Jobs at:
Peter C. Alderman Foundation

Vacancy title:
Research Management Consultant

Deadline of this Job:
October 30th 2016

Duty Station:
Uganda

Job details:
Job OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this job is provide ongoing technical support and capacity building focused on research field operations to the Peter C. Alderman Foundation Self-Help + Research Team in Arua, Uganda, to ensure successful completion of a cluster randomized trial under the project “Self Help +: Development and evaluation of a guided self-help intervention to support the mental health of South Sudanese refugee survivors in Uganda” (for more information, see project overview).

General Description
The Peter C. Alderman Foundation (PCAF) supports mental health services in conflict-affected countries through partnerships with governments and other public agencies. Because this is an emerging field with important gaps in knowledge, PCAF implements research projects to strengthen its services. In partnership with the world Health Organization, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, United Nations Population Fund, and the Ministry of Health, Uganda, PCAF has adapted and piloted a self-help intervention for South Sudanese refugees in Rhino Camp, northern Uganda. The aim of this self—help intervention is to reduce psychological distress. Currently. PCAF is the implementing agency to rigorously evaluate this intervention through a cluster randomized trial.

The Research Management Consultant ensures that the research team in Arua is knowledge about, and skilled in, the detailed field procedures of implementing a complex cluster randomized trial. The Research Team consists of the Program Coordinator (who also coordinates the intervention Team), Research Team Lender, Research Assistants, Data Assistants, and Independent Trial Monitor. The Research Management Consultant will be employed by PCAF in Uganda, and is responsible to the PCAF Uganda Country Director, and the co-Principal Investigator.

Requirement
Master’s degree in the Health Sciences (Medicine, Nursing, Public Health), Behavioral and Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Counseling), Development, Management, or a related field
Al least 5 years previous experience coordinating a randomized controlled trial in a low-resource setting, preferably a cluster randomized trial
At least 2 years previous experience building capacity of local research teams in field operations
Knowledge of the refugee situation in Rhino Camp settlement, Uganda and experience working with the South Sudanese refugee population highly desirable

Key Duties And Responsibilities
1. Assessment of cluster randomized trial operation skills
Through conversations with the research team members and observations of their work, assesses the skills of the research team members to implement all facets of field research within a cluster randomized trial
Together with the co-principal Investigator, Project Coordinator, and Research Officer, develops a clear plan of action for capacity building of the research team members

2. Capacity building
Trains and mentors the Project Coordinator and Research Team Leader
Where necessary, trains the members of the research team using an adult learning skill-focused approach in both knowledge and skills required for successful completion of a cluster randomized trial
Evaluates on site whether capacity building activity have been successful, or whether further action is required
Checks in with the research team at strategic points during research important periods of field operations (eg. preparation for data collection, data collection periods)

Job Location All consultancy days are expected to be spent with the research team in Arua, Uganda, with travel to the nearby Rhino refugee settlement where necessary.

Role on Term
Trains and supports the SH-F research team
Reports to co- Principal Investigator with regard to matters pertaining research content
Reports on administrative matters to the PCAF Uganda Country Director and Director of Finance
Coordinates closely with the PCAF Arua mental health team and SH+ facilitator ream at the Arua Regional Referral Hospital and in the Rhino Camp refugee settlement
(when in contact with research participants) will he respectful of the privacy of patients, treat patients with respect, and will take directions from the Program Coordinator, co-Principal Investigator and/or PCAF Uganda management team in case there is a conflict of interest between patient care and research duties.

Benefits
This is at time-limited consultancy assignment, number of days and daily fire to be negotiated. The Peter C. Alderman Foundation offer competitive benefits with an attractive Remuneration

Job application procedure
Please contact Marx Lcku Ronald (mrleku@pcaf.org ) or Dr. Dorothy Kizza (dkizza@pcaf.org ) with a CV and cover letter (maximum 4 pages total) to indicate your interest in the position at the latest by October 30th 2016