Research Study Coordinator

Background

The PCC study team is currently implementing, the Sequential Strategies to Reach and Reengage Individuals after Lapses from HIV Care in Zambia (Bwelela Easy) Study, a randomized control trial. The Bwelela Easy study aims to determine the comparative effectiveness of six adaptive, sequential strategies for reengaging people living with HIV (PLWH) who have experienced treatment lapses, compared to the standard of care, in order to promote both timely returns to care and sustained long-term engagement in public ART clinics in Zambia. The study will be implemented in Lusaka province in four (4) selected clinics.

Job Summary

Reports to Research Manager. The incumbent will lead and oversee all study activities, ensuring data quality, regulatory compliance, and timely study implementation. She/He will be responsible for protocol and regulatory submissions, training and managing study team members.

Main Duties

• Leads day to day study operations, and ensure protocol adherence, compliance and data quality.
• Coordination of study team members in collection of high quality in accordance to the study protocol.
• Contributes to the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials for study staff.
• Responsible for training of study staff, providing leadership and coordinating across multiple components of the study.
• Coordinates the piloting of the study in selected public health facilities.
• Supports the study team in pre-study sanitization and study data dissemination activities.
• Manages the day to day operations of recruitment, randomization, and follow-up.
• Oversees the Informed Consent process, ensuring participants fully understand the nature of the study. Oversee data collection activities, quality assurance, quality control to ensure high- quality data outputs.
• Oversees participant safety, confidentiality, monitoring of potential adverse events, protocol deviation and violations and timely reporting to relevant authorities.
• Coordinates day to day collaboration, and communication between the study team and Principal Investigators.
• Tracks study progress against set targets making sure the study is implemented within timelines, trouble shoot for any challenges and bottlenecks that may be encountered.
• Engages and maintains strong partnerships with Ministry of Health at provincial, district and facility levels and other partners.
• Prepares study reports, presentations for Principal Investigators, NHRA, UNZABREC and other study partners.

Requirements:

• Full Grade 12 Certificate
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in health-related field.
• At least 3 years relevant experience in a health research environment.
• Demonstrated management and leadership experience.
• Experience in leading complex multi-site research studies, QA/QC and strong understanding of HIV/ART programs.
• Prior experience in coordinating Randomised Control Trials is essential. Experience with “lost-to-follow-up” and “reengaging” populations is an added advantage.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of mixed methods study design approach.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs
• Experience with international donor projects is preferred
• Experience in conducting trainings.
• Self-motivated and ability to work with minimal supervision