Position Code : PHFI-CNST-2657

Position Title : Consultant – Research Assistant

No. of Positions : 04

Location : West Garo Hills, Meghalaya

Duration of Position : 03 months or co-terminus with the project, whichever is earlier

Brief On The Organization

The Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) is working towards building a healthier India. It is helping to address the limited institutional and systems capacity in India by strengthening education and training, advancing research and technology and facilitating policy and practice in the area of Public Health. PHFI is headquartered in New Delhi with national presence through its constituent units of regional Indian Institutes of Public Health (IIPHs) and Centers of Applied Research in core public health themes. The Foundation, established in 2006 as a public private initiative, is governed by an independent board comprising of senior government officials, eminent Indian and International academic and leaders, civil society representatives and corporate leaders. For more information, please visit the website www.phfi.org.

Project Brief

The India Primary Health Care Support Initiative (IPSI), led by Johns Hopkins University with AIIMS Delhi as its key India partner, aims to strengthen primary health care in three Indian districts: Bhavnagar in Gujarat, Kalahandi in Odisha, and West Garo Hills in Meghalaya. PHC in India has struggled with fragmentation, with private providers dominating outpatient care and limited promotive health services. Major reforms under the National Health Mission and Ayushman Bharat have expanded PHC, particularly with Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) focusing on comprehensive care, essential services, and preventive care. IPSI supports HWCs in delivering improved, accessible PHC nationwide.

The India Primary Healthcare Support Initiative (IPSI) in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, aims to improve the Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) system by establishing a cycle of “demonstration, measurement, and recognition.” Partnering with the Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong (IIPHS) and the Public Health Foundation of India(PHFI), this initiative supports resource mobilization for effective primary care delivery. The project has three primary objectives: developing and implementing a District Implementation Plan, and strengthening local capacity.

Job Summary

The research assistant will conduct data collection using approved topic guides, transcribing and translating interviews from local languages into English. The role also includes coordinating with supervisors to monitor field data collection progress, maintaining regular reports and updates for the Principal Investigator (PI) and team members, and supporting other project or institutional activities as assigned.

Deliverables

The position will perform the following tasks:

• Collect qualitative data using approved topic guides.
• Transcribe the data into local language and subsequently into English
• Engage in qualitative data analysis of primary data using computer assisted qualitative analysis software or manually.
• Follow-up and coordinate on the progress of data collection in the field with supervisors
• Any other project or institution related activities as may be assigned from time to time
• You will be required to work as per the requirement of the project/location of work
• Maintain reports and update the PI and other team members of the progress of the team.
• Any other task assigned by the PI from time to time.

Education

Essential

• Masters in Public Health/Social Work/Development Studies/ Psychology and allied disciplines.

Experience

Essential

• 3 to 5 years of experience in community and research projects.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in Garo (local language)
• Familiarity with the district’s geography and health system
• Knowledge of conducting qualitative research
• Good written and oral communication skills.

Please note that Consultancy Fee will commensurate with available skills and fitment of the incumbent as per the selection process.

Interested and eligible candidates may send their updated CV to recruit@phfi.org and fill the application form– Application Form- Consultant – Research Assistant (PHFI-CNST-2657) – Fill out form. Please mention the exact Position Code (PHFI-CNST-2657) in the email subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview.

Last Date of Receipt of Applications: 7th June 2026.

Remarks

• Candidates are requested to refer PHFI website for position description & process for applying. Please note only those applications will be considered which are received as per instruction written on PHFI website.
• Candidates should have an excellent academic record, good communication skills, a commitment to high quality graduate / post-graduate education.
• Mere eligibility will not entitle any candidate for being called for interview.
• Persons employed in Government/Semi-Government Organization or Educational Institutions in India must apply through proper channel.
• PHFI reserves the right to fill or not to fill any or all available positions.
• The requirements of minimum qualification and/or experience may be relaxed in the case of candidates with outstanding credentials.
• No correspondence will be entertained from candidates regarding any delays, conduct & result of interview and reasons for not being called for interview.

“PHFI reserves the sole right to alter/modify/cancel the entire selection process or the position or the vacancy or to disqualify any candidature at any stage of the selection process”.

Women are encouraged to apply!