Senior Research Assistant (District - Community Mobilizer)

The Senior Research Assistant – Community Mobilizer (TB Component) will be based in assigned districts across Sindh, Pakistan, including Karachi Central, Badin, Dadu, Ghotki, Naushero Feroze, Khairpur, Sanghar, Sukkur, and Shikarpur. This role involves frequent field visits to hospitals, Basic Management Units (BMUs), and local communities to support tuberculosis (TB) control activities. The position is grant-funded and contractual, operating under the Department of Community Health Sciences at Aga Khan University, a leading institution committed to education, research, and healthcare of international standards.

Key Responsibilities

The incumbent will work closely with hospital and BMU staff to support contact screening activities according to approved micro-plans. This includes identifying newly registered TB patients and listing their eligible household and close contacts. Counseling TB patients and their families on the importance of contact screening, TB symptoms, prevention, and timely evaluation is a critical part of the role. The Community Mobilizer will actively mobilize household contacts to attend designated health facilities for screening and diagnostic assessment.

When necessary, home visits will be conducted to reach contacts unable or unwilling to visit hospitals. The role also involves facilitating referrals for symptomatic or presumptive TB contacts and supporting the linkage of diagnosed patients to treatment services. Supporting TB-free contacts in accessing tuberculosis preventive therapy (TPT) and follow-up services is essential.

Coordination with DOTS Facilitators and BMU staff is required to maintain complete and accurate contact management records. The candidate will be responsible for entering and updating information in prescribed BMU records, reporting tools, and project applications. Follow-up with clients and contacts to ensure completion of diagnostic and referral processes is expected. Maintaining confidentiality and ensuring respectful, non-stigmatizing communication with patients and their families is mandatory. Additionally, the candidate will prepare activity reports and perform other project-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications

Candidates should have at least an Intermediate level of education. A minimum of one year of relevant professional experience in community mobilization, public health, social work, health programs, or community-based activities is required. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to counsel patients and families effectively and engage with communities.

Basic computer literacy and proficiency with mobile applications for record keeping and data entry are necessary. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality and work collaboratively with health facility staff. Willingness to undertake field visits and work in both hospital and community settings is crucial for success in this role.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

While no additional preferred qualifications or specific benefits are explicitly mentioned, the position offers the opportunity to work within a reputable institution known for its commitment to public health and community development. Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted to ensure candidate suitability.

This role provides meaningful engagement in TB control efforts, contributing to improved health outcomes in underserved communities across Sindh.