Research Coordinator Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit (MITU)

Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit (MITU)
National Institute for Medical Research Tanzania (NIMR)
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)

Improvement of Health Services for Chronic Diseases: An Intervention Trial

A four-year research programme will be conducted in Tanzania and Uganda aiming to improve the health care for chronic diseases (CDs). In year 1, the burden of HIV and selected non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the adequacy of their current management will be assessed through a set of cross-sectional studies. The intervention will enable primary care services to cope more effectively with this burden, recognising the needs that care for HIV and NCDs have in common. It will be evaluated through a randomised controlled trial (RCT).

More information about MITU, NIMR and LSHTM: please see www.mitu.or.tz, www.nimr.or.tz and www.lshtm.ac.uk.

We are looking for an experienced scientist to head the operations in Tanzania. The Research Coordinator will be employed by MITU and based full-time in Mwanza, Tanzania. The appointment will initially be for two years with the intention to continue for another 2 years, depending on results of the initial phase and on personal performance. The salary scale ranges from at £27,000 to £37,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience. Limited assistance with relocation costs is available for a successful applicant residing outside of Tanzania.

Specific responsibilities:

• Plan and manage the research operations in Northern Tanzania to the highest international standards.
• Collaborate with staff from MITU and partner organisations (LSHTM, NIMR and others).
• Develop an excellent consultative relationship with government health authorities at all levels.
• Work with field teams and their team leaders.
• Manage the project budget and other resources.
• Obtain ethical clearance.
• Develop research tools.
• Oversee data entry, management and analysis.
• Guide the development of the intervention based on results from the initial phase.
• Plan and implement the RCT to evaluate the intervention.
• Contribute to scientific publications.
• Develop the capacity of junior project staff.
• Report regularly to the PI (Dr Saidi Kapiga) on the progress of the research.
• Undertake other tasks as may reasonably be expected by the PI.

Essential requirements

• A postgraduate qualification in public health or epidemiology.
• Substantial experience in conducting epidemiological studies in developing countries.
• Managerial skills.
• Experience of project management in developing countries.
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills.
• Ability to fluently communicate in Kiswahili.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and with a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to work in both urban and rural areas.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in HIV and NCD care.
• Experience in conducting community-based and behavioural interventions.
• Experience in conducting intervention trials in developing countries.
• Evidence of authoring peer reviewed articles.

Enquiries: info@mitu.or.tz

To apply: Please send your application to: recruitment@mitu.or.tz
Applications should include:

• An letter with details explaining how you meet each of the above criteria.
• A daytime mobile telephone number and e-mail contact details.
• CV including names and addresses of three referees (at least one must be from your most recent employer).
• Copies of relevant certificates and qualifications.
• A list of your most important publications or reports.

Closing date: November 18, 2011

Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email.