Listing Reference: Fieldworker_SBCC
Listing Status: Open
Company: Wits Health Consortium (WHC)
Job Category: Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC)
Location: Ekurhuleni, Gauteng
Contract Type: Fixed-Term (3 months)
Remuneration: Market-Related
Closing Date: 18 July 2025

Introduction

Wits Health Consortium (WHC), a division of the University of the Witwatersrand, has opened exciting short-term contract positions for Fieldworkers (x8) in the Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) division. This research-based opportunity aims to contribute toward addressing critical public health concerns affecting adolescents in South Africa—particularly intimate partner violence, mental health, and transactional sex.

These temporary positions offer hands-on experience in field-based data collection and direct engagement with high school learners across Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. The project centers around evaluating the impact of the Soul City intervention, a nationally recognized campaign that empowers young people and promotes gender equity, emotional well-being, and healthy relationships.

Job Description

The appointed Fieldworkers will be responsible for the recruitment of participants from local high schools, the administration of questionnaires, and adherence to established research protocols. They will serve as key contacts between the research team and participating schools, parents, and learners.

Responsibilities will include:

• Introducing the Soul City intervention to school stakeholders
• Building relationships with school principals, teachers, and learners
• Securing informed parental consent and learner assent
• Assisting learners in completing digital self-administered surveys
• Translating and explaining questionnaires in isiZulu, Sesotho, or Sepedi as needed
• Ensuring ethical compliance, participant safety, and minimal distress during data collection
• Managing participant reimbursements
• Making necessary referrals to social workers
• Supporting additional research-related tasks as required

Minimum Requirements

• Matric / Grade 12 Certificate
• Confidence in using digital devices such as tablets and smartphones (e.g., WhatsApp navigation)
• Fluent in English and at least one local language spoken in Ekurhuleni: isiZulu, Sesotho, or Sepedi
• Strong interpersonal skills with a natural ability to engage adolescents
• Experience discussing sensitive or difficult topics

Role Responsibility

• Represent WHC professionally within school communities
• Ensure data quality by adhering strictly to protocols and consent procedures
• Provide clear, empathetic, and culturally sensitive explanations of study elements to participants and stakeholders
• Assist with real-time data capture using electronic tools
• Prioritize confidentiality, safety, and psychological well-being of all study participants
• Communicate effectively with the research team, school officials, and guardians
• Handle logistics, such as scheduling appointments and delivering participant incentives
• Work flexible hours as required (including afternoons and possible Saturdays)

Skills and Attributes

• Empathy and strong communication when engaging with young individuals
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential information
• Adaptability and problem-solving in diverse educational settings
• Capacity to build trust and foster rapport among learners and stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent time management and attention to detail
• Proficiency in digital data collection tools

Desirable Additional Qualifications and Experience

• Valid driver’s license with driving experience
• Prior exposure to health-related fieldwork or research studies
• Familiarity with adolescent mental health, gender-based violence, and social behavior change communication
• Experience working with children or adolescents in educational or community settings
• Background in social science, psychology, or public health is advantageous
• Clean criminal record is essential

Position Summary

This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about community upliftment, adolescent development, and public health. Whether you are an emerging researcher, youth worker, or someone with a desire to support impactful fieldwork, this role offers a valuable opportunity to work on a groundbreaking study aimed at reducing gender-based violence and promoting adolescent mental health.

This temporary role will expose candidates to the realities of on-the-ground research in under-resourced areas while contributing meaningfully to community-based interventions that aim to transform South African youth outcomes.

How to Apply

To apply for the Fieldworker_SBCC position at Wits Health Consortium, submit the following documents via email to vacancies32@witshealth.co.za using the subject line Fieldworker_SBCC:

• A one-page cover letter indicating the vacancy you are applying for, your contact details, and how you meet the specified criteria
• A comprehensive and updated CV.
• Contact details of three professional references

Note: This opportunity aligns with WHC’s commitment to Employment Equity. Applications from historically disadvantaged individuals, especially those from designated groups as defined by the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, are encouraged.

Apply here