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): In summary, why does the job exist?

The project will take an interdisciplinary approach to strengthen the quality of maternity care in Malawi and Zambia. The project 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 Research Nurse will perform internal quality checks for the study data collected, manage and monitor visits for enrolled study participants, complete research CRFs. The responsibilities also include obtaining informed consent, enrolling study participants, managing patients, and collecting data and specimens according to study protocol, ICH-GCP, Regulatory Authorities and MLW procedures. They will also assist with community engagement, sensitization and recruitment of study participants. The Research Nurse will work throughout in close collaboration with the project officers, field research assistants, research nurse coordinator, project coordinator, PDRA and senior investigators.

Responsibilities

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Keep the study participants a priority and informed at all times.
Ensure accurate and complete study documentation (e.g. CRFs, screening and enrolment logs).
Collecting specimen according to study protocol, ICH-GCP, Regulatory Authorities and MLW procedures.
Identify, record and timely report of SAEs and protocol deviations.
Obtain informed consent and enroll study participants in the Safe Motherhood Africa studies and conduct follow ups of enrolled participants.
Collect data and participate in data analysis
Participate in review of Standard Operating Procedures.
Ensure adequate and proper use of the study resources.
Maintain professional conduct and working relationship all the times.
Identify knowledge and skill gaps and develop an effective training plan.
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.
Support community engagement and sensitization activities throughout the Safe Motherhood Programme.
Follow-up on collected data and samples according to protocol.
Monitor and ensure replacement of stock levels of field supplies as indicated to guarantee essential items are always available for fieldwork.
Maintain confidentiality in the collection and handling of information
Provide information and suggestions to the Project Coordinator if encountering difficulties at work, reporting upwards as appropriate.
Attend and contribute to field coordination meetings and liaise with health centres.
Ensure good relations are maintained at all times with other staff, with participants and their guardians, with healthcare workers and with communities.
Undertake all work following the relevant safety rules and regulations as laid down by MLW.
To attend relevant training programmes and to attend seminars and meetings both external and internal as available and as requested.

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 and field Research Assistants 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

Requirements

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

Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery Technician and registered with Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi.
At least 2 years’ experience in Midwifery and health research
Experience in field research involving pregnant women and young children and collection of specimen.
Experience in both quantitative and qualitative research
Understanding of the health sector in Malawi.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team and with people at all levels.
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 (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
Proficiency in organising 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

To apply for this job please visit www.mlw.mw.