FIELD NURSE

Job Summary

The Field Nurse is responsible for performing field activities for the PACManStudy with the highest quality, according to study protocol and SOPs. The position holder is responsible for two primary functions: the first is supporting implementation of the PAC-Man model at sites that have been randomized to receive the intervention; the second is to support study-specific activities, including participant recruitment, screening, consenting, and enrollment, as well as CRF administration and blood draws and other activities, as necessary, in the targeted districts.

S/he will work under the Study Coordinator for all field activities. S/he will also work closely with other study team members, including the Data Officer and Data Associate, Research Assistants, and HIV Diagnostic Assistants, as well as any other volunteers/students assigned to the field for effective running of the activities.

S/he shall help represent the study at facility and community level and will need to represent the study team to Ministry of Health and implementing partner staff and Management.

S/he shall ensure that they remain up to date with developments in the field of HIV, PMTCT/EID, and Maternal and Child Health.

The Field Nurse will be based exclusively in the field, and will be expected to travel to study sites in Mangochi and Lilongwe to assist with community-based study procedures.

Specific Responsibilities

• Performs all relevant field activities per the PAC-MAN protocol and SOPs, including MOH record review, participant recruitment and screening procedures, informed consent procedures, community tracing/ home visits, enrollment and CRF administration, HIV testing procedures (i.e. mPIMA EID and viral load), and especially file QA/QC.
• Takes a leading role in the QA/QC of all study CRFs, data collection documents, and informed consent forms
• Supports the Study Coordinator and Diagnostic Network Specialist with study administration and logistics, and any other issues relevant to ensuring the effective running of field activities.
• Supports implementation of the PAC-Man intervention SOP for each site in close collaboration with the Study Coordinator and Diagnostic Network Specialist to meet the study goals and objectives.
• Works closely with implementing partner staff at facility and community levels to ensure that the implementation of PAC-Man and the cross-sectional surveys go smoothly and do not interfere with routine service delivery, and enhance routine services whenever possible.
• Regularly communicates progress and any challenges and difficulties to the Study Coordinator.
• Assists with implementation of selected qualitative study procedures, especially administering Structured Observations, among other activities.
• Provides the Data Officer and Data Associate, and Study Coordinator with data to assess the progress of the study with enrollments and other study targets.
• Identifies challenges in the field and problem solves independently, and with the Study Coordinator and Diagnostic Network Specialist, to identify a way forward.
• Ensures effective communication with the team in the field at all times, especially the Diagnostic Network Specialist and Study Coordinator.
• Ensures that the Study Protocol and Standard Operating Procedures are followed at all times.
• Supports the reconciliation of study implementation funds used in the field.
• Supports the Study Coordinator with timely submission of field reports, receipts, and any other documentation required by the overall PRISM Coordinator for reporting to the funder (NIH)
• Effectively and respectfully represents the study at facilities and in the community
• Participates in study specific meetings as required
• Facilitates the initiation of same-day ART for infants newly diagnosed with HIV through the PAC-Man intervention.
• Supports implementing partner and MOH counterparts with back-to-care activities for women identified with unsuppressed viral load.
• Provides other referrals to clinical care for study participants when appropriate and required.
• Ensures participant confidentiality at all times
• Acquires and maintains an in-depth knowledge of the study protocol
• Provides high quality service to participants by maintaining pleasant relationships at all times and attending to participants in a timely manner
• Adheres to HSP and GCP principles for the ethical conduct of research at all times

Miscellaneous

• Performing any other duties assigned by Management.
• Perform high-quality work at all times

Qualifications

• Diploma/Degree in Nursing
• Registered with the Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi
• Experience in clinical research or other research activities, ideally relating to HIV or PMTCT/EID, required
• Experience working in a community-based or field-based study or programme, preferred
• Has completed required Human Subject Protection (HSP) and Good Clinical Practices (GCP) training.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• Active certification in HIV counseling and testing preferred

Please send your applications via email to:

The Country Director
UNC Project
Lilongwe

Email: administration@unclilongwe.org

Deadline for receiving applications:

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.