Vacancy title:
Study Coordinator

Jobs at:
Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI)

Deadline of this Job:
not later than Thursday February 9th 2017

Duty Station:
Entebbe

Job details:
Established in 1988, the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS is an internationally recognized centre of excellence for research on HlV infection and related diseases, contributing knowledge on the evolving epidemic, the evaluation of innovative health care options, treatment and prevention, and the development of health policy and practice in Africa and worldwide. The Unit’s head offices are located at the Uganda Virus Research institute - Entebbe Campus, and the main research activities in Masaka, Kalungu, Kampala and Wakiso districts, including the peri-urban areas of Entebbe.

The Unit is now seeking a dedicated individual to work on the MENlSCUs-2 study - a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of implementing an intervention package aimed at improving menstrual health among school girls in two secondary schools in Entebbe sub-District.

The intervention components to be delivered are:

• Training of teachers to improve delivery of the Government guidelines for puberty education (working with WoMena NGO). T
  
• A drama skit to address issues around menstruation.
  
• Provision of a menstrual cup kit containing a cup and a re-usable pad
  
• Supply painkillers for period pain
  
• Simple improvements to school water and sanitation facilities.

The measurement of school attendance will be assessed by piloting the use of daily diaries to estimate school attendance, and compare attendance with estimates using registers, observation visits and retrospective self-report. Qualitative in-depth interviews will also be conducted at the end of the study to evaluate perceptions of the intervention.

Position: SCIENTIST A (STUDY COORDINATOR)
Reports to: Head of Programme, Social Sciences
Duty station: Entebbe
Start Date: March 1st 2017
Contract Duration: 18 months Position Code: MENISTCO117

Job Purpose: The scientist will report directly to the Project Leader and the Pl, and will have overall responsibility for the implementation of the study as per the protocol and ensure quality data is collected.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Oversee and coordinate the day-to-day activities of running the study and ensure collection of quality data.
  
• Coordinate and supervise the study staff (about 5 staff), including staff training, to ensure that staff are correctly carrying out their duties
  
• Ensure that the study procedures are done according to the study protocol and regulatory requirements
  
• Organize the stakeholder meetings and printing of study questionnaires and other tools
  
• Liaise with the schools regarding visits from study staff and improvements to WASH facilities
  
• Verify and ensure correct completion of study forms
  
• Participate in preparation of correspondence with IRB and other regulatory bodies
  
• Liaise with WoMen regarding the training of trainers for the Ruby Cup
  
• Organize delivery of study equipment including Afripads, Ruby Cups and analgesics
  
• Finalize the baseline survey tool (in liaison with the Pl, PL and senior statistician)
  
• Prepare progress reports as may be required.
  
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the relevant authority.
  
• Ensure that the project is implemented within budget and timelines.
  
• Liaise with other members of the project management team

Person specifications

• Master’s in Public Health, epidemiology or equivalent from a recognised institution.
  
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in study coordination work is required; experience working in a similar research environment an added advantage
  
• Excellent computer skills, knowledge of Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel);
  
• Organized with excellent attention to detail
  
• Excellent management, networking, and communication skills (written and verbal)
  
• Ability to work independently and as pan of a team
  
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
  
• Project management skills will be an advantage
  
• Practicing clinician will be an advantage

• Job application procedure
  
  
• Application letters, detailed Curriculum Vitae including names, email addresses and telephone contact details of three (3) referees, plus copies of academic qualifications should be emailed to: recruitment@mrcuganda.org not later than Thursday February 9th 2017
  
• Please quote the position code (MENISTCO117) in the subject line of the email
  
• Only short listed candidates will be contacted for interviews