Field Research Assistant – Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust

Job Description

Introduction 

The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Research Programme (MLW)  is an internationally recognized centre for research and training, funded by the Wellcome Trust in collaboration with our key partners, the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KuHes), Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and University of Liverpool (UoL) among others. We are committed to promoting research and training led by Malawian & International scientists, with the aim of improving the health of people in Malawi and elsewhere in the Region.

POSITION FUNCTION (PURPOSE): 

The programme will take an interdisciplinary approach to strengthen the quality of maternity care in Malawi and Zambia. The programme will include formative work regarding a digital reporting and feedback system, linking facility-based maternity data into an established community demographic health surveillance system, understanding the experience of vulnerable service users, optimise and applying feedback systems in maternity settings, annual prioritisation process and support quality management teams to lead interventions using Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW), implement and evaluate change. The Field Research Assistant will Join Safe Motherhood programme and work on different studies in the programme that aims at improving maternal and newborn care in Malawi. The FRA will screen, recruit participants, collect data, transport specimen, tracing and follow up clients. The FRA will work throughout in close collaboration with the research nurse, project officers, research nurse coordinator, project coordinator, PDRA and senior investigators.

Responsibilities#

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

 Screening and participant recruitment

• Assisting in planning and conducting sensitization activities in study sites and surrounding communities prior to screening activities
• Assisting in liaising with SciComm staff in scheduling and conducting sensitization activities
• Obtaining informed consent from participants to take part in the study

Data collection & Investigation

• Logistical and administrative coordination of data collection procedures
• Administering CRFs using Tablets
• Ensure that data completeness of data variables
• Support facility staff to collect data for ANC, Maternity and Neonatal
• Uploading data in the MLW database on a daily basis

General administrative roles

• Maintaining accurate paper and electronic study documentation
• Ensure that study equipment and consumables are available for use
• Attending regular meetings with the rest of the study team and PI
• Performing any other tasks deemed reasonable that the PI, PDRA, Project coordinator and Research Nurse Coordinator or facility staff may see fit to request

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In the event of study staff absence on leave or sickness, to be able to carry out the duties of the project officers to ensure smooth continuation of the SMA programme
• Able to take any other duties as assigned by the Research Nurse Coordinator, Project Coordinator, PDRA and PI

PROFESSIONAL DUTIES:

• Promote equality of opportunity and inclusive practice in all aspects of work undertaken
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations by fulfilling the following;
  • 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
• Act in a manner that safeguards vulnerable adults as applicable to the role
• Work effectively within the team as a team player with a positive, enthusiastic attitude
• Work autonomously on a project, effectively managing your own time
• Understand and adhere to MLW and the hospitals’ policies and procedures
• To work according to research protocols (SOPs) set out by the project
• To behave professionally at all times
• To maintain confidentiality of clients’ records and respect patients and guardians’ privacy and rights
• To keep the client/guardian/parent informed at all times
• To be aware of the responsibilities pertaining to the post, as recorded in this document.
• To keep clear and up-to-date patient records at all times.
• To maintain and look after study equipment.
• To take instruction from those in authority.
• To be honest and open with other study team in the event of any errors in following study protocols or data collection.
• To notify the PI or project coordinator promptly of any concerns with the study progress or records.
• To attend study team meetings as required.
• To attend internal / external seminars and meetings as required, for Continued Professional Development.
• To be flexible to changes in the study protocol and follow-up procedures that may be required.
• To treat participants and their guardians / families with respect at all times.
• To maintain confidentiality of patients and guardians.
• To explain the study aim, the procedures involved to patients and their guardians clearly and patiently, and to answer questions clearly and patiently.
• To always put the study participant first

Requirements#

QUALIFICATIONS: (i.e., Education, Training and Experience Requirements).

• Minimum of MSCE with good reading, writing and communication skills. Those with diploma or degree will have added advantage
• Desired:
  • At least 2 years research experience (both quantitative and qualitative)
  • Experience with use of electronic data capture
  • GCP training
• Fluency in Chichewa. Knowledge of other languages spoken (Yao and Tumbuka) in Malawi will be an added advantage.

KEY COMPENTENCIES/ATTRIBUTES AND SKILLS (e.g., IT Skills, Personality, Communication, Teamwork etc.)

• Excellent communications skills.
• Good written and spoken English.
• Interviewing skills
• Good organisation tasks
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Adaptability to work in a multidisciplinary team
• Capacity to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Proficiency in use of electronic data capturing system
• Good recording keeping and time-management
• Trustworthy
• Results-oriented
• Team player

Mode of application and Requirements

• copies of relevant certificates,
• a detailed CV with 3 contactable referees
• All documents should be sent in the applicant’s names as one (1) pdf file.
• Please indicate the position title (As indicated above)  as the heading of the email.
• All applications should be sent to vacancies@mlw.mw
• Applications that do not adhere to the above instructions will not be considered