Over the past 40 years, Medical Care Development International (MCDI), the international health division of Medical Care Development, Inc. (MCD), has worked to strengthen health systems through practical, evidence-based and high-impact interventions across several public health sectors in over 40 countries. MCDI collaborates with donors, national governments, the private sector, health agencies, communities and local stakeholder to improve the health outcomes of vulnerable populations. MCDI collaborates with donors, national governments, the private sector, health agencies, communities and local stakeholders to improve health and save lives in the following areas: malaria control; maternal, neonatal and child health; water, sanitation and hygiene; tuberculosis; HIV/AIDS; and other communicable diseases communicable diseases by joining MCDI, employees join a diverse network of highly capable individuals, many of whom are experts in their field.

The ProAct Study Research Coordinator is responsible for the oversight, coordination, and monitoring of all study activities in the field. The Research Coordinator provides oversight of proper protocol implementation, manages local staff, and communicates with partners and NMEC, Provincial and District government officials. This is a full-time, two-year position based in Lusaka, Zambia, with regular travel to the study district (Chadiza) in Eastern province of Zambia. The Research Coordinator will carry out key responsibilities as outlined below:

Key Responsibilities:

Logistics and Administration

  • Develop and implement activity work plans
  • Contribute to development of data collection tools and forms, informed consent forms, standard operating procedures and training manuals and materials
  • Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the protocol and ensure accurate implementation
  • Participate in Institutional Review Board (IRB) modification submissions
  • Procure field and laboratory supplies
  • Assist in setting up required field and laboratory spaces, as necessary
  • Assist in interviewing and hiring local field staff and enumerators
  • Conduct trainings for local staff in field and laboratory procedures
  • Ensure all field staff are properly equipped with field supplies, per diems, etc.
  • Work closely with the IM Zambia Project Coordinator to manage the study budget
  • Identify any possible upcoming logistics and administration issues and share them with IMI Zambia Project Coordinator and UCSF technical lead (based in San Francisco).

Data Collection and Field-based Supervision

  • Direct and manage field teams in data collection and sample processing
  • Provide on-site supervision to ensure rigorous adherence to study protocol and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Conduct trainings of field staff and provide refresher trainings as needed
  • Monitor enrollment progress, data quality and lab sample processing and report progress to the project coordinator and UCSF technical lead for the study

  • Identify and solve programmatic, political, technical and/or communications bottle-necks as they arise to support implementation of project activities

  • Communicate daily with project leads to ensure success of project

  • Oversee transportation of blood samples to appropriate laboratory facilities

  • Ensure all laboratory assays are completed on time and results are reported and merged successfully

Reporting, Writing and Communication

  • Contribute to writing of reports and presentations
  • Participate in manuscript preparation
  • Participate in stakeholder meetings to disseminate study findings
  • Serve as technical focal point for local project partners in the study district, ensuring that they are up-to-date on project progress and that their guidance and recommendations are implemented in the field
  • Serve as the focal point for communication with district and provincial government for community outreach

Qualifications/Experience:

Required Skills

  • A university degree in public health, epidemiology, infectious diseases, or related field
  • At least two years’ public health experience in Zambia
  • Exceptional skills in program management and/or coordination, including development and management of workplans, milestones/targets, and budgets
  • Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Experience managing staff and providing ongoing mentorship and capacity-building
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and flexibility
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Fluent spoken and written local language (Chichewa)
  • Proficient spoken and written English

Desired Skills

  • Fluent spoken and written English
  • A Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, infectious diseases, or related field

  • Experience working with Ministries of Health, Malaria Control Programmes, or other government bodies, particularly in Zambia or rural health settings in developing countries

  • Experience managing a research study trial

  • Knowledge of malaria epidemiology and malaria surveillance, particularly in low transmission settings

  • Open-mindedness and respect for cultural diversity

  • Enthusiasm for learning new skills

Start of activities: March 2020

Location: Zambia

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

This vacancy is archived.

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