Site Study Coordinator - Kisumu at LVCT Health

Reference: SSC/LVCT/02/2023

Job purpose

The CATALYST Site Study Coordinator (SC) is responsible for ensuring that study activities at the research site follow the study protocol and operating procedures. Supervising data collection teams, liaising with the laboratory and pharmacies engaged in the study, and coordinating research activities with site facility staff (in-charges, providers, outreach workers, etc.) are essential functions of this position. The Site SC would maintain frequent contact with the Country Study Coordinator (SC) who oversees all study sites within country. The position is based at the Study Site in Mombasa, Kisumu, or Nairobi Counties.

Key responsibilities

• Review and/or assist in the development of site-specific operating procedures.
• Oversee the timely recruitment and accrual of study participants, training, and supervision of research assistants on site, including planning logistics for successful study implementation.
• Coordinate data collection for the study at the assigned site and ensure all study participants provide informed consent and that consent forms are well completed and properly stored.
• Communicate immediately any staff changes at the site to the Country SC to ensure that all site staff involved in study operations have been appropriately trained.
• Participate in study-related training, onboard and facilitate research related trainings (Standard Operating Procedures, study collection tools) to new site staff.
• Be responsible for identifying Serious Adverse Events (SAEs), social harms and protocol deviations or violations and reporting them through the appropriate channels (i.e., ensuring they are entered into the database and communicated via phone call to the Country SC on the day they are identified) and then proper filing of correspondences that relate to the site.
• Monitor that confidentiality of participants and other ethics principles are adhered to by research and service delivery staff at the site.
• Monitor the progress of site study activities; develop and maintain records of study activities and prepare periodic and ad hoc reports, as required.
• Ensure availability of study materials and supplies at the study site including current versions and copies of consent forms, study data collection instruments, enrollment registers/logs, and all other required materials.
• In collaboration with the commodity and laboratory coordinator`s monitor accountability of study product and study-related lab commodities, including proper use, storage, and stock.
• Work closely with the study data team to ensure completeness and quality of data, including follow-up of data queries or discrepancies.
• Work with site facility management to coordinate research activities at the site, including keeping them up to date on progress and addressing any issues that impede the success of study operations or standard service delivery.
• Coordinate study progress meetings with country team staff as needed (in-person, virtual meetings).
• Frequently update the Country SC on progress and issues that impact implementation and recommend appropriate action.
• Support any community engagement activities necessary for study implementation.

Competency criteria

Education requirement

• A bachelor’s degree in the Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Nursing or Related Field with five years of experience in a public health research experience.

Qualifications and experience

• Must have at least 3 years’ experience on a field team conducting research studies.
• At least 2 years of supervising a data collection team.
• Nursing degree is an added advantage.
• Experience as a data collector on a health-related research study working within an electronic data collection platform preferred.

Skills knowledge and abilities

• Program coordination and management skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Computer competency including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to effectively manage and work as part of a team.
• Nonjudgmental attitude, humanitarian values and ethics are absolute preconditions.
• Energetic, independent, and self-motivated.
• Good knowledge of spoken and written English, and Dholuo and Swahili as applicable.