District Research Officer (x2) at Baylor College of Medicine Childrens Foundation

Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation – Malawi (BCM-CFM) is a not-for-profit organization working in partnership with the Malawi Government in the health sector. Our Mission is to provide high-quality, high-impact, highly ethical pediatric and family-centered health care, health professional training and clinical research, focused on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, malnutrition and other conditions impacting the health and well-being of children and families worldwide.

The Baylor-Tingathe program developed in 2008 initially responded to suboptimal uptake of PMTCT and pediatric HIV services in Malawi and has grown over the past 15 years to support the full cascade of HIV care and treatment services. The current CORE programming seeks to support the Malawi Government in achieving epidemic control, by providing client focused care to People Living with HIV from the time of diagnosis to linkage and full engagement in care. BCM-CFM’s CORE programming is funded by USAID and is currently operating in 6 districts in Malawi. BCM-CFM is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of a District Research Officer.

Project description: Baylor Tinagthe is conducting an NIMHD-funded implementation science study, VITAL Start for adolescents living with HIV (VS4A). Through this grant, we aim to ; adapt the theory-based adherence intervention VITAL START to an adolescent population (VS4A), compare HIV outcomes including viral suppression between the VS4A and standard arms and  implement VS4A to scale, if proven successful.

 

POSITON : District Research Officer (2)

REPORTS TO             : Study Coordinator/Principal Investigator

CONTRACT               : Contractual

DURATION                : 1 Year

LOCATION                : Balaka /Machinga

Position Description: The District Research Officer is responsible for oversight of all district-level study activities. He/she will lead a small district study team in Machinga or Balaka; oversee forward planning; mitigate and solve challenges; launch the trial; and supervise and ensure all study recruitment, retention, and data collection targets are met. The DRO will also coordinate routine activities in accordance with study protocol. Given that teen clubs are on Saturdays, this position will require to work during the weekend.  The District Research Officer will serve as the focal person in liaison with district-level staff, investigators, and others.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Manage workflow and logistics of study sites, 4-6 team members, and supervise research activities at study sites.
• Provide support to pilot test and contribute to refining data collection tools
• Conduct study-related desk work, such as report writing and budgeting.
• Develop strong collaborative relationships with district, and facility-level leadership.
• Provide support to the smooth and efficient day-to-day data collection activities.
• Keep track of study participants study visits
• Acts as a point of reference for participants and others by answering questions and keeping them informed of the project progress.
• Oversee smooth patient consent processes and documentation, survey administration and adverse event reporting
• Proactively identify challenges in study implementation and develop solutions
• Oversee management of study staff, and annual leave.
• Implement quality control process throughout the conduct of the trial
• Populate, organize, and maintain information files, both electronic and paper
• Other tasks as assigned

Qualifications

We are looking for a highly organized results-oriented individual with experience as a research manager. Desired qualifications include:

• 3+ years of conducting research and managing teams
• Bachelor’s degree (e.g. Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Bachelor of Social Science.)
• Demonstrated ability to work with colleagues at all levels in the organization, and develop and maintain respectful relationships with Ministry of Health staff and all relevant stakeholders
• High respect and care for adolescents and young people.
• Experience conducting in-depth-interviews or focus group discussions is desirable
• Ability to pay attention to details.
• Computer skills in Microsoft word, Excel and Power point as a minimum
• Previous research experience is essential
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English and Chichewa

Work Environment

• Balaka/Machinga district program implementation sites
• Frequent travel to health facilities for data collection and supervision will be expected
• Multi-cultural work environment

Method Of Application

To apply log into Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation career page: https://apply.workable.com/tingathe/?lng=en

Closing date: 23^rd August,2024