Deadline: 29 January 2021

Location: Harare

Contract: Full time

Duration: 12 months

Start date: April 2021

Background

The University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Child and Adolescent Health Unit is implementing the CAPPA study – (Children’s air pollution study in Africa) This is an extension of the ongoing Achieving Control of Asthma in Children In Africa (ACACIA) study which is targeting at improving asthma outcomes in children in 7 African countries. This study intends to address the issue of air pollution exposure in the same asthmatic children who are vulnerable to its adverse effects. The study is being funded by the National Institute for Health Research (UK).

Job Description

This position involves the implementation of the project on a day-to-day basis i.e participant recruitment, screening of children for asthma symptoms using ACACIA methodology.

Purpose of the Position

To provide a direct link between the study participant and the study; To recruit participants for the study, carry out all study-related procedures including counseling, consenting, recruitment, performing air pollution exposure data collection and participant follow-ups; To collect study data from participants to ensure successful implementation of the research study.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Ensure that all ethical approvals are submitted timely; Ensure that project procedures are being followed according to the CAPPA protocol and ensure that data is appropriately collected and stored. This involves handing out backpacks (which hold the monitoring equipment) at the start of the week, fill in a short digital survey using the ACACIA tablets, software, and data systems. Spirometry and FeNO or a Peak flow meter reading assessments at the beginning and end of the week; Ensure that the children fill in daily activity and exposure log. The backpack and compliance assessment is being done; Be prepared to take part in the educational science workshop on air pollution at the schools and subsequent focus group discussions; Responsible for managing all logistic aspects of the research, including setting appointments at schools, procurement and tracking of administrative and clinical supplies, participant reimbursement and refreshment, transportation and recruitment activities; Conduct quality control to ensure completeness and accuracy of data on all questionnaires; Prepare visit projections to track project progress and support efficient planning of activities throughout the project duration; To ensure that all procedures are done in compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) for clinical research; Provide weekly and monthly reports to the PI on the project progress; Assess eligibility, obtain informed consent, complete study questionnaires and conduct focus group discussions; Be available for any training for the CAPPA protocol and for a refresher course on ACACIA.

Qualifications and experience

The research nurse should possess knowledge of medical and scientific technology, have strong interpersonal and communication skills, the capacity to analyse and interpret data, coordination skills, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

We expect the following qualifications: Nursing qualification i.e. at least a Degree with a certificate to practice; Research experience; Experience working with adolescent children; Experience in research; Basic knowledge of the principles of the ethical conduct of research; Ability to work well with others and integrate into the public health care system.