Research Study Assistant - (WITS RHI)

SUMMARY:
Background:

• The Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) is a renowned African-led research institute that seeks solutions to Africa’s health challenges
• It is located within the University of the Witwatersrand and addresses some of the greatest public health concerns affecting our region, including HIV and its related problems, sexual and reproductive health, and vaccinology

POSITION INFO:
Main purpose of the job:

• The main purpose of the Research Study Assistant is to support accurate and efficient costing of study interventions by collecting, tracking, and capturing detailed cost data
• This includes monitoring inputs such as labour, materials, and services to ensure proper allocation to project components
• The role is essential for estimating, compiling, and inputting costs related to climate-health interventions to support effective implementation and costing analysis
• This role involves a combination of data collection, study participant recruitment and case management, logistical coordination, and facilitation of stakeholder engagement activities

• Tshwane

• Gather and compile data from various sources to calculate costs and expenses accurately
• Enter and maintain cost data in financial systems or databases
• Assist in preparing detailed cost estimates for climate-health interventions
• Monitor and track costs for different projects
• Collaborate with management team to collect and verify cost information
• Assist in the development and implementation of cost allocation methodologies and procedures
• Maintain organized records of cost inputs, quantities, and assumptions used
• Assist in preparing summary costing tables for reports or presentations
• Support other administrative and financial tasks as assigned
• Screen and recruit participants according to study inclusion/exclusion criteria
• Address relevant concerns and misconceptions about the study with participants
• Receive queries from participants and address or refer the queries to your line manager accordingly
• Establishing a relationship of trust and respect with participants
• Actively listen to participants and empathise with them
• Maintain a detailed log of recruitment activities and participant responses
• Regularly update the research team on recruitment progress and any challenges encountered
• Report on number of participants recruited on daily basis to team leader
• Schedule regular check-ins with participants via phone calls, emails, or in-person visits
• Send reminders for upcoming study appointments and activities
• Report on retention rates and provide insights on effective practices to the research team
• Ensure that source documents are completed and signed correctly
• File all participant forms according to the study requirements (alphabetic / numeric order) and ensure all forms are submitted to the relevant data capturers
• Photocopy participant files, admission registers and enrollment logs
• Follow GCP guidelines when completing participant visit forms
• Complete telephone logs for all calls made to participants
• Update electronic screen logs on a daily basis
• Completing file request forms to obtain and copy maternal / neonatal files as and when required
• Assist in planning and organizing materials, meetings and equipment
• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrate effective self-management
• Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of own work are consistently and accurately maintained
• Take ownership for driving own career development by participating in on-going training and development activities such as workshops, forums, conferences etc.
• Apply knowledge of the organisational systems, structures, policies and procedures to achieve results
• Provide appropriate resolution for tasks or deadlines not met
• Support and drive the organisation’s core values

• Grade 12
• Higher certificate in accounting, finance, economics or related field

• Minimum of 1 year in a health environment, similar experience in an administrative or costing role and proficient in Microsoft Excel

• Solid understanding of financial concepts, cost accounting principles, and budgeting processes.
• Strong financial or numeracy skills with the ability to interpret and manipulate numerical data
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and calculations
• Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback
• Take ownership for driving own career development

• Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV
• Please Apply Online and complete your registration via our website to enable and protect you as a candidate, and to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions
• This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL
• However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position
• Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates
• Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful
• Closing date: 14 July 2025
• Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date

• WHC, in accordance with its Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto
• AJ Personnel is only responsible for advertising and the response handling on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position