Data Collectors (88 Positions) – National Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Capacity Assessment

The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to saving lives and reducing disease burden in low- and middle-income countries while strengthening national systems to create sustainable impact. In Ethiopia, CHAI works closely with the Government to strengthen diagnostic systems both for human and animal health in alignment with the national One Health agenda.

CHAI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and Animal Health Institute (AHI), is supporting efforts to strengthen the veterinary diagnostic network to improve timely detection, surveillance, confirmation, and monitoring of priority animal diseases and zoonotic threats. Ensuring the availability of high-quality, affordable, appropriate, and accessible veterinary diagnostics is essential for animal health, food safety, livestock productivity, trade, and early detection of public health threats.

Conducting a national veterinary diagnostic laboratory capacity assessment is therefore critical to generate evidence on the current capacity status of facilities across Ethiopia — including regional animal health laboratories, government animal health clinics, and veterinary diagnostic units inside research centers and universities. This will inform policy, resource mobilization, prioritization of investments, and strengthening the national veterinary diagnostic network and specimen referral systems.

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the designated team coordinator assigned by CHAI, MoA and AHI, the Data Collector will be a key field-based member of the assessment team, responsible for accurate and timely collection of high-quality data from selected government veterinary diagnostic facilities. The primary role involves the administration of standardized data collection tools, interviews with technical personnel, and direct observation of laboratory operations across multiple diagnostic capacity domains such as infrastructure, equipment, testing services, human resources, biosafety, quality systems, data management, and referral linkages.

Duties and Responsibilities of Data Collectors

• Participate actively in all mandatory training sessions on assessment tools, data collection procedures, interview techniques, and ethical guidelines.
• Thoroughly review and understand all data collection materials, including questionnaires, assessment guides, and checklists.
• Work with designated coordinators to plan, schedule, and confirm visits to assigned veterinary diagnostic facilities.
• Ensure all necessary data collection equipment (tablets, chargers, consent forms, etc.) are available and functional.
• Professionally introduce the assessment at each facility, present official letter and identification, obtain informed consent, and ensure confidentiality.
• Conduct structured interviews, perform direct observation, and review records according to the standardized assessment tool.
• Enter data accurately, completely, and consistently. Cross-verify information obtained from interviews with physical observations.
• Uphold professional ethics and confidentiality of facility information and individual respondents.
• Resolve minor field-level challenges proactively and escalate major issues immediately to supervisors.
• Submit collected data daily (or as instructed) for timely transmission and quality assurance.
• Conduct regular self-quality checks to correct errors, inconsistencies, or omissions before final submission.
• Submit brief daily/weekly field progress reports summarizing progress, challenges, key observations, and contextual factors.
• Provide periodic updates to the coordinator on progress, challenges, and logistical needs.
• Participate in debriefing sessions to harmonize practices and share field learning.

Deliverables

• Complete, accurate, validated datasets from all assigned veterinary facilities submitted according to project timelines.
• Daily/Weekly field progress reports.
• Final summary report of activities and outstanding issues at the end of the assignment.
• Return of all project equipment and materials.Program: Laboratory Services
  Location: All Regions
  Employment Type: Contract
  Duration: 1 month starting from December 1st, 2025 – December 31st, 2025
  Required number: 88
  Reports to: Laboratory Services Program

Job Requirements

A. Education and Experience

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in veterinary science, Veterinary Laboratory Science, Animal Health, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 3 – 5 years of professional experience in a veterinary or laboratory-related field, preferably in public veterinary facilities, animal health research, or field data collection.
• Prior experience in surveys, structured interviews, field assessments, or facility evaluations is highly desirable.

B. Technical Skills

• Ability to interpret complex operational questions and verify physical conditions of laboratory systems.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and documentation.
• Experience using digital data collection platforms (KoboToolbox, ODK, SurveyCTO, etc.) and MS Office tools.

C. Personal Competencies

• Strong communication skills and ability to engage respectfully with a wide range of veterinary professionals.
• Professionalism and cultural sensitivity within government animal health systems.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in field conditions and manage tight schedules.
• Fluency in the primary local language(s) of the assigned region; working proficiency in English required for reporting.

Note: This Terms of Reference may be updated or modified based on emerging project needs and adjustments during implementation.