocol.

DELIVERABLES

• A complete set of transcribed, corrected interview and group discussion notes, using 12 pt. Calibri or Times New Roman and 1.5 line spacing, saved in MS Word (version 2016 or above) digital file format

QUALIFICATIONS

• A high school or relevant vocational school diploma and one to two years of experience with transcription are required.
• A bachelor’s degree and one-two years in an administrative or secretarial role will be an advantage.
• Very good typing speed and accuracy.
• Ability to focus for long periods of time.
• Familiarity with health system and immunization terminology is desired.
• Experience transcribing from audio or video recordings in English.
• Ability to transcribe in Swahili and translate into English when needed.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications.
• Secure and reliable Internet access.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines with excellent attention to detail and quality.
• Current residency in Kenya and be willing to travel to project counties, if needed.
• Written and spoken fluency in English is required.

Interested candidates should submit their CV and cover letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line ‘’Qualitative Research Transcriptionist (Kenya)’

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, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual preference, genetic information, political affiliation, or protected veteran status in any employment decisions. M/F/V/D

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.