Statistics Sierra Leone Opens Recruitment for 2026 Demographic and Health Survey Field Staff

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has announced the commencement of recruitment for field staff to support the 2026 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey (SLDHS).

The agency is inviting suitably qualified and experienced Sierra Leoneans to apply for positions as Field Interviewers and Biomarkers for the nationwide survey, which is one of the country’s most important sources of health and demographic data.

According to Stats SL, the Demographic and Health Survey is a nationally representative household survey that gathers data on population trends, maternal and child health, nutrition, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, malaria, gender-based violence, and other key health and demographic indicators. The findings will be used to guide national planning, policymaking, and monitor progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan.

Successful applicants serving as interviewers will be responsible for locating assigned survey areas, conducting household interviews, obtaining informed consent from respondents, and accurately recording responses using tablet-based Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) technology.

Biomarker personnel will be tasked with collecting biological samples, conducting anthropometric measurements, maintaining specimen records, ensuring infection prevention and control, and safely transporting collected specimens in accordance with DHS protocols.

Applicants for both positions must possess a bachelor’s degree in fields such as Demography, Statistics, Public Health, Sociology, Economics, Development Studies, Geography, Information Technology, Nursing, Community Health, or other relevant disciplines. Candidates must also have previous experience in field data collection or household surveys, be proficient in English, communicate in at least one Sierra Leonean local language, and demonstrate digital literacy and willingness to work in urban, rural, and remote communities.

Stats SL noted that previous experience in major national surveys, including the Demographic and Health Survey, Sierra Leone Integrated Household Survey, Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), Population and Housing Census, and other CAPI-based household surveys, will be considered an added advantage.

The institution said applicants should demonstrate strong communication and interviewing skills, integrity, confidentiality, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and under pressure. Leadership and problem-solving skills will also be considered for supervisory roles.

Interested applicants are required to complete the official online application form and submit a recent curriculum vitae, copies of academic certificates, a valid national identification document, evidence of previous fieldwork experience, contact details of professional referees, and a recent passport-sized photograph.

Statistics Sierra Leone emphasized that all information submitted must be accurate and verifiable, warning that false information or fraudulent documents will result in immediate disqualification.

The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified women to apply. Successful candidates will be required to sign confidentiality agreements and comply with all data protection and survey procedures.

Applications must be submitted through the official Statistics Sierra Leone online recruitment portal no later than the close of business on Tuesday, 28 July 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for training.

See details below:

Field Interviewers/Biomarkers Demographic and Health Survey

Freetown, Sierra Leone

 

1. Background

 

Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health invite applications from suitably qualified and experienced Sierra Leoneans to serve as field staff (Interviewers and Biomarkers) for the 2026 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey (SLDHS).

 

The Demographic and Health Survey is a nationally representative household survey that collects high-quality data on population, maternal and child health, nutrition, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, malaria, gender-based violence, and other key health and demographic indicators to inform national planning and policy.

 

It also assesses the achievement of goals and targets set in national and international development frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Medium-Term National Development Plan.

 

2. Main Duties and Responsibilities of Interviewer

 

· Locate assigned clusters with team supervisor and conduct interviews with all eligible respondents.

 

· Understand the survey methodology, questionnaires, manuals, concepts and definitions.

 

· Obtain informed consent from respondents

 

· Demonstrate competence in the use of tablets and the approved CAPI application.

 

· Record responses directly into the CAPI application without omission, substitution, alteration, or fabrication and synchronized with team supervisor on a daily basis.

 

3. Main Duties and Responsibilities of Biomarker

 

· Collect biomarker samples following DHS protocols.

 

· Conduct anthropometric measurements.

 

· Ensure infection prevention and control measures.

 

· Maintain accurate specimen records.

 

· Counsel respondents where required.

 

· Ensure safe transportation of specimens.

 

4. Minimum Qualifications

 

Applicants for both Interviewer and Biomarker must possess:

 

A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or tertiary institution in Demography, Statistics, Public Health, Sociology, Economics, Development Studies, Geography, Social Sciences, Information Technology, Nursing, Community Health, or another relevant field.

Previous experience in field data collection or household surveys.

Practical experience using CAPI, tablets, smartphones, or other electronic data-collection devices.

Good written and spoken English.

Ability to communicate in at least one Sierra Leonean local language.

Basic computer and digital literacy.

Willingness and physical ability to work in urban, rural, remote, and difficult-to-reach areas.

Availability for the full training and data-collection period.

5. Added Advantage

 

Previous experience in the following will be an added advantage:

 

Demographic Health Survey;

Sierra Leone Integrated Household Survey;

Health, nutrition, fertility, mortality, or reproductive-health surveys;

Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey;

Population and Housing Census; and

Other large-scale household surveys using CAPI.

Experience with CSPro/CSEntry, Survey Solutions, Kobo Toolbox, Open Data Kit, REDCap, CommCare, or similar platforms will also be an advantage.

6. Required Competencies

 

Applicants should demonstrate:

 

Strong interviewing and communication skills;

Honesty, integrity, confidentiality, and accountability;

Attention to detail and commitment to data quality;

Ability to follow detailed instructions;

Ability to work independently and as part of a team;

Respect for cultural, religious, gender, and social differences;

Ability to work under pressure and meet targets; and

Leadership and problem-solving skills for candidates considered for supervisory roles.

7. Application Requirements

 

Applicants must complete the official online application form and provide:

 

· A recent curriculum vitae

 

A valid national identification document

Copies of relevant academic certificates

Details or evidence of previous field data-collection experience;

Contact details for professional referees; and

A recent passport-size photograph.

All submitted information must be accurate and verifiable. False information or documents will result in disqualification.

 

8. Equal Opportunity and Confidentiality

 

· Statistics Sierra Leone is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified Women are particular encouraged to apply.

 

· Selected candidates will be required to sign a confidentiality declaration and comply with all applicable data-protection and survey procedures.

 

9. Application Deadline

 

Applications must be submitted through the official Statistics Sierra Leone online recruitment portal no later than Close of business on Tuesday 28th July 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for training.

Website: www.statistics.sl.