Center for International Health and Biochemistry CIHEB Careers

Overall Job Function

Reporting to their respective Field Team Leads, the HBTS Counsellor will be responsible for conducting home-based testing services in selected households. They will also be responsible for obtaining informed consent, assent and parental/guardian permission from participants before taking part in the survey. Since the survey activities will be implemented in a phased approach across the country, the HBTS Counsellor will also be required to relocate to the respective assigned regions within the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attend the full survey training to understand the purpose and intent of the survey, as well as the plan for implementation.
• Study and understand all instructions included in the KENPHIA II Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Coordinate with the Field Team Lead on how to carry out the survey and to report daily work done.
• Under the guidance of the Field team lead, visit identified Enumeration Areas (EA) and locate selected households according to KENPHIA II sample design.
• Obtain consent, assent and/or parental/guardian permission from all eligible members of the selected households using KENPHIA II approved forms programmed in a tablet.
• Conduct household and individual interviews by administering KENPHIA II approved questionnaires programmed in a tablet.
• Provide pre- and post-test counselling for HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis results to household survey participants. Provide referral and follow up on linkage to prevention, care and treatment and social services to all eligible survey participants.
• Ensure that all assigned interviews and HBTS reports are completed, and that collected data are complete, accurate and consistent.
• Validate and re-validate all information, responses and answers collected through the survey.
• Assure confidentiality of all information provided by survey participants.
• Update the Field Team Lead on completed and partially completed interviews and home-based testing services on a daily basis.
• Schedule and inform Field Team Lead of return visits for any incomplete interview/testing services.
• Be responsible for safety of all fieldwork materials and supplies under his/her custody.
• Accompany the Field Team Lead for community entry meetings.
• Report any protocol deviation to the Field Team Lead or regional linkage to care officers.
• Prepare and hand over summary of all referrals to the respective Regional LTC supervisors as well as support coordination for LTC at facilities.
• Report field incidents and adverse events to the Field Team Lead or Regional linkage to care officers.
• Participate in the survey quality management/quality assurance HBTS activities.
• Participating in survey meetings (virtual or in-person).
• Uphold the principle of ethics throughout the survey.
• Respond to questions or feedback from the survey implementation and data teams.
• To carry out other survey related duties and responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

• NASCOP HIV Testing Services (HTS) Certificate
• Diploma in Social Science or training in any health-related field
• Good communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English, Kiswahili and relevant local languages as per the location of fieldwork.

Experience

• At least 2 years’ experience in HTS in a Kenyan health facility.
• Experience in Home-based testing and counseling
• Experience in field data collection and/or surveys will be an added advantage

Competencies

• Comfortable using electronic gadgets such as smart phones and tablets
• Ability to write clear and concise summaries of reports for internal and external audiences.
• Must be fully available for the duration of survey period.
• Must have a good disciplinary record

Attributes: 

• Friendly and patient.
• Able to maintain high levels of confidentiality.
• Should have strong interpersonal skills (active listening, empathy, social awareness, emotional awareness). 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and independently with minimal supervision.
• Detail orientated and highly organized as well as ability to multi-task and have problem-solving skills.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and to successfully manage multiple assignments concurrently.
• Ability to work under pressure with minimum supervision.
• Good personal work relation with other survey team members, Flexible and proactive.
• Proactive in handling challenging situations

