GRAP Opportunity – Developing e-Monitoring Systems for Maternity Homes in Zambia (Scott)
Opportunity ID: 03-Scott
Project Title: Developing e-Monitoring Systems for Maternity Homes in Zambia
Faculty Mentor: Nancy Scott
Description Statement:
The Maternity Homes Access in Zambia Project (the MAHMAZ Project) is a 3-year cluster randomized controlled trial with the aim of evaluating whether or not maternity homes can increase access to skilled delivery for women who live the furthest away. Maternity homes (also referred to as mother’s shelters and maternity waiting homes) are short-term residential structures built adjacent to health care facilities where women can stay for the days preceding their due date and the days following their delivery. Part of the process evaluation will include routine monitoring via mobile tablets. The study team will use Survey CTO software on tablets to collect routine data, including health facility deliveries, maternal and neonate outcomes, and maternity home utilization. In preparation for beginning routine monitoring in the coming months, the team will build the electronic monitoring systems and develop user manuals/standard operating procedures for routine data collection.
Scope of Work:
We are looking for a student research assistant with interest and experience in monitoring and evaluation (either through professional or class experience) and who is interested in maternal and child health. The RA will work closely with the Boston- and Zambia-based project staff to:
- Build and pilot the electronic data collection tools using Survey CTO
- Develop user manuals/operating procedures for routine data collection
- Develop routine analysis plan for monitoring data
- Develop dashboards to allow for ongoing analysis of routine monitoring data
Additional scope may include assisting the project team in thinking through a system to collect routine exit/satisfaction data from mothers who stay at the project’s maternity homes via an SMS system.
Minimum skills desired:
Experience in building electronic data capture systems via ODC, CommCare, or similar system (at minimum, savviness with technology and willingness to put the time in to learn). Experience in M&E or relevant M&E coursework. Ability to work independently, problem-solve, and willingness to work with a remote team.
Time / Date Expectations:
10 hours per week, spring semester 2016. Success with initial tasks may lead to field placement for internship/practicum to implement routine monitoring systems in the field (Eastern and Southern Provinces, Zambia).
Additional Material Requested: None
Number of Positions: One (1) to Two (2)
Logistics & Support: Weekly or bi-weekly meetings with project staff and/or principal investigator. Desk space at CGHD on the MED campus may be made available. Potential placement in the field for practicum/internship opportunities.
