NGO Jobs in Kenya - HjF International

HjF Medical Research International Inc

1. Laboratory Technologist (1 position)
 
Job Summary: The Laboratory Technologist will be responsible for carrying out tests for diagnosis and clinical management of illness, determining eligibility for enrolment and, monitoring safety of interventions for individuals participating in AFRICOS Study / clinical trials.

Key Requirements:
  • Diploma in Medical Laboratory sciences, or related field from a recognized institution.
  • At least 2 years experience in a busy clinical / research laboratory.
  • Must be registered with the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technologist & Technicians Board (KMLTTB).

Major duties and responsibilities:
  • Perform a variety of non-complex, automated and manual tests and examinations in the clinical laboratory.
  • Calibrate equipment using known solutions; verifies quantitative results exercising quality control procedures. Ensures proper storage and disposition of reagents and supplies within WRP Kisumu Clinical Laboratories.
  • Ensure quality and timeliness of patients test results by investigating problems involving specimen collection, results reporting and turnaround time.
  • Assist with implementation of new study protocols, new instrumentation, new methodology and training as needed.
  • Maintains adequate communications with the clinical staff regarding laboratory testing results; responding to and reporting critical values in a timely manner.
  • Provide input as required for updating and implementing laboratory procedures and Standard Operation Procedures.
  • Follow all laboratory procedures including safety guidelines with regard to choice of technique, handling of equipment, the use of personal protective equipment and awareness of blood borne pathogens within Kisumu clinical Laboratories.
  • Demonstrate cooperative attitude in relationships with coworkers and other personnel within WRP.
  • Provide timely and informed input to the Laboratory Manager in all matters concerning laboratory procedures.
  • Maintain confidentiality of patients, patient results and project operations within Kisumu Clinical Laboratories.
Skills & Abilities:
  • Hard working, diligent and ready to work in a multidisciplinary environment
  • Ability to work independently and write summary report of work done
  • Good problem solving skills, awareness of own limitations and strong personal motivation
  • Good knowledge of laboratory documentation, record keeping and inventory management
  • Ability to develop, write and execute laboratory standard operating procedures (SOP) and other laboratory protocols.
  • Knowledge of Bio-safety/Bio-security principles and guidelines
  • Excellent interpersonal, written & verbal communication skills.
  • Must be flexible and willing to work long hours and alternating shifts.
  • Basic computer application skills
2. Clinical Officer (1 position)
 
Job Summary: The holder of this position will serve as the Clinician for the “African Cohort Study (AFRICOS) study being conducted by the Walter Reed Project (KEMRI/WRP) in conjunction with the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Kisumu through the Henry Jackson Foundation Medical Research International, Inc (HJFMRI). 

