Medical Field Investigator - 12 months (renewable)

  • Full-time

Company Description

Epicentre is a research organization created by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in 1986. Epicentre conducts field epidemiology, training and research activities for MSF interventions. The Research Department specifically conducts research and supports MSF’s goal of proving medical aid in areas where people are affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or have poor or non-existent access to health care. Our activities for populations in precarious situations are led from Uganda, Niger, and France, and are conducted with international research partners, including MSF.

Epicentre has been conducting research activities in Niger since 2003. The country is experiencing a situation of recurrent food insecurity and a high prevalence of infectious diseases. In this context, Epicentre, in partnership with MSF sections and other local partners, as well as local authorities and international agencies, is developing research projects that meet the health needs of the population.

Job Description

Mission and Responsibilities

The Field Investigator (Medical) will oversee recruitment and follow-up and ensure adherence to good practices for a clinical trial in Maradi, Niger. He/she will participate in the development of the study protocol and procedures and will supervise and coordinate all field activities related to this study. He/she will ensure study progress reports are regularly provided to the Study Coordinator Adjoint and Study Coordinator as well as to the Principal Investigator, the Director of the Research Department and other staff involved.

 

Main activities

The clinical trial will take place in 2 phases:

 

-          A first phase of preparation and planning (12-months) in 2021

-          A second phase of implementation from 2022 onwards

 

Phase 1 : Preparation and planning (including formative studies)

·       Gathering the necessary information to prepare for the implementation phase of the trial including formative/preparatory studies;

·       Define human resources needs, participate in the staff recruitment process and work closely with the administrative department;

·       Define logistical needs (e.g. equipment, consumables, vehicles) for the implementation phase of the trial and work closely with other departments (logistics, IT, pharmacy, etc.);

·       In collaboration with the Principal Investigator, participate in the drafting of study protocols and procedures;

·       Elaborate the chronogram of activities and report on planning progress;

Participate in facilitating contacts and communication between the team, institutional partners, local authorities and community members.

 

Phase 2 :Implementation

·       Organize and provide training to staff dedicated to the study and data collection ;

·       Organize community outreach and sensitization in collaboration with colleagues;

·       Coordinate and organize working meetings related to the study activities and progress.

 

Follow-up and day-to-day management

·       Manage and supervise the study teams ;

·       Ensure that study procedures are followed;

·       Ensure the good quality of the data collected with the data manager ;

·       Ensure compliance with Epicentre's ethical and operational principles;

·       Centralize and analyze data (verify and control questionnaires, consent forms, etc.);

·       Ensure cohesion and good communication within the study team;

·       Ensure the resolution of difficulties in accordance with the study protocols;

·       Collect material and human needs from the team leaders and transmit them to the logistics and administrative departments;

·       Ensure the continuous training of the personnel in the study procedures.

 

During both phases :  Study Liaison and Communication

·       Ensure links with study and institutional partners, authorities and communities and inform them regularly of study progress.

·       Liaise with Epicentre's logistics and administrative departments to ensure study operations.

·       Gather information on any events that may influence the study activities and/or data collection.

·       Ensure regular contact with Epicentre technical referents and keep them informed of the progress of the project and discuss any problems encountered in its day-to-day management.

·       Provide a monthly situation report on the activities completed, in progress or planned.

·       Participate in the reporting of results to partners and authorities and in the writing of articles.

Qualifications

Requirements:

·       Medical Doctor Diploma

·       Master's degree or diploma in clinical research or epidemiology

·       Mandatory experience as a clinical research associate

·       Mandatory project management experience in the field of clinical trials

·       Mandatory experience in programs or research related to the community-based treatment of acute malnutrition

·       Demonstrated knowledge of Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and procedures related to clinical research

·       Perfect mastery of written and oral communication in French and English (mandatory)

·       Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills

·       Ability to work independently and as part of a team

 

Additional Information

Terms and Conditions of Employment:

·       Fixed-term position (12 months - renewable)

·       Based in Niger

·       Start date: December 2020 or January 2021

- Status: local contract or expatriate MSF/Epicentre

o   If expatriate contract (residence outside of Niger)

- If less than 12 months experience with Epicentre/MSF : indemnity of 1134€.

- If more than 12 months experience with Epicentre/MSF, gross monthly salary 1765€ and 2078€