Study Supervisor 63 views0 applications

KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation

KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against tuberculosis (TB), the first deadliest infectious disease in the world. KNCV is an international center of expertise for TB control that promotes effective, efficient, innovative and sustainable tuberculosis control strategies in a national and international context.

We are an organization of passionate TB professionals, including doctors, researchers, training experts, nurses and epidemiologists. We aim to stop the spread of the worldwide epidemic of TB and to prevent the further spread of drug-resistant TB. We operate from a central office in The Hague in the Netherlands, a regional office in Central Asia and country offices worldwide. KNCV raises funds from private, institutional, corporate, and government donors.

Background

Diagnosis of TB in young children is difficult because they do not expectorate sputum, which leads to both overdiagnosis on clinical grounds and incorrect treatment due to lack of drug resistance profiles. A non-sputum-based sample, such as stool, which could be run on the Xpert MTB/RIF cartridge could provide bacteriological confirmation of disease, along with information on resistance to rifampicin.

KNCV is implementing projects focusing on providing children in Ethiopia with access to non-invasive diagnostic methods for TB and to assess how the stool testing for children can be incorporated into diagnostic algorithms to allow for improved diagnosis of TB in children and generate implementation guidance to support the national TB policy  and TB/HIV guidelines.

Purpose of the position

KNCV is looking for three study supervisors that will supervise and support the implementation of the non-invasive diagnostic methods for TB in children in Addis Ababa, and the surrounding Oromia and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ regions in Ethiopia.

As a study supervisor, you will:

• Ensure project standard operating procedure were implemented at each health facilities
• Provide technical support to project sites data collectors
• Supervise the implementation of the project in the assigned health facilities
• Check for data quality at project sites level
• Collect completed questionnaires after checking for quality and completeness
• Facilitate patient enrolment in the respective health facilities
• Facilitate the implementation of feasibility of alternative non-invasive samples for Xpert MTB/RIF testing in the project sites
• Actively engage in the facilitation and monitoring of the project sites on patient enrollment, sample collection, sample referral system and data collection.
• Supervise the overall specimen transport and results feedback system, communication and strengthening of the networks of the GeneXpert sites.
• Provide technical support to the health facilities during supportive supervision and review meetings.
• Ensure that records are maintained at facility level and reported to KNCV central office.
• Prepare site specific project progress reports to KNCV country office on a pre-defined basis.

Specific Responsibilities

• Serve as a study supervisor to provide technical support to study health facilities project activities;
• Conduct regular supervision to study health facilities that required focused monitoring and supervision;
• Ensure the availability and utilization of sample processing and sample transportation SOPs related to the implementation of project;
• Regularly monitor the data collect, monitor the implementation and prepare report;
• Assist study health facilities project focal persons to strengthen and coordinate an effective specimen and patient referral system.
• Facilitate sample transportation and improve communication of test results between health facility and Xpert site in the assigned project region;
• Work with KNVC ASTTIE and PODTEC staff to effectively address operational challenges such as training preparation, supply needs, and the timely cascade of the supportive supervision and review meetings;
• Develop close working relationships with study sites health facilities, EPHI, and other stakeholders that have responsibility for strengthening and improving tuberculosis control and prevention program;
• Perform other duties appropriate to the position as needed and as assigned by the supervisor.

What does KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation offer?

• A short-term consultancy for 3 months with possibility of extension;
• An informal work atmosphere in an international environment where a pro-active mentality is appreciated;
• A highly motivated team of experienced, self-driven colleagues;
• The consultancy fee is dependent upon education and relevant working experience;

Who are we looking for?

• BSc in health sciences field such as Public health officer, Clinical nurse, Medical laboratory science or related field;
• Research data collection supervisory experience or equivalent experience
• At least five years of work experience in TB, preferably in childhood TB; or research data collection, and supervision.
• Sound knowledge of basic principles of TB program and the challenges associated with diagnosing childhood TB;
• Experience and familiarity on data entry and analysis software’s
• Experience in working with the zonal or regional TB program and building the capacity of health care workers in childhood TB will be preferred;
• Excellent communication, and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with culturally diverse partners;
• Computer literacy; competency with Microsoft Office, excel, internet and e-mail systems;
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Amharic is required. Additional fluency in the region- or zone-specific language is a plus;
• Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with colleagues and partners;
• Willingness to travel frequently within the zones;
• Good interpersonal skills with experience in networking with partners at all levels (region, zones, districts, health facilities, and local community-based organizations);
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently; and
• Ability to cope with a demanding work environment and to organize and prioritize workload.

Behavioral competencies and skills

• Good interpersonal skills with experience in networking with partners at all levels (NGOs and local community-based organizations);
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in Amharic and the local language of the project site is mandatory.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently;
• Ability to cope with a demanding work environment and to organize and prioritize workload;