1074-Namibia-HIV Prevention Research with Key Populations in Namibia

JHU is conducting an HIV  biobehavioral research surveillance (BBS) study with key populations in Namibia, including cisgender gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), cisgender female sex workers (FSW), and transgender women. Participants in the BBS are MSM, FSW, and transgender women in five areas of Namibia: Windhoek, Walvis Bay/Swakopmund, Engela, Katima Mulilo, and Luderitz. All participants complete a survey, HIV testing, syphilis testing, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) testing. To complement the BBS, our team plans to conduct additional qualitative research to explore strategies to optimize delivery of HIV prevention services, including oral and injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Qualitative research will include in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with key population members and other community constituents.

•        Manage BBS data, including merging of survey and biologic testing data
•        Analyze quantitative BBS data
•        Draft tables and accompanying text for BBS survey report(s)
•        Develop materials for training of qualitative data collectors
•        Support in-person supervision, quality assurance, and feedback processes throughout qualitative data collection
•        Co-facilitate focus group discussions in English
•        Pending data availability, support qualitative coding and analysis

Head office of a Windhoek-based clinical services organization, with potential site visits to clinics and research sites.

Is interested in mixed methods HIV prevention research with historically marginalized populations

Strong written communication skills and familiarity with epidemiologic methods, survey data management, and descriptive quantitative analysis (e.g., crosstabs, chi-square tests, ANOVA) are critical. Experience and skills with qualitative data collection (e.g., conducting interviews and/or focus groups) a bonus.

Name: Kaitlyn Atkins, kait.atkins@jhu.edu 

I would describe my communication and mentorship styles as... 

characterized by supportive, active listening. I am available to share my own expertise, but I am not prescriptive—rather, in mentoring relationships I prefer to play a supportive role and serve as a sounding board for mentees as they develop skills and grow toward their goals.

A complementary student would have a working style and mentorship expectations that are..

A complementary student will have a working style and mentorship expectations that: emphasize taking initiative. I work best with students who are self-directed and come to me prepared to discuss specific ideas, questions, or problems. 

Estimated Costs

Flight: $1500
Housing: $600/month
Food: $150/month 
Local Transportation: $50/month for personal transport (~$5 per round-trip taxi fare). Project transport covered by project. 
Mobile phone: $15/month data sim card
Total: $815/month

Additional support for PI:

Hourly pay for 10 hours/week throughout the placement, with potential for extension beyond the GHEFP placement period