The USAID Eliminate TB Project is a five-year USAID-funded project with the goal of reducing TB incidence and mortality by improving the quality, access, utilization, and sustainability of TB services in Ethiopia. This project builds on the work of previous USAID activities (Challenge TB, HEAL TB, TB Care, and others) that have been supporting the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program (NTLP) to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and STOP TB milestones. The Project support focuses on improving access and utilization to quality and patient-centred comprehensive TB services.
Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is a global health non-profit organization that makes foundational changes to health systems to protect people from diseases and improve their health. MSH collaborates with local partners, from Ministries to communities, to strengthen and complement existing health systems. Since 1971, MSH has worked in more than 150 countries to help and ensure sustainable, resilient, and equitable access to quality health care around the globe.

In addition to the routine operational research activities of the USAID Eliminate TB project, the project has a research project named Eliminate TB demonstration study. The USAID/Eliminate TB project is looking for district study coordinators who are responsible for coordination of the study, such as, data collecting, data management, and overall research coordination with zonal, woreda, and community TB focal persons.

Reports to: Research Director

Location: West Arsi- Hassasa-01, Wolayita- Bolosso Bombe-01; West Gojjam- Jahbi Thina-02

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES

The study coordinators are responsible for all coordination of the study at the study districts and are expected to collaborate with all TB experts and decision makers from woreda to community level. Also, the research coordinator are responsible for Reviews participant information in accordance with protocol, Organizes the study files, coordinates the HIT and HEWs, make that all resources (TPT, GeneXpert cartridge) are available by communicating with the zone and woreda TB focal, ensure that the intervention was completed on schedule and working with the data manager to improve the data quality.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• · Review and comprehend records and study participants information as per the protocol.
• · Attending investigator meetings as required or requested by the PI.
• · Collaborates with the PIs and research data managers to prepare reports to partners, stakeholders and any other regulatory submission documents as required as per the protocol.
• · Prepares other study materials as requested by the PI. These study materials include, but are not limited to, the informed consent document; case report forms (CRFs), enrollment logs, and drug/device accountability logs.
• · Establish and organize study files, such as, Master file, Investigator site file, regulatory binders, study specific source documentations and other materials as requested by PI.
• · Works with the PIs and research data manager to assure that the study is following all terms and conditions, including but not limited to Data and Monitoring Safety Board (DSMB), IRB approval, conflict of interest disclosure, Agreement between parties, health and safety protections for participants and staff and any financial terms or conditions.
• · Conduct or participate in the informed consent process and discussions with research participants, including answering any questions related to the study. Obtains appropriate signatures and dates on forms in appropriate places. Assures that amended consent forms are appropriately implemented and signed.
• · Support the screening of subjects for TPT, Gene-Xpert and CXR AI eligibility as per the research studies protocol or algorism.
• · Make sure that all the information of the study participants is timely complete till the outcome status of the TPT or anti-TB treatment.
• · Coordinates and facilitates specimen collection and/or patient referral per the study protocol and specimen referral SOP.
• · Assures timely completion of Case Report Forms.
• · Coordinate the HEWs and HIT for the quality data collection.
• · Working with the research data manager to on data management
• · Complete study documentation and maintain study files in accordance with policies and procedures for the study conducted in human subject.
• · Follow up on the adequate inventory of study supplies for TPT and X-pert testing.
• · Maintains effective and ongoing communication.
• · Assists PI in preparation of any modifications to the scientific protocol.
• · Works and communicate with Kebele and district leaders, zonal TB focal persons, project zonal coordinators, project regional managers, research data managers and PI during the course of the study on the day-to-day activities of the study including problem solving, communication and protocol management.
• · Make sure that CAB are holding regular meetings.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

• BSc degree preferably in medical laboratory or in Health sciences with 3 years’ experience, master’s degree with 1 year’ experience from an accredited institution
• Experience in Research studies research coordination and management
  Training in GCP or GCLP and the quality management system is an additional asset.
• Tolerance to doing routine and frequent field visits.
• Attention to details for quality data record and documentation.
• Ability to maintain study confidentiality.

Personal Attributes:

• Able to speak the local language.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skill
• Strong organizational skills: volunteer to work off-working hours and/or weekends.
• A high level of attention to details
• Open for discussion and learning
• Ability to problem solving and willingness to take self-initiatives.
• A willingness to take on additional responsibilities and continuous training as needed.
• Conduct supervision on overall activities communicating with PI.
• Conduct daily checks for completeness of CRFs, logbooks and other documents.
• Ensure eligibility criteria for proper enrollment of study participants.
• Involved in recruitment and other duties as deemed necessary by PI.