Organization Summary:

Ciheb-Zambia is a local non-profit organisation that supports the Ministry of Health in scaling up comprehensive HIV prevention and testing services and works to identify effective solutions to life-threatening health challenges in communities across Zambia.

The Zambian Cohort of Healthy Aging and Dementia (ZCHAD) Study is a longitudinal research initiative designed to investigate neurocognitive aging, dementia risk factors, and related health outcomes among adults in Zambia. The study aims to generate locally relevant evidence to inform prevention strategies, early detection, and care models for neurocognitive disorders within the Zambian health system.

Position Summary:

Ciheb Zambia is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented, and well-organized individual with strong communication skills to join our team as a part-time Neurocognitive Research Assistant Intern. The successful candidate will support the implementation of neurocognitive assessments, participant engagement, data collection, entry, and management for the ZCHAD Study. Working closely with senior research staff, the intern will assist in administering standardized neuropsychological tests, supporting field operations, ensuring data quality, and maintaining ethical research standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Neurocognitive Assessments

Assist in administering standardized neurocognitive screening and assessment tools under supervision.

Support functional, behavioral, and cognitive assessments as per study protocol.

Observe and accurately record participant responses during assessments.

Participant Recruitment and Follow-up

Support recruitment, screening, and informed consent processes.

Support the management of participant appointments and support follow-up visits.

Maintain respectful, age-sensitive, and culturally appropriate interactions with participants.

Data Collection and Management

Collect, review, and enter study data using paper-based and/or electronic data capture systems (RedCap).

Conduct routine data quality checks to ensure completeness and accuracy.

Verify source documents and ensure data completeness.

Update and maintain existing records.

Organize and file digital or physical records.

Maintain confidentiality and securely handle all study-related data and materials.

Community and Facility Engagement

Support coordination with health facilities and community entry processes.

Support data collection that is conducted in the community

Collaborate with program staff and community partners to ensure accurate data tracking.

Work with community stakeholders to promote trust and study participation.

Ethical and Regulatory Compliance

Adhere strictly to study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and human subjects research ethics.

Report adverse events, protocol deviations, or participant concerns to the study team promptly.

Maintain participant dignity, privacy, and voluntary participation always.

Administrative and Study Support

Assist with study documentation, filing, and inventory management.

Participate in study meetings, trainings, and supervision sessions.

Support preparation for monitoring visits, audits, and reporting activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor’s degree (or recent graduate) in Psychology, Social Sciences, or related field.

Strong interest in research, aging, brain health, or dementia.

Ability to communicate effectively in English and Tonga.

Willingness to conduct community-based fieldwork.

Basic computer skills (e.g., data entry, Microsoft Office)

Desired Competencies

Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

Compassionate and respectful approach to working with older adults.

Ability to follow protocols and work under minimal supervision.

Prior research, clinical, or community health experience is an added advantage.

• Assist in administering standardized neurocognitive screening and assessment tools under supervision.
• Support functional, behavioral, and cognitive assessments as per study protocol.
• Observe and accurately record participant responses during assessments.
• Support recruitment, screening, and informed consent processes.
• Support the management of participant appointments and support follow-up visits.
• Maintain respectful, age-sensitive, and culturally appropriate interactions with participants.
• Collect, review, and enter study data using paper-based and/or electronic data capture systems (RedCap).
• Conduct routine data quality checks to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Verify source documents and ensure data completeness.
• Update and maintain existing records.
• Organize and file digital or physical records.
• Maintain confidentiality and securely handle all study-related data and materials.
• Support coordination with health facilities and community entry processes.
• Support data collection that is conducted in the community
• Collaborate with program staff and community partners to ensure accurate data tracking.
• Work with community stakeholders to promote trust and study participation.
• Adhere strictly to study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and human subjects research ethics.
• Report adverse events, protocol deviations, or participant concerns to the study team promptly.
• Maintain participant dignity, privacy, and voluntary participation always.
• Assist with study documentation, filing, and inventory management.
• Participate in study meetings, trainings, and supervision sessions.
• Support preparation for monitoring visits, audits, and reporting activities.

• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Compassionate and respectful approach to working with older adults.
• Ability to follow protocols and work under minimal supervision.
• Basic computer skills (e.g., data entry, Microsoft Office)
• Strong communication skills

• Bachelor’s degree (or recent graduate) in Psychology, Social Sciences, or related field.
• Strong interest in research, aging, brain health, or dementia.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and Tonga.
• Willingness to conduct community-based fieldwork.
• Prior research, clinical, or community health experience is an added advantage.