The Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit (MITU) is seeking a Senior Study Coordinator to manage the day to day running of a new research study investigating drowning in Tanzania.
MITU, based at the National Institute for Medical Research campus in Mwanza, Tanzania, is a collaborative research unit of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the National Institute for Medical Research. The mission of the Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit is to contribute to improving health through the development and evaluation of interventions against HIV and other health problems by conducting research to the highest international standards; to enhance the capacity to carry out such research in Tanzania and the East African region; and to contribute to the translation of research findings into health policy.
The Senior Study Coordinator will be responsible for the day to day running and management of a new research project aiming to generate evidence to support the development of drowning prevention strategies in high-risk populations around Lake Victoria in Tanzania. Specific objectives of the project are to:
1. estimate the incidence of drowning deaths among fishermen and other resident groups in lakeside
communities;
2. improve understanding of who is most at risk and why;
3. evaluate potential effects of perceived drowning risk on other health-related risk behaviours, focusing onsexual behaviour and HIV;
4. assess the social and economic impact of drowning deaths; and
5. explore perceived feasibility and acceptability towards potential drowning prevention interventions.
Data will be collected from fishermen and the wider lakeside fishing communities through structured interviews and surveys, in-depth death reviews, and observational analyses of behaviour.
The Senior Study Coordinator has an important new role, which will be pivotal to the success of the study. We therefore seek someone who is willing to apply themselves to a wide range of tasks that will vary from study oversight to technical data collection. S/he will help to set up and implement the study. S/he will be responsible for day to day management of research activities, as well as contributing to the actual data collection. During this period, s/he will be required to spend a significant proportion of his/her time in Lake Zone fishing communities. In later stages of the study s/he will work with study statisticians on data analysis, and will contribute to the preparation of study reports and other outputs.
The Senior Study Coordinator will report to the study senior investigators. The contract for the position will be for a duration of 10 months, and will ideally commence from the beginning of May, 2017.
Responsibilities/duties
Develop study documents such as standard operating procedures (SOPs) and consent forms.
Develop data collection tools such as questionnaires and surveys.
Plan and structure interviews and focus group sessions.
Contribute to data collection using questionnaires, surveys, interviews and focus group sessions.
Communicate and build good relationships with local leaders in each of the study sites, such as Ward Executive Officers, District Commissioners.
Liaise with, and collect data from, Beach Management Units (BMUs) at each of the study sites.
Provide information to, and take consent from, potential study participants.
Assist in recruitment of study team members.
Manage junior study staff, and train study staff on procedures required to carry out the study.
Maintain study documentation, including the study master file.
Liaise and communicate with the study Senior Investigators and Sponsor.
Communicate with, and prepare written reports for the study Sponsor.
Handle field budget.
Prepare applications and reports for ethics committees, obtain ethics approval and liaise/communicate with ethics committees as required.
Ensure the study is carried out ethically and according to applicable laws and regulations.
Contribute to institutional meetings and seminars.
Perform other tasks as required.
Selection Criteria
Essential
An undergraduate degree from a widely-recognized university in the field of health sciences (including
public health), social sciences, epidemiology or demography.
At least two years of research experience in the field of health sciences, social sciences, epidemiology and/or demography.
Experience of developing study documents such as SOPs, consent forms and data collection tools.
Experience of performing data collection and analyses for qualitative research, through interviews,
surveys and/or focus group meetings.
Experience of managing a team and conducting staff training.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Swahili.
Computer literacy and ability to use Word, Excel and Powerpoint.
Ability to work independently and to take initiative.
Excellent interpersonal skills and a highly professional attitude.
Desirable
A postgraduate qualification in the field of health sciences, social sciences, epidemiology or
demography from a widely-recognized university.
Experience and/or knowledge of socioeconomic research.
Experience with using data management/social science/analysis packages such as STATA and/or
NVIVO.
A proven track record of disseminating research finding at conferences and in peer-review journals
How to apply
Interested applicants should email recruitment@mitu.or.tz to request an application form. The completed application form should be submitted together with a cover letter and CV to the same email address by 28th April 2107. Paper applications will not be accepted. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.