Overall Job Function

To provide technical analytical testing for KENPHIA II respondent samples for determination of HIV Prevalence and incidence (recency) at the Central Laboratory. Working under the Central Laboratory Coordinator, he or she will carry out verification of survey respondent sample shipment from satellite laboratories, catalogue them in testing batches, ensure testing is executed, facilitate archiving in biorepository using LDMS and support return of results to facilities of respondent’s choices for linkage to care and treatment in collaboration with the Laboratory data lead. Perform various duties to successfully fulfil the functions of this position including the following technical activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Attend the full survey training to understand the purpose and intent of the survey, as well as the plan for implementation.
• Verifying shipped samples from KENPHIA II satellite laboratories, check pre-analytical sample integrity/quality.
• Conduct Viral Load testing of identified KENPHIA II respondent samples shipped from satellite laboratories and return of results for linkage to prevention, care and treatment.
• Conduct Lag Avidity testing of identified KENPHIA II respondent samples.
• Participate in production of Training and Quality assurance panels for HIV, CD4 and Syphilis testing.
• Supporting Testing of DBS with for DNA PCR and returning results for linkage to prevention, care and treatment.
• Run HIV Geenius Confirmatory tests for computing the national prevalence as the KENPHIA II Laboratory SOPs.
• Facilitate any shipment of KENPHIA II samples for additional testing in recommended specialized laboratories with guidance from the Central Laboratory Coordinator.
• Carrying out Instrument/Equipment user routine maintenance, calibration checks and checking equipment book of life for
• Carry out sample repository using LDMS for future testing as defined in KENPHIA II Protocol and applicable SOPs.
• Provide technical support to field laboratory personnel and satellite laboratories on for challenges using barcodes, phlebotomy good practices, necessary documentation, packaging, use of LDMS on samples prepared for shipment to Central Testing Laboratory
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Central Laboratory Coordinator.
• Perform Quality Assurance measures in line with KENPHIA II SOP provision through the following activities:
• Kit Lot-to-Lot verification to establish fitness for purpose before distribution to testing KENPHIA II teams at both Satellite and Household facilities.
• Prepare Quality Control Samples/QC Materials (both Negative and Positive controls).
• Perform instrument daily maintenance of equipment to optimize functionality and accuracy of results generated.
• Monitor daily environmental controls necessary for testing and storage of reagents including sample storage in fridges and freezers including in the KENPHIA Biorepository.
• Perform competency assessment panels for the entire scope of testing work in the KENPHIA II Central Testing Laboratory.
• Provide on job trainings for new staff who have been brought in to support testing at Central Testing Laboratory level based KENPHIA training SOPs.

Requirements

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor of Science Medical Laboratory science or Biomedical sciences
• Master of Science in fields of Virology and Immunology will be an added advantage.
• For BSc. Medical Laboratory, they should be registered with the Kenya MedicalLaboratory Technologist and Technician Board (KMLTTB) and have a valid Practicing License and experience attachment in an ISO 15189 Accredited Laboratory.
• Training with IT background, high level proficient skills in computing, Laboratory information system (LIS).
• Knowledge and experience of quality management system essentials is critical in this assignment.
• Proficiency in use of Point of Care (POC) systems

 Experience

• 3 years’ experience working in an ISO accredited molecular laboratory.
• Experience in HIV Laboratory work; CD4, DNA PCR (EID) and HIV-1 Viral load testing/or Work involving specimen referring system.
• Experiences in previous similar surveys will be an added advantage 

Competencies

• Training with IT background, high level proficient skills in Computing.
• Ability to write clear and concise summaries of reports for internal and external audiences.
• Must be fully available for the duration of survey.
• Must have a good disciplinary record

Attributes: 

The Central Laboratory Technologist must have the following general skills and attributes: 

• Detail orientated and highly organized as well as ability to multi-task and have problem-solving skills.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and to successfully manage multiple assignments concurrently.
• Ability to work under pressure with minimum supervision.
• Flexible and proactive.
• Able to maintain high levels of confidentiality

