Advert for Advisory Board Members for a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) in Uganda Full Time NEW

Background and Context

Tiko is a non-profit organization leveraging technology and behavioral insights to improve access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for adolescents and young people (AYP). Through its digital platform, Tiko connects AYP (15-24 years) with non-judgmental, quality-assured SRH services through private clinics, pharmacies, and public facilities.

Tiko is conducting a cluster-randomised controlled trial (cRCT) in Wakiso District, Uganda, to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of its SRH service delivery model. The primary outcome is an increase in Modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (mCPR), while secondary outcomes include a reduction in unintended pregnancies, improved HIV prevention and care, and increased access to youth-friendly health services.

This study’s objectives are to assess whether in treatment areas relative to control areas:

1. There is an increase in the modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (mCPR)
2. There is a reduction in unintended pregnancies
3. There is improved knowledge, perceived norms and attitudes towards contraception and HIV services (testing, ART and PrEP)
4. There is an increase in the uptake of HIV testing, ART and PrEP.
5. There is an increase in the access to high quality, youth friendly health services
6. There is an improvement in other HIV and SRH outcomes including
7. A reduction in the HIV test positivity rate
8. A reduction in loss to follow-up for those on ART
9. An improvement in HIV viral load suppression
10. An improvement in the continued use of short-acting contraception
11. An improvement in the continued use of PrEP
12. An improvement in the number of CYP offered

Role of the Advisory Board

The Advisory Board will provide high-level scientific, ethical, and strategic guidance to ensure the integrity and quality of the RCT. Members will support the study team in reviewing design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination, contributing critical insights and expertise.

Please note: This is primarily a voluntary advisory position. However, a modest allowance may be provided periodically to cover participation-related expenses, subject to available funding and organizational policy. Advisory Board Members will serve in an advisory capacity and will not have decision-making authority. Their contributions will be recognized in study outputs, reports, and relevant publications.

Scope of Work

Advisory Board Members will provide strategic and technical guidance throughout the RCT to support scientific rigor, ethical compliance, and programmatic relevance. Their contributions will help shape and refine the research approach, without direct responsibility for implementation or decision-making. The scope of work will include:

• Contribute specialized knowledge in SRH, HIV, epidemiology, youth health, implementation science, or related fields.
• Review the study protocol, intervention logic, and data collection instruments.
• Provide constructive feedback to improve methodological quality and relevance.
• Help the team anticipate potential challenges and propose feasible mitigation strategies.
• Support connections with academic institutions, policy makers, and community-based actors to enhance the study’s relevance and reach.
• Strengthen the visibility, legitimacy, and scientific robustness of the study through association with reputable professionals.
• Ensure the study benefits from diverse viewpoints, minimizing bias and improving inclusivity.
• Offer practical insights during the implementation of the intervention, midline, and endline evaluations.
• Contribute to interpretation of findings and ensure alignment with objectives.
• Review policy briefs, reports, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Advise on effective dissemination strategies for maximum impact.

Timeline

Advisory Board Members will serve from July 2025 to December 2026, aligned with the RCT’s full life cycle. Engagements will be flexible and focused on critical decision points such as the implementation phase (Q2–Q3 2025), midline review (Q3 2025), endline design and analysis (Q2–Q4 2026), and dissemination and publication (Q4 2026).

Deliverables

1. Activity: Review findings of the baseline evaluation. Time Frame: Q3 2025. Deliverable: Methodology feedback and quality assurance

2. Activity: Advise on Intervention Phase Implementation. Time Frame: Q3 2025 to Q4 2026. Methodology: Strategic insights on fidelity and contamination mitigation.

3. Activity: Advise implementation following insights from midline evaluation. Time Frame: Q3-4 2025. Methodology: Feedback on changes in implementation following the midline evaluation.

4. Activity: Advise implementation of the endline evaluation. Time Frame: Q3-4 2026. Methodology: Oversight of analysis plan and interpretation of findings

Qualifications and Experience

Ideal Advisory Board Members should have:

• A PhD or Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, demography, implementation science, or related disciplines
• At least 5 years of experience in RCTs, impact evaluations, or youth-focused health programming, with a strong emphasis on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and/or HIV programming
• Strong track record of scientific publication and/or health systems strengthening
• Expertise in research ethics, stakeholder engagement, or policy influence
• Affiliation with a university, research institute, or relevant health organization (desirable)
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Tagged as: Tiko, Uganda