Study Coordinator – One position

The Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at MUHAS, in collaboration with the University of Northwestern University, is planning to conduct a mixed-method study in Dar es Salaam titled “Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on HIV care and anxiety and the role of self-management among Adolescents living with HIV in Tanzania; an observational study funded by NIH through Northwestern (prime) and Muhimbili Universities. The broad objective of this study is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and other treatment outcomes of adolescents living with HIV (AWHIV). The specific aims i n c l u d e 1 ) to assess the impact of COVID-19 and response to the pandemic on disruption of care defined as non-adherence to HIV care and treatment and HIV virologic non-suppression among AWHIV enrolled in HIV Clinics in Dar es Salaam 2) to measure levels of COVID-19 related anxiety using an adapted GAD-7 survey tool among adolescents living with HIV and to explore associations between COVID-19 related anxiety, self- management, and adherence to HIV care and treatment

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Job Title: Study Coordinator

Number of positions: One

Employment contract duration: 1 year

Employee reports to Study director (Dr. Hellen Siril)

Employment Location: Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Tasks related to this job include:

• Read and understand the study protocol, including the study process of recruitment procedures, timelines, and logistics associated with the running of the project
• Use the study proposal to develop a mini work plan (a monthly and or quarterly work plan for Research Assistants (RA) and job aids for the RAs
• Works to ensure the study implementation according to set operating standards and timely
• Work with study director to plan, conduct study related training and meetings
• Directly supervise the RAs and ensure the following
  • They comply with research regulations, including inspecting their Human research training and keeping a file of their ethics training, linking them to online training for those who need to update their Ethics training certificates
  • They report to work on time (8.00 am) and remain at work till 5 pm
  • They complete their daily tasks as per the agreement, and they interview assigned number of participants per day as agreed
  • They have all logistics they need in the field to implement the study (including the questionnaires, the consents, and approval letters from NIMR/MUHAS and DMOs offices
  • They have the final versions of the tools
  • They sign off the number of days they worked and prepare payments sheets
  • They have transport, airtime, and tablets: and ensure tablets service occurs each month
  • They submit against signature checked field notes /reports as required each day
  • Stores all the paper-based collected data at MUHAS office in a locked cabinet
• Work with the study director and the PI to compile and submit study reports as required, including participating in weekly progress reporting meetings
• Work with study director and PI to prepare and submit logistics requisition letters, retire used funds, and process IRB renewal/amendments from NIMR and MUHAS ethics committees, respectively
• Supervise the implementation of research by following government regulations, principles, and guidelines, including good clinical practice, human subjects research ethics,

Required qualifications

• Bachelor Degree or advanced diploma in nursing, psychology, social work, or any other relevant area
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience of working in the research field as a coordinator or senior RA
• Fluent English and Kiswahili speaker
• Experienced and can demonstrate people management skills, planning, prioritization, and supervision of a project or a team and reporting

• Cover letter describing applicant’ qualifications, experiences, and reasons for interest in the project (written in English)
• Curriculum Vitae including contact information (including phone numbers and email addresses) of the applicant and two references which we can use to reach either
• Copies of applicant’s certificates and academic qualification