SURVEILLANCE ASSISTANT (INTERNAL & EXTERNAL)
Job Description
THE AFRICA RESEARCH COLLABORATIVE (THE ARC) VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT (INTERNAL & EXTERNAL) SURVEILLANCE ASSISTANT
| PROGRAMME OVERVIEW | |
| The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) site aims to determine and track the causes of under-five mortality and stillbirths through epidemiologic surveillance, including reporting within 24 hours, clinical sampling, and use of advanced laboratory testing and diagnostics across a network of international sites. The area selected for CHAMPS in Sierra Leone is Bombali Sebora chiefdom in Bombali district. The Minimal Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS) procedure used by CHAMPS was developed to reduce the uncertainty regarding causes of death. The data collected from the CHAMPS Sierra Leone site will be added to those from the other eight (8) sites and will help reduce child deaths in LMICs by providing detailed evidence on the cause of death to influence policy of donors and stakeholders. Beginning from the 2025/26 financial year, the Africa Research Collaborative (the ARC), a local NGO in Sierra Leone, has been tasked to support the direct implementation of the CHAMPS programme in Sierra Leone, with initial support from Deloitte, Ghana. As a dedicated group of African researchers, the ARC aims to generate robust local evidence that informs national policies, health guidelines, and service delivery practices. We work collaboratively with governments and health partners to ensure that our research findings lead to culturally appropriate and sustainable solutions. With a long-term, infinite mindset, we manage resources wisely to create an enduring platform that empowers individuals and communities to thrive. More information about the CHAMPS project can be found at https://CHAMPShealth.org/ and more about the ARC at www.theARChealth.org Our positions could be placed in any of our offices in Makeni, Bo or Freetown. | |
| FUNCTION OF DEPARTMENT | The Mortality Surveillance Department supports research and programme activities through the implementation and coordination of mortality and surveillance activities, including case identification, data collection, follow-up, referral coordination, and routine reporting. The department works closely with health facilities, community teams, and other programme teams to ensure timely and accurate surveillance activities, proper documentation, and effective follow-up of identified cases. It also supports the monitoring of surveillance activities and ensures that identified gaps are communicated and addressed in accordance with programme protocols and procedures. |
| MAIN JOB RESPONSIBILITIES | In this role, the Surveillance Assistant will support the implementation of the Safe Natal project through community surveillance, data collection, routine reporting, follow-up activities and Data to Action activities. |
| SAFE NATAL / DATA TO ACTION | • Conduct daily data collection from assigned health facilities using the Safe Natal App. • Enter collected information accurately into the daily and monthly Safe Natal trackers. • Identify and register pregnant women within assigned communities in accordance with project procedures. • Provide basic Health Education to pregnant women and communities on nutrition, hygiene, antenatal care, and birth preparedness. • Monitor pregnant women for reported danger signs and facilitate timely referral to appropriate health facilities in accordance with project procedures and national maternal health guidance. • Coordinate referrals and follow up on referred cases to support timely access to appropriate care and services. • Support follow-up visits and postnatal care activities as assigned. • Provide mentorship and routine support to field and facility staff on Safe Natal and Data to Action activities, data collection procedures, and adherence to project guidelines. • Coordinate with health facility staff, community health workers, and community leaders to support Safe Natal activities. • Monitor the availability of drugs and other essential supplies at supported health facilities and report identified shortages or stock-out issues to the relevant team. • Support drug supply monitoring by maintaining appropriate records, following up on reported gaps, and escalating supply issues as required. • Maintain accurate records, trackers, and documentation related to Data to Action, referrals, drug supply monitoring, and other activities. • Provide routine administrative support, including preparation and maintenance of programme records, trackers, and reports. • Submit routine reports, including daily data reports, to the designated supervisor. • Follow up on identified programme gaps and support coordination of appropriate actions until resolution. • Perform other Safe Natal, surveillance, administrative, and programme related duties as assigned by the supervisor. |
| GENERAL | • Be aware of and adhere to organizational quality standards, procedures, and policies. • Contribute to continual improvement in the quality and timeliness of Safe Natal surveillance and data activities. |
| SAFEGUARDING | • Be aware of and comply with all applicable safeguarding standards, procedures, and policies. • Promote The ARC’s speak-up culture and protect the welfare, dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of children, young people, pregnant women, and other vulnerable individuals. • Treat all participants and community members with dignity and without discrimination. |
| FINANCIAL AUTHORITY | As stipulated in the Policy and Authorities SOP. |
| REQUIRED EDUCATION AND SKILLS | Education • Relevant diploma, degree, or equivalent training in Midwifery, Public Health, Community Health, Nursing or any related field. • Experience supporting community-based health programmes, surveillance, data collection, or research activities is an advantage. • Experience using mobile data collection applications and electronic data capture systems is an advantage. • Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel or similar tools for data entry, tracking, and reporting. • Strong attention to detail and ability to identify data inconsistencies and missing information. • Ability to work effectively with health facility staff, community health workers, community leaders, and project teams. • Good written and spoken English. • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive participant information appropriately. • Good interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem solving skills. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, including field based work. • Willingness to travel to assigned health facilities and communities as required. |
| REPORTING | Reports to the Clinical Mentor, with dotted line to the IT Manager. |
How to Apply:
- Send a cover letter and updated CV to hr@thearchealth.org • State in the subject area the position you are applying for in the subject area; if it is not clearly stated, your application will not be considered.
- The deadline for the submission of ALL applications is November 3rd, 2026. *Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
