Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Job Title: Associate Research Officer (Research Monitor)

Location: Littoral and Ouest regions Cameroon 

Reports to: Study Coordinators 

Contract Duration: Full time starting in February 2019

Terms of Offer: This position is remunerated on local terms.

"Sometimes in life there is that moment when it's possible to make a change for the better. This is one of those moments."
-Elizabeth Glaser

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is a global leader in the fight against pediatric HIV and AIDS, working in 15 countries and at over 5,500 sites around the world to prevent the transmission of HIV to children, and to help those already infected. Today, because of the highly successful work of the Foundation and its partners, pediatric AIDS has been virtually eliminated in the United States. With a growing global staff of over 1,000—nine of 10 who work in the field—the Foundation’s global mission is to eliminate pediatric HIV and AIDS by implementing HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs; further advance innovative research; and to execute strategic and targeted global advocacy activities to bring dramatic change to the lives of millions of women, children, and families worldwide. 

Project description

The goal of the UNITAID CAP-TB project is to reach more children who are exposed to or are suffering from tuberculosis (TB), by using innovative models of TB care for children and improving the market for child-friendly TB medicines. One innovative research project is the integration of pediatric TB services into child healthcare units and at all the child entry point in health facilities (INPUT study). The INPUT study is a cluster-randomized intervention study using a stepped wedge design to compare two strategies for case detection and management of tuberculosis in children under the age of 5 years. This study will compare the standard of care, which offers pediatric TB services based on current routine approach in the country and the intervention, which will offer pediatric TB services integrated into key child healthcare services, as part of the UNITAID CaP TB package. Another innovative research project is the community contact tracing of children who have been in close contact with adults that have been diagnosed with TB. This study is designed as a cluster randomized controlled trial comparing two models of contact tracing. One model is facility-based where TB cases are asked to bring their children under 5 years or HIV+ to the facility for screening. The other model is community-based, where community healthcare workers go into the households of TB cases and screen the children on the spot. Symptomatic children are referred to the facility for diagnosis and children under 5 or HIV infected child under 15 years with a negative screening are offered preventive therapy.

Job Summary

The associate Research Officer (aRO) will be responsible for the preparation, implementation and coordination of the two CAP-TB specific research projects (INPUT and CONTACT studies) at regional level. He/she will oversee each project’s research sites in the assigned region and will supervise and support the Research Assistants/Study Nurses for the implementation of the study at site level. He/she will report to each study Coordinator for project related activities. For data and regulatory aspects of the research, he/she will report to  the Data Manager and the in-country Principal Investigator. He/she will work under the direct supervision of the Study Coordinators.

Responsibilities:

During the study preparation Phase:

• Perform site preparation by identifying, work with procurement team to acquire and supply all materials needed to operationalize the research site.
• Work closely with the Associate Regional Officers of CaP-TB Project to ensure local stakeholders (District Medical Officers, Hospital Director, Community Structures) buy-in of the study and needed support for implementation.
• Assist the study coordinator in organizing onsite training for protocol and research procedures. 
• Ensure that all participating sites have data collection tools and study materials permanently in place.
• Prepare with the study coordinators the site opening visits.

During the study enrollment phase:

• Ensure that the enrollment takes place as planned in all study sites of the assigned region and provide appropriate support to the Research Assistant/Study Nurses.
• Ensure the respect and the strict application of each study Standards Operating Procedures (SOPs) at site level.
• Oversee the study enrollment at site level and ensure the respect of the informed consent procedure.
• Conduct regular monitoring visits according to the monitoring plan.
• Assist data manager for data quality check and ensure response to data queries.
• Monitor the progress of the study according to the protocol, SOPs and the Good Clinical Practice (GCP) at site level and report to study coordinator.
• Ensure the maintenance of the study Investigational Site File (ISF)
• Ensure that the sensitive information (signed consent forms) are securely stored according to the protocol.
• Ensure the completeness and the regular update of the site investigator file.
• Immediately report any serious adverse events to the study coordinator, and the PI.
• Supervise and mentor the sites staff on all study-related issues.

Required Qualifications

• Medical Doctor with an MD degree or Senior registered graduated nurse  
• MPH degree in epidemiology, public health, or Certificate in a research course will be appreciated.
• Knowledge and comprehension of human subjects’ research, ethics and of GCP.
• Experience in clinical or operational research as research assistant, data collector, site supervisor or regional supervisor will be highly appreciated.
• Experience in monitoring of clinical and operational research data.  
• Excellent teamwork and coordination skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Perfect professional proficiency in English and French.
• Availability to travel on the field on a regular basis.

How to apply

Qualified candidates should submit a CV and cover letter through the following link and indicating the region for which you are applying.

Applications will be considered until January 10, 2019.

Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.

NB: EGPAF does not charge a fee in the recruitment process.