Clinical Officers at Kenya Medical Research - KEMRI

Vacancy: CGHR/212/09/21
Project description: The Malaria Vaccine Implementation Program (MVIP) Evaluation in Kenya is a collaboration between the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, USA (CDC). The vaccine is implemented by the National Vaccines and Immunizations Program (NVIP) in moderate to high malaria transmission settings in eight counties in
Western Kenya: Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisumu, Migori, Siaya, and Vihiga. The primary objective of this evaluation is to estimate the effect of the routine delivery of RTS,S/AS01 on
all-cause mortality in children aged 5-48 months. Secondary study objectives include evaluation of the safety and feasibility of vaccine implementation in this setting. The Malaria Branch has a vacancy for
a Clinical Officer for the Malaria Vaccine Pilot Evaluation study;

Position: Clinical Officers (1 positions) KMR 8
Location: Homabay
Reporting to: Clinical Research Scientist/ Hospital Pediatrician

Requirements:

1. Diploma in Clinical Medicine.
2. Be registered and with a valid practicing license from the Clinical Officers Council of Kenya.
3. At least 1 year of experience working in a hospital
4. Computer literacy in Microsoft Office suite.
5. Be willing to reside near the assigned Health Facility in the respective County
6. Post-basic training in pediatrics will be an added advantage
7. Certificate in “Good Clinical Practice” and/or “Human Subjects Protection”

Knowledge, skills and abilities

1. Advanced Life Support (ALS)
2. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
3. Experience using tablets (handheld computers)
4. Excellent written/oral communication, interpersonal and organization skills
5. Fluency in English and Swahili, written and spoken
6. Familiarity with Kenyan Paediatric Guidelines
7. Ability to perform lumbar puncture, venipunctures, intravenous cannulation etc

Job Summary:.

The clinical officer will track and ensure compliance with Kenya Pediatric guidelines and provide quality assurance for hospital surveillance. S/he will work closely with the clinical surveillance coordinator, study coordinator, pediatrician, laboratory manager, and hospital teams. S/he will have direct supervisory role of study clerks based at the hospital and will report directly to the clinical surveillance coordinator and the hospital pediatrician. The successful candidate will be trained on human subject protection and the Evaluation protocol before commencing work.

Major duties and responsibilities:
The specific roles for this position are as listed below:

1. Develop an in-depth understanding of the study design and goals
2. Daily review of medical notes for completeness
3. Taking additional history and completing case record forms where necessary
4. Perform clinical procedures and duties as may be required
5. Consenting parents/guardian for storage of samples
6. Liaising with laboratory personnel for appropriate sample processing and storage
7. Provision of regular updates to study coordination team
8. Coordinate the production of regular summary reports with the surveillance coordinator and data manager
9. Coordinate supply and ensure availability of required materials in hospitals
10. Reinforce adherence to clinical algorithms by clinical teams
11. Work closely with the clinical, nursing, laboratory and health records teams to ensure smooth conduct of the evaluation.
12. Support study monitoring visits and respond to monitoring queries 

Terms of Employment

1. This is a six (6) months fixed term contract. Compensation is as per the stated salary grade.

Applications should include the following:

1. Letter of Application (indicate vacancy number)
2. Current Resume or CV, with names and contact information
3. 3 letters of reference from referees listed on the CV
4. Copies of Certificates or transcripts