Research Assistant for Spices Study in Ghana
About the study
LeadExposureEliminationProject (LEEP) is an impact-driven, evidence-based nonprofit that aims to eliminate childhood lead poisoning, which affects an estimated one in three children worldwide. Lead contamination is a serious and underrecognised public health issue. One of its lesser-known sources is spices, which are sometimes adulterated with lead chromate pigments to enhance colour.
We are conducting a rapid spice detection study in Ghana to determine whether lead-adulterated spices are present in local markets. The study lead will provide full training, written protocols, and ongoing supervision throughout the duration of the study. This role does not require any prior knowledge of lead or food safety.
Fieldwork will take place in the following regions, concentrated around the capital cities:
- Accra (Greater Accra)
- Cape Coast (Central)
- Kumasi (Ashanti)
- Techiman (Bono East)
- Bolgatanga (Upper East)
When you apply, you can indicate which regions you are available to work in.
This is a time-limited engagement of up to three weeks of work from the date the contract is signed (the exact timeline being dependent on the number of regions covered by a consultant). We expect the work to take place in November and December.
What you'll be doing
- Taking part in remote training with the study lead before fieldwork begins, covering the sampling protocol, vendor interviews, and data recording
- Visiting wholesale and retail markets to identify and purchase spice products
- Conducting qualitative interviews with vendors to learn about supply chains, consumer preferences, and perceptions of spice quality
- Recording purchase details, vendor observations, and market conditions. Taking photographs of products, vendors, and market settings as directed
- Labelling, packaging, and storing samples according to provided protocols. Assisting with sample shipment to a testing laboratory
- Participating in regular check-ins with the study lead (via WhatsApp or similar)
- Flagging any issues or anomalies promptly
What we're looking for
- Comfortable approaching strangers in busy market environments and initiating conversations with confidence and professionalism
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to put vendors at ease and encourage open and candid discussion
- Sharp observation skills and curiosity
- Highly detail-oriented and organized, with care taken to accurately document interviews, samples, prices, and other field notes
- Reliable and methodical in fieldwork, including careful handling of collected information and maintaining clear, consistent records
- Reliable smartphone with internet access and a good camera
- Good written and spoken communication in English.
- Proficiency in a local language spoken in the cities you are applying for is an advantage, for example Twi or Ga (Accra), Fante (Cape Coast), Twi (Kumasi and Techiman), or Frafra (Bolgatanga).
- Trustworthy and accountable — we rely on accurate documentation and honest reporting
- Prior experience conducting fieldwork in informal settings, although not required, is a plus
Compensation
- $10 (USD) per hour worked
- We expect work to run for 3–4 days in each region, amounting to an estimated compensation of $240–$320 (USD) per region covered
- Local transport, travel between cities, accommodation, and other study-related expenses will be covered, depending on each consultant’s agreed itinerary and timeline
To apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until suitable candidates are found.