Project Coordinator Job in Nairobi Kenya

Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) Africa office is seeking to recruit a suitable candidate for the following vacant position
 
Position:
 Project Coordinator

Reporting to:
 Clinical Trial Manager, Nairobi & Clinical Manager, Geneva - for HIV study
 
Supervises: Clinical Research Associates.

The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is a patient-needs driven, not-for-profit research and development (R&D) organization that develops safe, effective, and affordable medicines for neglected diseases that afflict millions of the world’s poorest people. 

DNDi focuses on developing new treatments for the most neglected patients suffering from diseases such as sleeping sickness (or human African trypanosomiasis), leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, malaria, specific filarial infections, and paediatric HIV. 


The initiative’s primary objective is to deliver 11 to 13 new treatments by 2018 and to establish a strong R&D portfolio for these diseases. 

DNDi accomplishes its work through collaborative partnerships with public sector research institutions, particularly in disease-endemic countries, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academia, non-governmental organizations, and governments worldwide.

It also works to strengthen research capacity in disease-endemic countries and to advocate for increased public responsibility for neglected disease R&D. 

DNDi was established in 2003 by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), Brazil’s Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), the Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Institut Pasteur in France, and Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF), with the WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) as permanent observer.
 

DNDi Africa was established in 2003, and is based at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. 

This regional office conducts R&D projects in the region, including clinical activities and data management for clinical trials for treatments for leishmaniasis, paediatric HIV, and others. 

It also leads capacity building projects through multi-country research platforms. 
Role Profile

Overall purpose of the job:
  • Will be the lead person for paediatric HIV study.
  • Coordinating the clinical trials and studies sponsored by DNDi according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards, according to the specific responsibilities set out below under the direction of the and Clinical Trial Manager (CTM) and the Director of DNDi Africa Regional Office, Nairobi
  • Carrying out the specific requests of the CTM at the trial sites in relation to any of the trial activities as requested.
  • Submitting the required documentation and reports  in a timely fashion and to an agreed format
  • Attending meetings associated with the project at times and places as requested.
Main duties and responsibilities:
  • Review of monitoring reports and identifying and resolving issues identified  during the monitoring visits
  • Provide backup, support and advice for trial monitors including co-monitoring and substitute monitoring as and when required
  • Prepare weekly project status updates and monthly report of trials activities and issues for DNDi Project Management in Geneva / trial coordination office and DSMB Chair.
  • Provide backup for the clinical trial manager for Serious Adverse Events (SAE) reporting
  • Provide liaison and support for trial data management centre particularly Trial Statistician and Data Managers
  • Liaise with DNDi Africa office Regional Operations Manager for trial related activities and payments
  • Support and respond to requests from trial site team members and country PIs on trial related matters
  • Arrange trial specific training for trial site teams
  • To participate in preparing regulatory documentation for conducting clinical trials (submission and approval of protocols), registration of trial medication and protocol amendments.
  • Supervise the Clinical Research Associate(s)
  • Prepare and review as appropriate, scientific documents, reports to be used in clinical trials or submitted to Ethics Committee/Regulation authorities.
  • Setting up clinical trial sites
  • Perform other duties as may be assigned
Skills & Qualifications
  • Medical Doctor. Postgraduate training would be an added advantage
  • Proven track record in clinical research management.
  • At least 3 years recent experience of clinical trials and GCP as investigator/monitor /trial manager
  • Complete fluency in written and spoken English
  • Able to work alone and unsupervised in an organised and professional manner and with financial integrity
  • Good interpersonal, people and time management  skills
  • Problem solving and helpful approach
  • Willingness and flexibility to travel as required
  • Shares DNDi mission and vision.
  • Experience conducting HIV related studies will be an added advantage
Terms of Employment:
  • The position is full time based in Nairobi with frequent travels locally, regionally and internationally
  • Excellent salary commensurate with skills and experience and in line with DNDi Africa remuneration scales.
  • Contract is 2 years, renewable by mutual agreement and subject to exemplary performance, 3 months probation, notice period 2 months.
  • Preferred start date: 5th October 2015 or earlier
Applications are due no later than: 4 September 2015 should be sent via email to:

Regional Operations Manager
DNDi Africa Regional Office
Kenya Medical Research Institute
Email: africarecruitment@dndi.org

Applications should include the following:

  • Application letter explaining why you are applying for this post
  • Current Curriculum Vitae listing names of three references with their contact details (Telephone and E-mail)
  • Contact Telephone Number
  • Certificates and Diplomas or transcripts to be availed during the interviews