INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW:
The ASHA-LINKS/mHealth pilot project is a community-based post-partum and newborn mobile phone assessment, referral, and rapid response system, which connects vulnerable women and newborns within the first 24 hours post-partum to essential and life-saving services provided by ASHAs and primary/community health centers. This internship provides the opportunity to oversee the second phase of this pilot project (implementation and data collection) for at least 3 months.
DUTIES AND KEY TASKS:
The intern will oversee the implementation of a mobile phone pilot study of community health workers (ASHAs) who will be trained to make 24-hour post-partum assessments of mothers and newborns, including recognition of complications. The use of the mHealth application on cell phones will enable the ASHAs to conduct the assessment and to contact the nearest clinic for triage advice if there are complications, as well as to facilitate emergency transportation. Data will need to be collected on the number of 24-hour home assessments, complications, transport, triage advice from the health team at the clinics, and the client results. Specific activities will include:
- Assist ASHAs with usage of cell phone applications and provide refresher training as needed (assessments and recognition of complications)
- Observe home assessment visits by ASHAs
- Monitor data provided by ASHAs through the mHealth application
- Attend biweekly ASHA meetings
- Analyze data and document findings
- Provide weekly reports to PCI Country Director and PCI/I IO Advisor
- Document each component of the pilot and the lessons learned
- At the end of project implementation, assist in writing up outcomes for potential publication
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Applicant must be a current graduate student in international studies, public health, or a related field.
- Must be able to either receive academic credit or provide an official letter from the school stating that the internship contributes to the intern's education.
- Must have previous field experience, or experience which demonstrates applicant's ability to think independently and perform well in the field.
- Must have familiarity/experience working in maternal and child health.
- Must have strong research skills.
- Fluency in English (required). Hindi language skills are a plus.
- Experience in a professional setting, minimum 1-2 years.
- Excellent written and verbal skills.
- Interest in NGOs and international health and development.
- Computer skills including word processing (Microsoft Word), spreadsheets (Excel); familiarity with database design and management.
- Statistical skills using SPSS, STATA, SAS or EpiInfo preferred
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
COST:
This internship is unpaid. The intern will be expected to cover flights, housing and living expenses (living expenses are approx. US$300 per month). Transportation will be provided on trips to the rural areas. The PCI India office will arrange for housing prior to the intern's arrival, if desired.
ABOUT PCI:
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2011, PCI (Project Concern International) is an international health, development and humanitarian assistance organization, operating in 16 countries worldwide. PCI is dedicated to saving lives and building healthy communities around the globe, benefitting over 6.7 million people annually in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Funded by federal grants and private support, PCI's current annual budget is nearly $50 million and the organization has 600 employees worldwide.
