1037- Uganda- Quantitative and Qualitative Data Support for Ongoing Uganda Empowered Entrepreneur trial

Supported by both the Wellspring Foundation and Mastercard Foundation, the JHSPH-based SEE Change Initiative has an ongoing RCT in Uganda assessing the impact of a personal-agency based entrepreneurial training for small and micro entrepreneurs in 6 districts of Uganda. At this time, the intervention group has been trained and follow-up is ongoing. In approximately May 2024, the wait-listed control will be trained in the same content, with a chosen business partner joining them for one day of training. This project has ongoing quantitative and qualitative data collection, organization, and analysis opportunities as well as database management opportunities. Opportunities to observe and support training may also be possible, depending on the timing of the study and student travel.

Students will work with the local training partner, Enterprise Uganda, as well as the local data collection team at Innovations for Poverty Action - Uganda and Makerere University to support RCT data collection, management, and analysis activities. This may include quantitative data collection and management activities for the wait-listed control group and as well as qualitative data collection follow-up for the control group and/or with the waitlisted control group. Additionally, the student would act as an on-the-ground observer of RCT activities, allowing the US-based team to better understand fidelity of the implementation of the intervention and other activities. The student may also have the opportunity to travel to other districts in Uganda outside of Kampala, where the RCT is being conducted.

The student will work with a local organization, Enterprise Uganda, as well as the local office for an American non-profit (IPA Uganda) and a local Ugandan university (Makerere University). These groups have an environment similar to that of any professional workspace. The student will likely work from their residence, or any of the offices for the above listed groups, depending on task and timing.

is interested in both entrepreneurship as well as personal-agency based interventions. Personal-agency based interventions may be new to many students, but consist of an innovative approach to development activities that focuses on empowerment of the individual to achieve their goals, rather than providing external resources to the individual. This placement is also good for someone interested in mixed-methods research, as both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis is expected.

Name: Anita Shankar, Department of International Health, anita.shankar@jhu.edu

I would describe my communication and mentorship styles as... 

Open communication style with flexibility to meet as the student needs, with a preference for weekly meetings at minimum. Communication is direct, straightforward and honest. Mentorship for both GHEFP-related work as well as career and professional topics if the student desires. Mentorship discussion may center around goals for themselves in all aspects of life.

A complementary student would have a working style and mentorship expectations that are..

The student’s working style should be self-motivated, with the ability to ask for guidance help when needed. Mentorship expectations may include regular discussions around GHEFP work as well as pathways to further their interests in the future, including career and professional goals.

Food and Lodging: $500 - $600 per month