Clinical Officer

GENERAL SUMMARY

The University of North Carolina – Global Projects Zambia (UNC-GPZ) is conducting a prospective cohort study among pregnant and postpartum women in Lusaka. The Study Clinical Officer will report to the Senior Study Coordinator and Investigator of Record. S/he will be responsible for carrying out study procedures, providing clinical care to mothers and infants, and referring participants to higher-level medical care as needed in accordance with standard operating procedures and the research protocol.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY AND DUTIES

Study Procedures

• Conduct study procedures as needed and adhere to procedural and international guidelines for research conduct. Activities may include the following:

a. Performing detailed participant medical histories and physical exams.

b. Assessing women and infants for medical conditions and making appropriate referrals to the District Clinic or University Teaching Hospital as required.

c. Providing participant care and management per study specific and Zambian guidelines in consultation with the Study Coordinator/Investigator of Record.

d. Counselling participants (e.g., HIV counselling and testing, Family Planning, Adherence, Risk Reduction, Nutrition, and Psychosocial counselling).

e. Collecting data in structured case report forms.

f. Collecting specimens.

g. Reviewing and interpreting test results.

h. Completing study specific and non-study specific prescriptions appropriately.

i. Performing self-quality checks (QC) in a timely manner.

j. Assisting with off-site source document retrieval as required.

k. Maintaining strict participant confidentiality and privacy at all times.

l. Being accountable and responsible for study resources and supplies, such as data collection forms, participant files, study equipment, and facilities.

Documentation

• Review and contribute to development and revisions of study materials and tools.
• Maintain high quality study documentation at all times.

Communication

• Communicate with fellow staff members openly and honestly about study progress, issues, and/or problems that may arise.
• Actively participate in problem solving.
• Work collegially as part of the study team.
• Effectively collaborate with the community and MOH staff as necessary.
• Provide high quality service to participants by maintaining pleasant relationships at all times and attending to participants in a timely manner.
• Be responsive to enquiries from participants’ partners and family members as required.

Training

• Complete all required study training, including routine Human Subject Protection and Good Clinical Practices training.
• Maintain validated Professional Practicing License.
• Acquire and maintain an in-depth knowledge of the study protocol.
• Regularly attend study meetings.

Other Activities

• Perform high quality work at all times.
• Assist with study translations as requested.
• Attend workshops, conferences and other meetings as requested.
• Any other duties or responsibilities found necessary for the successful implementation and functioning of the study.

Professional Qualifications, Experience and Other Conditions

• Diploma in Clinical medicine with experience in paediatrics
• Familiarity with integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) an added advantage
• Demonstrated history of working effectively with diverse teams
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and set priorities