The AFRICOS study clinician will be primarily responsible for the overall conduct of the study under the auspices of the AFRICOS Principal Investigator (PI) and overall AFRICOS study Coordinator based at the KEMRI/WRP HIV program in Kisumu.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Participate in pre-study training and familiarization with study protocols and procedures in order to ensure compliance with study protocols and regulatory requirements.
  • Briefing, consenting, screening, clinical evaluation and follow up of study volunteers.
  • Maintaining adequate and accurate progress notes and source documents by supervising proper storage of study documents i.e. study logs and volunteer source documents(CRFs) in the clinic.
  • Responding to questions from QA staff (during Teleconference (TCON) meetings) and provide technical guidance on clinical questions as pertains to the study.
  • Guiding and assisting the data team on answering of queries (clinical) from DCAC.
  • Identifying and informing the medical officer and the PI cases of emergent and non emergent referral.
  • Responsible for daily clinical evaluation of volunteers admitted at referral hospitals
  • Oversight of the after hours team-ensuring that all evaluations are done per study protocol.
  • Compiling and sending of daily morning reports to PI and associate investigators attached to specific studies.
  • First on -call during the study
  • Doing follow up visits in the field as may be deem necessary and Coordinate weekly adherence sessions and organize field worker home visits to ARV defaulters to strengthen and improve ART (HAART) adherence.
  • Reviewing or participating in the development of study specific procedures.
  • Coordinate and facilitate linkages in the study i.e. internal between clinical, laboratory and data departments and across other clinics i.e. TB clinic, nutritional clinic and external clinics( medical and surgical outpatient clinics) for enhanced patient care and smooth running of the study.
  • Coordinate Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings as appropriate to enhance patient care.
  • Coordinate and facilitate provision of Prevention with Positives(PWP)-to prevent re-infection among positives in the study (Group A) and infection among the discordant couples(Group A and B couples).
  • Facilitate and coordinate Continuous Medical Education (CMEs) on common ailments (locally and regionally) in the study-to maintain high quality patient care.
  • Any other duties as assigned.
Qualification Requirements:
  • Must be a holder of at least Diploma in Clinical Medicine and surgery from a recognized medical training institute. Degree in clinical Medicine, Social Science or related HIV management / research fields is an added advantage.
  • At least 5 years of experience in HIV care and treatment programs for large USG funded programs.
  • Demonstrated experience in providing HIV care and treatment in clinical settings
Skills and Abilities:
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to work in a diverse team as well as independently.
  • Proficiency with computer application such as Word, MS Excel, and other applications.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure and complete tasks to meet deadlines.
  • Must be registered with Officers Council and/or relevant government institution
3. Nurse Coordinator 

(1 Position)
 
Job Summary: The Nurse Coordinator will be responsible for assisting with protocol development and the development of study specific procedures for the Nursing Department; translating study documents (including consent and assent forms), when needed; briefing and consenting possible study participants; providing quality nursing care for study subjects and patients in both the in- and out-patient settings; processing admission of study volunteers and accompanying patient(s) during transfer to other health facilities, as required.
 
Major duties and responsibilities:
  • Participating in planning for execution of AFRICOS study; serving as the Nursing point of contact for AFRICOS study when appointed to do so.
  • Ensuring availability of nursing and other relevant clinic supplies; raising requisitions when needed.
  • Ensuring the setting and completeness of consultation rooms.
  • Preparing for and assisting with medical procedures.
  • Translation of subject consent and assent forms and various subject information documents in local languages.
  • Administration of informed consent to potential study participants (in English, Kiswahili or Dholuo).
  • Taking and recording of vital signs and triaging ill patients for assessment.
  • Document accurately, to include transcription.
  • Administration of study drug and/or vaccines according to protocol; administration of routine drugs as ordered.
  • Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
  • Maintain patients’ and participants’ confidence and protecting operations by keeping information confidential.
  • Carry out all other services in relation to patient care and treatment as permitted by the Kenya Nursing Council.
Key Requirements:
  • Diploma in nursing from a recognized institution.
  • Must be registered with the Nursing Council of Kenya.
  • Minimum of 2 years of progressive experience with direct clinical contact.
  • Experience in Clinical Research unit preferred.
Skills & Abilities:
  • Ability to assess and monitor patient needs and document assessment and care accurately.
  • Ability to development and implement nursing care plans.
  • Must be an honest and reliable person who demonstrates a high standard of nursing etiquette.
  • Must be flexible, a team player and willing to work long hours and alternating shifts.
  • Knowledge and understanding of research is desirable.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills required.
  • Computer knowledge and certification as an HIV counselor are desired.
  • Fluent in spoken and written English and Kiswahili is essential.
Terms of employment: Renewable annual contract, with a probation period for the first 3 months.

Duty station: The officers will be stationed at the Walter Reed Project, Kisumu field station WRP Clinical Research Centre, Kombewa

Applicants should submit their application letters, resume, testimonials, copies of certificates and day time telephone contact(s) no later than 31st March 2016 to:

The Human Resource Manager
USAMRU – K/PPFAR
P.O Box 54-40100,
Kakamega Road, Kondele, Kisumu

Clearly indicate the position title on the envelope.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted