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Field Research Assistant(12 months with possibility of extension)-Internal Recruitment
- 1 post based in Blantyre and 1 post based in Chikwawa
- Contract (Full-Time)
- Closing Date: 08/12/2023
Job Description
Introduction
The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome (MLW) Programme (https://www.mlw.mw) is an internationally recognized centre for research and research training, funded by the Wellcome Trust. In collaboration with the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), College of Medicine. MLW would like to engage the services of a competent and dynamic individual to work in an exciting Research Programme (The PRONE Study) at the MLW Research facility as it is expanding.
The aim of the PRONE study is to determine the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in pregnancy. PRONE stands for; Pregnancy & Recognition Of NCDs Early. These conditions include diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and anaemia. We aim to recruit 812 pregnant women from Ndirande health centre and Chikwawa District Hospital at their antenatal booking appointment. They will be followed until the end of the pregnancy and a select few will be seen again postpartum.
Responsibilities
Job Summary
To assist with the recruitment and follow-up of pregnant women in the PRONE study at Ndirande Health Centre or Chikwawa District Hospital. You will work closely with a Research Midwife at the same study site. You will assist with technical aspects of enrolment, and collect sociodemographic data from study participants using questionnaires. You will assist with the organisation of the study site rooms and the flow of participants through the study.
General Tasks
- Screening of pregnant women at their antenatal booking appointment by explaining the objectives and methods of the study in an appropriate language to potential study participants, and obtain informed consent prior to enrolment.
- Administer study questionnaires and collect data from participants in the field following agreed protocols and safety regulations to the highest professional standard.
- Be able and willing to start work very early and work late where necessary to ensure participants are reached at a time convenient for them.
- Assist the research midwife with biophysical measurements and collection of pregnancy outcome data.
- Assist the Research Midwife with administrative and HR matters
- Monitor and ensure replacement of stock levels of field supplies as indicated to guarantee essential items are always available for fieldwork..
- Ensure cleanliness and organisation within the dedicated rooms at the study site.
- Assist with transportation of samples.
- Assist with tasks such as organisation of documentation, quality control, and preparation for monitoring visits.
- Maintain confidentiality in the collection and handling of information
- Provide information and suggestions to the Clinical Research Assistant if encountering difficulties at work, reporting upwards as appropriate.
- Resolve queries arising from collection of data according to specified timelines.
- Attend and contribute to field coordination meetings.
- To attend relevant training programmes and to attend seminars and meetings both external and internal as available and as requested.
- To maintain coherent records of daily activity and provide updates as requested by the Clinical Research Assistant and the senior investigators.
- To arrange reimbursements for participants.
- Field workers may be requested to perform other reasonable tasks at the request of their supervisors consistent with their level of training and responsibility.
Requirements
Qualifications
Minimum:
- Diploma in health-related field
- Six months’ work in health-related research
Desirable:
- Experience of research in Women’s Health.
- A further degre
Skills, General and Special knowledge
- Passionate to improve Women’s health in Malawi and empathetic towards sensitive issues in Women’s Health
- Have an interest in medical conditions in pregnancy
- Knowledge of and compliance with national standards of clinical governance
- Excellent organizational and co-ordination skills
- Excellent time management and punctuality
- Excellent records management and document control experience
- Experience of using electronic data capture systems preferable.
- Self-motivated and able to deliver results and work out of hours when required to complete tasks.
- Fluency in Chichewa. Knowledge of other languages spoken in Malawi will be an added advantage.
- Good written and spoken English
- Experience of working and living at community level in Blantyre or Chikwawa Districts, Malawi
- Understanding of the health sector in Malawi.
Health & Safety
- Taking full responsibility for ensuring a safe work environment by following health and safety rules
- at all times for colleagues and oneself.
- Keeping up to date and maintain awareness of all Health and Safety issues by fulfilling the following;
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- Attending the scheduled quarterly Health & Safety sensitization trainings at least once a year
- Attend a Health and safety induction during the first week of employment, signing acknowledgement and keep abreast of the MLW Health and Safety Policies and their updates
- Participating in Risk management exercises
- Bring to discussion all H&S matters observed/experienced during work and meetings
- Orient Radio Listening Groups and other stakeholders on Health & Safety issues in clear and simple terms.
- Be available to assist when there is an emergency and to complete the MLW Incident Report Form.
4.To immediately notify the Line Manager of all Accidents/incidents and potential hazards/near misses
Remuneration and Benefits
MLW offers an attractive remuneration package which includes a competitive salary package commensurate with the position, a medical aid scheme, 24 hours insurance cover, pension scheme, gratuity benefits redeemable once every year, among others. MLW also offers opportunities such as scholarships, upgrading and training opportunities to employees. These are based on successful on job performance and other set criteria.
MLW recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants and patients with whom MLW is working. Please note that successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and at regular time points during employment.
Suitably qualified candidates should forward their applications with copies of relevant certificates, 3 contactable referees and a detailed CV to this email vacancies@mlw.mw
The Human Resource Manager
Malawi – Liverpool – Wellcome – Programme
P.O. Box 30096
Chichiri
Blantyre 3
Suitably qualified candidates should forward their applications with copies of relevant certificates, and a detailed CV as One PDF to vacancies@mlw.mw. Please indicate the position title as the heading of your email. Hand-delivered applications will not be processed.