Guide to Applying for Research Assistant at Malaria Consortium (3 Openings)

Malaria Consortium is recruiting Research Assistants to support its DISBURMA Study, a research project examining severe malaria among children and adolescents aged 0–20 years.

There are three openings across Kaduna, Oyo and Sokoto States. The application deadline is 22 October 2026, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

1. Available Positions and Locations

Applicants should select the location that corresponds to their preferred state.

Kaduna State

• Kaduna South LGA – Makera Ward
• Kubau LGA – Pambeguwa Ward

Oyo State

• Ibadan South West LGA – Challenge
• Irepo LGA – Iba 1 Ward

Sokoto State

• Kware LGA – Kware Ward
• Sokoto South LGA – Sarkin Adar Ward

Candidates residing in these locations are strongly encouraged to apply.

2. Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The position is suitable for candidates with health-related qualifications and practical experience in healthcare delivery, particularly inpatient care.

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Possess a diploma in a health-related course, with relevant health service experience.
• Have a Bachelor’s degree or HND with relevant experience, as specified in the vacancy.
• Be a registered nurse or midwife, hold a diploma or degree in health-related sciences, or have equivalent subject-matter experience.
• Have significant experience in inpatient care.
• Have experience using electronic platforms for data collection and reporting.
• Be familiar with secondary, tertiary or private hospitals.
• Possess excellent communication skills.
• Currently work in the paediatric or medical ward of the relevant project hospital as a staff member or volunteer.

Experience working with government institutions, NGOs or academic institutions is an advantage. Training in health research ethics is also desirable.

3. Understand the Research Assistant’s Responsibilities

Successful candidates will support the DISBURMA Study by reviewing hospital records and extracting information about severe malaria cases among children and adolescents.

Responsibilities include:

• Identifying eligible severe malaria cases from hospital registers and patient records.
• Working with medical records officers to retrieve and review relevant documents.
• Extracting information from inpatient case notes, laboratory registers and paediatric or emergency department records.
• Recording patient demographics, clinical presentations, laboratory findings, treatments and outcomes.
• Capturing information using the electronic data collection platform, SurveyCTO.
• Submitting complete and accurate research data.
• Responding to information requests from the research team and relevant partners.

The study covers hospital admissions from January 2021 to December 2025.

4. Documents to Prepare

Before beginning your application, prepare the following:

A. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Your CV should clearly show your educational qualifications, professional registration where applicable, relevant healthcare experience, inpatient care experience and data collection skills.

B. Relevant qualifications

Include accurate information about your health-related diploma, degree, HND or other relevant professional qualification.

C. Evidence of relevant experience

Highlight experience working in paediatric or medical wards, inpatient care, hospital records, clinical documentation, research or electronic data collection.

D. Safeguarding certificate

Malaria Consortium requires applicants to complete its Safeguarding Course on Kaya. A valid certificate must be provided at the point of engagement, and only candidates who provide the required certificate can proceed with engagement.

Complete the course through the Kaya learning platform and keep your certificate available.

5. How to Apply Online

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Select your preferred location.

Choose the application form for Kaduna, Oyo or Sokoto State.

Step 2: Open the appropriate application form.

• Kaduna State: Apply for Research Assistant – Kaduna
• Oyo State: Apply for Research Assistant – Oyo
• Sokoto State: Apply for Research Assistant – Sokoto

Step 3: Complete the online form.

Provide accurate personal, educational and professional information. Review your answers before submitting.

Step 4: Upload your CV.

Submit your updated CV in PDF format, as required by the vacancy announcement.

Step 5: Review and submit.

Check that the correct location is selected and all required information and documents have been provided.

Step 6: Complete the safeguarding course.

Complete the required course on Kaya Learning Platform and retain your certificate for the engagement process.

6. Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

To improve your application, ensure your CV highlights the experience most relevant to this research assignment.

• Emphasize inpatient care: Describe your experience working in medical or paediatric wards.
• Highlight research and data skills: Mention experience with electronic data collection, patient records, registers, SurveyCTO or similar platforms, where applicable.
• Show relevant qualifications: Clearly state your health-related qualification and professional registration, where applicable.
• Demonstrate attention to detail: Highlight experience maintaining accurate records and handling confidential information.
• Include relevant training: Mention any health research ethics or safeguarding training you have completed.
• Apply for the correct location: Select the form corresponding to your preferred state and provide accurate information.

Do not claim qualifications, registrations or experience you do not possess.

7. Application Deadline and Important Information

Organization: Malaria Consortium
Position: Research Assistant
Number of Openings: 3
Locations: Kaduna, Oyo and Sokoto States
Study: DISBURMA Study
Application Deadline: 22 October 2026
Application Method: Online
CV Format: PDF

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning recruitment may conclude before the advertised deadline. Early application is encouraged.

Malaria Consortium does not charge any recruitment or application fees. Hard-copy CVs are not accepted; applications must be submitted through the designated online forms.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Final Advice

Before applying, ensure you meet the relevant qualifications and have practical healthcare experience that matches the role. Prepare a clear CV, select the correct state-specific application form and complete the required safeguarding course.

Submit your application as early as possible and retain your application details for reference.