Surveillance Officer (Multiple Openings) at Henry Jackson Foundation Medical Research International (HJFMRI)

• The primary responsibility of the position is to register participants in Influenza surveillance, collect data, and collect lab specimens for testing for influenza and ensure the specimen are stored and transported as per the standard operating procedures.

This is a 1-year renewal contract. The first three months will be a probation period.
Responsibilities
As part of the application process for this role qualified candidates will be required to submit copies of certificates and and contacts of three referees.

• Work closely with the hospital’s inpatient and outpatient departments to review the chief complaints of all presenting patients in cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) and Influenza Like Illness (ILI).
• Determine whether any of the presenting patients fit the case definitions for Influenza surveillance.
• If the case definitions are met, complete the data collection forms in the netbook, and collect nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs from the patient.
• Synchronize all the data collected at the end of the day.
• Follow up patients enrolled in SARI surveillance.
• Ensure that supplies are sufficient, and re-order as necessary.
• Work closely with the National Project Influenza surveillance coordinator who will oversee activities at the sentinel sites.
• Work closely with the hospital disease surveillance and infection control teams to detect and prevent/contain any outbreak.
• Work closely with the Ministry of Health to sensitize the healthcare workers on the emerging and re-emerging diseases like SARs-COV2, Respiratory Syncytial Viruses (RSV) or other respiratory diseases.
• Assist in monitoring and evaluation activities to document activities and provide quality assurance to improve program service delivery.
• Support any Influenza Program sub-studies that may be implemented by the Influenza Program or other related collaborators from time to time.
• Any other responsibilities as assigned from time to time by the Influenza Program.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Excellent ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Experience working with mobile data collection devices (e.g., netbooks, tablets)
• Excellent social, communication and listening skills, open-minded personality.
• Non-judgmental and able to create rapport with people.
• Ability to work independently as well as an active member of a team.
• Experience in providing health education in health facilities.
• Understanding of the local language is an added advantage.
• Training in Good Clinical Practices encouraged.

Computer skills: Ability to work with MS Office suite.
Language Proficiency: Must be fluent in English and Kiswahili (both written and oral).
Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent is expected to make an independent and professional judgement in line with existing policies on the quality and effectiveness of motor pool and travel matters as appropriate.
Qualifications
Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in an clinical setting.

Education And Experience

• Diploma in Clinical Medicine or Diploma in Nursing from a recognized Institution. Must be registered by the authorizing board (Clinical officers council of Kenya or Nursing council of Kenya).
• 1 year Experience Providing clinical services in Government or Mission health institution. Experience in clinical research, Health research will be an added advantage. Must have evidence of involvement in community health work .