DR TB Epidemiology Activity Manager Médecins Sans Frontières

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MSF has been providing medical services in South Africa since 1999 (Khayelitsha project) and in Eshowe since 2011. In 2015, MSF has opened an ambitious project in Rustenburg, North West Province focusing on services related to Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV). In 2018 MSF opened a 4^th project in Pretoria supporting Migrant health.

Job title:                              DR TB Epidemiology Activity Manager
Job Grade:                          10
Duration:                             1 year fixed term contract (renewable)
Work Location:                   Khayelitsha, Cape Town
Reports to:                          DRTB Medical Activity Manager
Starting Date:                      01 July 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter

SUMMARY OF POSITION: The DRTB Epidemiology Activity Manager will be responsible for defining, coordinating and monitoring the epidemiological activities, ensuring the development of appropriate methodology and the quality of studies according to MSF protocols, standards and procedures in order to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the various DRTB/COVID and associated projects, inform the continuation of on-going programmes and development of programmes, and disseminate the findings to influence policy and practice.

REQUIREMENTS

• Degree (or masters) in Epidemiology or Public Health with extensive training in statistics, analysis and epidemiology
• At least two years of postgraduate epidemiological related work experience specifically in DRTB/TB
• Experience in data cleaning, management and analysis
• Experience and in-depth understanding of DR-TB including working knowledge of global research agenda, understanding DRTB cascade of care, data bases and M&E
• Experience in statistical analyses, including proficiency in basic statistical techniques, including sample size calculation, survey data analysis, diagnostic test evaluation, and simple regression techniques (e.g. survival analysis, linear, logistic)
• Previous training and experience using Stata software is essential (other: MS Access, Epidata, CSPro)
• Previous experience using data collection software, e.g. REDCap (preferred) or mobile data collection
• Fluency in English (Spoken and Written)
• Experience in management and implementation of medical activities
• Experience with operational research, including proficiency in identifying research questions, writing protocols, carrying out research, analysis, and writing up of results
• Experience with DRTB data systems is desirable:
  • South African citizen or holders of valid work permit

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitoring and evaluation
• Responsible for the design and implementation of M&E  of the DRTB/COVID programmes and pilot projects.
• Assist with the development of the log frame and program indicators, including using analyses and research outputs to inform the programme’s objectives.
• Compile monthly and quarterly statistics and actively engage in sitreps and quarterly reviews. Oversees analysis of monthly data trends of data collection; monthly reports to medical  teams on activities such as progress of active case finding and progress of substance use screening and COVID related activities.
• Knowledge and understanding of the data collection processes in pilots and programs and in Khayelitsha health care facilities, including registers and electronic databases.
• Ensure that database is accurate and correct, overseeing the quality of the work  by data capturers.
• Accountable for the maintenance of the quality of the DR-TB database as well as the- COVID related data capture systems together with epidemiology activity manager. Responsible for data cleaning and checks and adressing missing data.
• Fulfill ad hoc data requests to inform ongoing or planned pilots
• Oversight of the research agenda and ensuring that the research is aligned with the advocacy objectives of the project and that the human resources are allocated to the research activities in a reasonable and feasible manner
• Ensuring that each pilot project has a valid concept note, research protocol, and ethics approval as needed. Submission of protocols to MSF and local ethics review boards and DoH research bodies (new, routine reporting, amendments) and maintenance of proper and up-to-date permissions
• Technical support and supervision of the development of research tools and materials.
• Conduct statistical analyses, including mostly quantitative analyses of observational cohort data, but qualitative input may also be required. Interpret outcomes and draw conclusions.
• Oversight of the write up of manuscripts and submission to peer-reviewed journals
• Oversight of the write up of abstracts for conferences, and provision of support to teams in their write up, and oversight of the submission of these abstracts, as well as the development of presentations and posters
• Manage, coodinate and  oversee the smooth functioning of the DRTB PEP enhanced case finding pilot, ensuring implemtation of PEP protocol study procedures and data collection as well as managing PEP-related budget.

Management

• Management of the epidemiology team, including the research assistant and those supervised by the research assistant (including the data capturers) DRTB PEP Nurse
• Provide coaching, supervision, technical support and capacitation to the field team including the epidemiological team  in the areas of monitoring & evaluation and operational research of DRTB programme components as well as those components of COVID activities as identified by the DRTB MAM/PMR/MedCO.

Representation and advocacy

• Interim data analysis and analysis of MSF datasets and DOH datasets to inform operational decisions and advocacy
• Contribute to and represent MSF in local, national and international advocacy on DRTB (and COVID where needed)
• Collaborate with field co-ordinator, deputy field co-ordinator, SA mission medical coordinator, SAMU and epidemiologists in linking with relevant government and academic network
• Participate in M&E meetings within MSF and with stakeholders. Provide relevant feedback to facilities and partners to guide clinical activities
• Liaison with academic partners and stakeholders (Stellenbosch, UCT, CofCT TB coordinator, province) as needed and together with DRTB MAM/PMR in order to ensure the implementation and smooth functioning of pilots (e.g. Whole genomic sequencing feasibility study, PEP studies etc.).

Job advantages and Career opportunities

• Experience in a well-known and professionally recognized international medical humanitarian organisation:
  • Salary package comparable to other non-profit organisations
  • 100% medical aid, 13th cheque and 10% contribution to pension fund

TO APPLY: please email a one page application letter, your comprehensive CV with details of 3 contactable referees to:
[email protected]

MSF reserves the right not to make an appointment if a suitable candidate cannot be found. While MSF thanks all interested applicants, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Please note that MSF does not request a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

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