Overall Job Function

Reporting to their respective Field Team Leads, Interviewers will be responsible for conducting interviews in selected households. They will also be responsible for obtaining informed consent, assent and parental/guardian permission from eligible participants before they take part in the survey. Interviewers will be cross trained to support HBTS Counsellors where applicable. Since the survey activities will be implemented on a phased approach across the country, the Interviewer will also be required to relocate to the respective assigned regions within the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attend the full survey training to understand the purpose and intent of the survey, as well as the plan for implementation
• Study and understand all instruction included in the KENPHIA II Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Coordinate with the Field Team Lead on how to carry out the survey and to report daily work done.
• Under the guidance of the Field Team Lead, visit identified clusters and locate selected households according to KENPHIA II sample design
• Obtain consent, assent and/or parental/guardian permission from all eligible members of the selected households using KENPHIA II approved forms programmed in a tablet.
• Conduct household and individual interviews by administering KENPHIA II approved questionnaire programmed in a tablet.
• Ensure that all assigned interviews are completed, and that collected data are complete, accurate and consistent as per protocol
• Validate and re-validate all information and answers collected through the survey.
• Ensure the collected and validated data is sent to the server
• Respond to all questions/concerns raised by the household members concerning the survey
• Assure confidentiality of all information provided by survey participants.
• Update the Field Team Lead on completed and partially completed interviews and home-based testing on a daily basis.
• Schedule and inform the Field Team Lead of call backs for any incomplete interview.
• Be responsible for safety of all fieldwork materials and supplies under their custody.
• Accompany the Field Team Lead for community entry meetings.
• Report any unanticipated incident and protocol deviation to the Field Team Lead.
• Support the HBTS counsellor to provide assigned services such as counselling, identification of preferred facilities, filling of linkage forms and referral to prevention, care and treatment, and social services to all eligible survey participants. 
• Carry out other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

• A Diploma in Social Science or health related field from a recognized institution.
• Good communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English, Kiswahili and relevant local languages as per the location of fieldwork.
• A HTS NASCOP certificate, valid proficiency testing, and experience is an added advantage.
• Training with IT background, high level proficient skills in computing with experience in use of data collection software’s such as ODK, KOBO Toolbox, REDCAP, CSPro.

Experience

• Proven experience in field data collection and/or survey implementation.
• Experience in HTS in a Kenyan health facility or Home-Based Testing and Counselling will be an added advantage

Competencies

• Comfortable using electronic gadgets such as smart phones and tablets.
• Ability to write clear and concise summaries of reports for internal and external audiences.
• Must be fully available for the duration of the survey period.
• Must have a good disciplinary record

Attributes: 

• Friendly and patient.
• Able to maintain high levels of confidentiality.
• Should have strong interpersonal skills (active listening, empathy, social awareness, emotional awareness). 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and independently with minimal supervision.
• Detail orientated and highly organized as well as ability to multi-task and have problem-solving skills.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and to successfully manage multiple assignments concurrently.
• Ability to work under pressure with minimum supervision.
• Good personal work relation with other survey team members, Flexible and proactive.
• Proactive in handling challenging situations

Overall Job Function

To receive samples and make entries to the Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS), process samples into Dried Blood Spots (DBS) and centrifuge whole blood to get plasma aliquots for shipment to Central testing Laboratory. Provide testing services for KENPHIA II field samples that is CD4 Testing and GeneXpert POCT of DNA PCR (EID). Conduct Satellite Laboratory activities in liaison with field teams to implement the Laboratory Component for KENPHIA II Survey. He/she will perform various duties as needed to successfully fulfil the functions of this position including but not limited to the following technical activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Attend the full survey training to understand the purpose and intent of the survey, as well as the plan for implementation
• Verifying collected samples from household as well as check pre-analytical sample integrity/quality.
• Sample processing into Dried Blood Spots (DBS) and plasma aliquoting to vials, triple packaging and shipment to Central testing Laboratory according to the KENPHIA II Laboratory Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs).
• Testing survey respondent samples flagged for HIV DNA PCR (EID) using GeneXpert and returning results for linkage to prevention, care and treatment as per KENPHIA II Linkage to Care (LTC) SOPs.
• CD4 testing using PIMA CD4 Machine at the Satellite laboratory as described in KENPHIA II Protocol and applicable Laboratory SOPs.
• Provide technical support to field medical laboratory technologists for challenges on barcodes, phlebotomy good practices, necessary documentation, packaging and transportation to ensure specimen integrity at the satellite laboratory.
• Perform Quality Assurance measures in line with KENPHIA II SOP provision through the following activities:
  • Kit Lot verification to establish fitness for purpose and testing.
  • Testing of Quality Control Samples/QC Materials (both Negative and Positive controls)
  • Perform daily instrument maintenance to ensure equipment functionality and result accuracy.
  • Monitor daily environmental controls necessary for testing and storage of reagents including sample storage in fridges and freezers.
  • Provide on job trainings for new staff who have been brought in to support testing at Satellite level based KENPHIA II training SOPs.
  • HIV and Syphilis Quality Assurance re-testing.

