TERMS OF REFERENCE ENGAGEMENT OF SITE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

Contract period: 6 months

Locations Harare, Kadoma, Gweru and Bulawayo 

Background

The Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) project is a five-year United States Agency 

for International Development (USAID)-a funded project with the following overall objectives: 

1. Improve the detection of diseases of public health importance and identification of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in priority infectious diseases including tuberculosis (TB)  through an accessible, accurate, adaptable, timely, and integrated diagnostic network system;

2. Improve the quality of real-time surveillance systems for pathogens of greatest public health  concern, including AMR and zoonotic diseases, and;

3. Generate evidence-based guidance and innovative solutions to strengthen in-country diagnostic networks and surveillance systems.

In Zimbabwe, the IDDS project is focusing on activities to accelerate TB diagnosis including multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB and build upon previous USAID and US Government’s investments in TB diagnosis and care. IDDS activities will enhance the impact of TB support provided by the Global Fund and other donor support to the Government of Zimbabwe’s TB strategic plan and objectives to achieve the  United Nations high level meeting targets.

IDDS will be supporting the Ministry of Health and Child Care to conduct a GeneXpert study in five 

health facilities and intends to recruit research assistants for this study.

Key Responsibilities

1. Work with facility staff to identify eligible participants to recruit in the study

2. Obtain informed consent in line with study protocol 

3. Work with facility staff members in conducting interviews and collecting data

4. Ensure that specimens are collected and delivered to the laboratory and that results are 

returned to clinicians within recommended turnaround times

5. Monitor study operations, supplies, documentation, and case management in study sites

6. Assist with data cleaning and uploading into research database

7. Maintain effective communication with stakeholders and confidentiality of information collected

8. Compile and prepare weekly update reports

9. Conduct any other duties assigned by the Study Coordinator

Skills and Qualification

1. A degree in nursing, clinical sciences, social sciences or any other research related degree

2. A valid GCP certificate is an advantage

3. Experience conducting health related research activities an advantage

4. Experience in using computer software for data entry and analysis

5. Proficiency in English, Ndebele and Shona 

6. Flexibility to working extended hours including weekends