EGPAF Study Coordinator Kigali, Rwanda

Reports to: The Country/Study Director

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Employment contract term: 2 years, renewable performance based

Brief Study Description:

The Kabeho study consists of a prospective cohort design to systematically measure breastfeeding practices, ARV adherence, growth, nutrition, and ultimately 18-month HIV-free survival of children born to HIV positive women in Kigali, Rwanda. EGPAF shall lead implementation of the study in collaboration with study partners and collaborating institutions, including Rwanda Ministry of Health, the Rwanda Biomedical Center/IHDPC and the National University of Rwanda’s School of Public Health. EGPAF will provide a multidisciplinary team of study investigators with expertise in operations research, PMTCT, and infant and young child nutrition, particularly within the context of HIV/AIDS. This study will be an opportunity to contribute to the knowledge gap on how to effectively eliminate pediatric HIV in a resources limited country, moving beyond the 2010 WHO guidelines for PMTCT and infant feeding. This study is designed to assess implementation of Option B-plus using high quality data with a prospective observational cohort methodology among mother-child pairs through 18 months postpartum, which has never been studied before. Results of this study shall benefit elimination efforts on a national and international level.

Key Responsibilities:

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) Rwanda seeks a Study Coordinator with considerable experience in the implementation of HIV related research and program evaluations in developing country settings. The Study Coordinator will work with the Research Director, Data Manager and the clinical sites to coordinate and ensure effective implementation of the research project, specifically following the study protocol and ensuring high quality data collection. The Study Coordinator will also work closely with the EGPAF Research Department in Washington DC and the Rwanda School of Public Health, which is a sub grantee on the Kabeho Study. The Study Coordinator will contribute to designing and writing the study operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials, will lead the recruitment and training of study personnel, will oversee the day–to-day implementation of the study, monitor study recruitment, ensure adherence to research and human subjects regulations, ensure data quality and consistency, and contribute to data analysis/interpretation in cooperation with the Data Manager, and will ensure overall completion of the research within the timeline allocated. The Study Coordinator will supervise approximately thirteen study nurses.

Essential Duties:

• Work closely with project staff and the clinical sites to design and implement the research project according to national and international standards.
• Communicate clearly with Research Director, Data Manager and the Principal Investigators (PIs) on the data collection procedures and study protocols.
• Ensure that data collected through research projects is properly handled, entered and analyzed. This will include collaborating with the Data Manager to ensure that there are appropriate databases to track and analyze data—including ensuring the reliability and accuracy of collected data.
• Work closely with project staff to manage the analysis and writing up of results.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory agencies, specifically with Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)/Ethics Committees (ECs) in Rwanda and the U.S. related to studies conducted by EGPAF Rwanda. Particular emphasis on maintaining appropriate regulatory documentation, and ensuring informed consent procedures for all aspects of research studies, including but not limited to the protection of confidentiality.
• Maintain communication between EGPAF Rwanda and the EGPAF Research Department, particularly with the US-based PI, located in the U.S. on all research-related activities.
• Build EGPAF Rwanda and clinical staff capacity in research and program assessment.
• Participate in the hiring and supervision of additional research staff, either full-time staff or part-time consultants for specific studies.
• Other duties as assigned by the Country/Research Director.

Required Qualifications, knowledge, skills and abilities:

• MPH, Master’s degree, PhD or similar degree in public health or related health science or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years experience in HIV or other public health research in a development context.

• Proven experience as a Research Study Coordinator.
• Proven experience leading and supervising a team and maintaining contact with colleagues in other timezones.
• Experience collecting quantitative and qualitative data.
• Good understanding of regulations for the protection of human subjects in research. Experience working with research regulatory bodies and maintaining research regulatory documentation.
• Good understanding of Rwandan health system and Rwandan research policy guidelines and requirements.
• Fluency in English both written and oral, strong proficiency in French and Kinyarwanda.
• Excellent understanding of MS Office
• Excellent analytical, oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and work independently.
• Proven experience respecting deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Rwanda nationals preferred.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit by email only your letter of interest, updated CV and 3 professional references to the HR Manager at rwandarecruitment@pedaids.org with the position title in the subject line.

CLOSING DATE: August 12^th 2012 at 17h00

Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified individuals are welcome to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a test and interview.

Study Coordinator

Kigali, Rwanda