Research Manager, Owo at Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA)

MISSION LOCATION AND OBJECTIVES

• In close collaboration with the Project Coordinator, the Research team in France, the Research Coordinator in Abuja, the Research Manager of the ALIMA Owo Project is the ALIMA representative and responsible for the implementation and follow-up of the clinical trial on the inclusion site, in compliance with the protocol and Good Clinical Practice (GCP). He/She will also work closely with the Medical Coordinator to ensure the quality of care provided to patients at the Lassa center.
• He/She is the linkage between the field team, researchers, coordination, and community. He/She will cultivate the relationship with the FMCO/MOH stakeholders in order to implement efficiently and ensure the goals as well as to improve targeted population’s health conditions and humanitarian situation.

TASKS & RESPONSABILITIES

Ensure the implementation of all ALIMA research activities follow relevant policies, protocols, ethics and national guidelines.

Clinical trial

• Coordinate the implementation and follow-up of the INTEGRATE clinical trial at the Owo site, in liaison with the ALIMA research team in France, local authorities, and ALIMA coordination in Abuja.
• Supervise the work of the Clinical Research Team (Physicians and Nurses), ensure that their work is done in accordance with the protocol, GCPs, and procedures of the studies. Ensure the quality of the recruitment processes while ensuring the safety and well-being of participants.
• Participation in team member training on clinical trial protocols and procedures.
• Plan and organize participant follow-up visits, monitor participant adherence to trial protocol, and manage appointments and reminders for participants.
• Manage stocks of drugs and equipment required for the trial. Ensure availability of equipment and supplies.
• Ensure the quality and continuity of information exchange between the Research laboratory and the Lassa center (ICRC): compliance with procedures, quality of communication between the two departments.
• Ensure effective collaboration with other departments of the hospital (emergency room, dialysis unit, pediatrics, gynecology …).
• Identify and document adverse events, particularly serious adverse events.
• Participate actively in different program activities based on ALIMA’s charter, policies, and image are respected with regards to national employees, populations, authorities, and partners.
• Ensure the implementation of all ALIMA research activities follows relevant policies, protocols, ethics and national guidelines.

In addition to research activities, other responsibilities are assigned to ensure the quality of care for patients at the Lassa treatment center.

Medical activities and pharmacy management

• Ensures quality of care, in accordance with FMCO and ALIMA procedures, national and international regulations, in collaboration with the Research Coordinator and the Medical Coordinator in Abuja.
• Ensure a quality of data collection and epidemiological surveillance system, in agreement with the medical coordination. Participate in the planning, management of epidemics, disasters, in conjunction with the WHO, State DNO, MoH, Primary healthcare and other local leaders: LGA health sector meetings, technical meetings, partner coordination meetings, etc.
• Monitor consumption of medication and liaise with medical coordination regarding needs in order to avoid stock-outs in the consumption unit. Also support the pharmacy supervisor on the supply of medical items.
• Supervise all medical orders for program implementation at the project level with the support of the project team, and collaborate with the coordination team and project team for the international and national medical orders.
• Provide inputs on the budget processes, work plan, and procurement plan, and participate in the monitoring of the budget consumption to ensure operational effectiveness and efficiency.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Educational:

• Master’s degree in MMED, Clinical Research, Epidemiology or Public Health
• Minimum 1 year’s experience in Clinical Research (Clinical Trial)
• Experience in Medical practice and a similar position
• Experience in the management of Viral Haemorrhagic fevers is a plus
• Experience in community activities is an asset
• Previous experience with ALIMA or other NGO’s in developing countries is desirable

Required Skills

• Knowledge in Medical management, Vhf and clinical research (clinical trial)
• Essential computer literacy (Excel, Word, Outlook, and Internet)
• Training skills
• Diplomacy skills (Compromise and Cultural awareness, among others)
• Well organised with good negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to work as part of a team, a part of a multicultural and multi-disciplinary team, in an emergency and under pressure, to manage stress easily and result-oriented
• Can work and create teamwork, be flexible, and be committed to the assigned position
• Interest in and commitment to ALIMA’s activities, enthusiasm to represent the organization to others, to travel to different regions of Nigeria

Languages

• English compulsory: Fluency in spoken and written English is essential.