Epicentre regional data manager Job in Kenya

Epicentre is a non-profit organization created in 1987 by Médecins Sans Frontières, which groups health professionals specialized in public health and epidemiology. In 1996, Epicentre became a World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Research in Epidemiology and Response to Emerging Diseases.

Context

MSF France has developed 4 HIV/AIDS programs in 3 African countries: Kenya, Malawi and Uganda. Each project follows between 3000 patients for the smallest project and 27000 patients for the largest project. 60 to 80% of the followed patients have initiated ART.

Many challenges are faced by the project: large number of patients, provision of services for prevention of HIV transmission from the mother to the child and management of TB/HIV co-infection in the context of decentralization for some projects.

Since the initiation of ART, MSF projects have been collected data in a prospective and standardized manner using the FUCHIA software created and maintained by Epicentre.

Function and position

The regional data manager is part of the Epicentre’s Clinical Research Department, will report to the regional epidemiologist based in Nairobi and liaise with the referent of HIV Monitoring and Evaluation for monitoring and data management issues based in Epicentre Paris.

In Nairobi, the Regional Data Manager will be placed under the authority of MSF-France Head of mission for administrative, logistics and security matters.

The position is based in Nairobi and requires regular trips to the 4 fields where MSF operations take place. The position involves approximately 50% of the time spent on the field providing direct technical support to the projects.

To the benefit of the MSF-France HIV/AIDS programs in Kenya, Malawi and Uganda, the regional data manager will

• provide technical support to the field for data management and data quality assurance
• provide technical support for routine reporting
• review of current EMR systems in the region

Duties and Responsibilities (not exhaustive)

The Regional HIV/AIDS Data Manager will assure and monitor that compliance with the highest scientific, ethical and regulatory standards is maintained in all HIV/AIDS field related data collection, handling and reporting activities.

In terms of technical support to the fields, the post holder will work closely with medical and field coordinators to ensure smooth integration and coordination of data handling activities.

1. Technical support for data management and data quality assurance (50% - 60%)

The different components of HIV/AIDS programs will be systematically addressed: adults and pediatric HIV patients, PMTCT, TB co-infection, nutrition. The tasks will be adapted to the needs of each site.

a. Evaluate and improve the information filing system in the projects

b. Provide support to ensure data completeness and quality by

i. Evaluating regularly data integrity and completeness

ii. Developing standardized procedures for data collection

iii. Developing data quality checks and procedures for data cleaning at site level

c. Assess the needs of national staff in terms of training / retraining

d. Conduct training adapted to the staff needs

e. Review/assess the needs in human resources allocated for monitoring and data management activities every 6 months, based on workload

2. Technical support for routine reporting (15-20%)

a. Assess the need for data queries and routine reporting at site and coordination level;

b. Issue recommendations to smooth reporting process;

3. Electronic Medical Record Evaluation (20-35%)

a. Visit HIV programs with EMR systems in the region

b. Provide bi-annual review of the EMR system

c. Attend meetings related to EMR development in the region

Selection criteria

Experience

• Extensive experience in data management using large databases
• Three or more years of experience in :

1. Supporting electronic medical record/M&E data systems through data entry, data management and quality assurance
2. Design and implementation of standardized data collection and validation procedures
3. Supervision of data entry / data filing staff
4. Training in data management/data handling, development and implementation

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Educational Qualification Bachelor’s Degree-Graduate Degree (BA, BSc, BCom) – Preferred: Master degree in field related to Development, Information Management
• Knowledge of statistical or programming software
• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and strong management skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to travel often internationally on short notice (50% of the time)
• English (oral and written) required – French competency a plus

Operational Base: Nairobi, Kenya

Starting date: May 15th 2011

Status: international volunteer or local employee

Countries: Kenya, Uganda, Malawi

Duration: 12-18 months commitment

How to apply

Please send your CV and motivation letter to Nathalie Guérineau by email at job@epicentre.msf.org

For further information about the position, please contact Megan McGuire-: megan.mcguire@epicentre.msf.org

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