 Requirements

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of science in Medical Laboratory science or Higher Diploma in Medical Virology from a recognized institution.
• Must be registered with the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technologist and Technician Board (KMLTTB) and have a valid Practicing License and experience attachment in an ISO 15189 Accredited Laboratory.
• Knowledge working with a laboratory information system (LIS) is critical for this assignment.
• Knowledge and experience of Quality Management System essentials is critical in this assignment
• Proficiency in use of Point of Care (POC) systems is an advantage
• Good communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English, Kiswahili and relevant local languages as per the location of fieldwork.

 Experience

• 2 years’ experience in a busy medical laboratory
• Experience of two years on HIV Laboratory work; CD4, DNA PCR (EID) and HIV-1 Viral load testing/or Work involving specimen referring system. 
• Experience working in an Accredited Laboratory; Attachments, mentorship or internship will be considered.
• Experiences in previous similar surveys will be an added advantage 

Competencies

• Training with IT background, high level proficient skills in computing
• Ability to write clear and concise summaries of reports for internal and external audiences.
• Must be fully available for the duration of survey.
• Must have a good disciplinary record

Attributes: 

The Satellite Laboratory Technologist must have the following general skills and attributes: 

• Friendly and patient 
• Detail orientated and highly organized as well as have ability to multi-task.
• Flexible and proactive
• Able to maintain high levels of confidentiality
• Should have strong interpersonal skills (active listening, empathy, social awareness, emotional awareness). 

Job Summary

The Senior Data Manager will play a pivotal role in the Kenya Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (KENPHIA II) survey, leading and directing all data management activities. This role involves managing the production of statistical studies and handling data using advanced statistical tools like SAS, STATA, R, and Python. The Senior Data Manager will also supervise data analysts and manage the presentation of findings to stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Data Management
• Develop the Survey Data Management Plan
• Handle large and complex data sets, ensuring data quality, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Develop and implement robust data management processes to ensure data accuracy and consistency.
• Manage large databases and maintain data systems using tools such as SAS, R, Python, and SQL.
• Oversee data cleaning and verification to ensure data quality and reliability.
• Prepare comprehensive data reports using appropriate data visualisation tools for effective communication with stakeholders.
• Employ advanced SQL scripting for complex data extraction and management.
• Support the design and review of survey instruments like questionnaires, tracking forms, etc.
• Analyse survey data using SAS ,STATA or R, accounting for design features like stratification, clustering, and weighting.
• Reporting and Presentations
• Write detailed analysis plans, finalize tabulation plans and descriptions of analyses and findings for research protocols or reports.
• Develop and present routine progress reports to stakeholders in weekly and monthly meetings using various data visualisation tools.
• Input real-time data to dashboards to provide stakeholders with live updates on the survey's progress.
• Prepare comprehensive data reports, including tables and graphs to present clinical or survey results.
• Team Management
• Lead, mentor, and monitor the performance of the data analysts and associates.
• Set performance standards and conduct performance appraisals.
• Statistical Study Design and Analysis
• Design, analyse, and implement targeted statistical studies for survey/public health research.
• Conduct statistical analyses complex survey data.
• Use SAS, STATA, R, and Python for data manipulation, analysis, and visualisation.
• Generate weighted point estimates and inference estimations for survey outcomes, applying Jackknife or Taylor series linearisation techniques as needed.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher in Statistics, Biostatistics, Data Science, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in a data management role, preferably in a research or health care setting.
• Proficiency in statistical software such as SAS, STATA, R, and Python.
• Extensive experience with SQL scripting for complex data extraction and manipulation.
• Knowledge of advanced statistical methods, including longitudinal analysis, mixed-effect modelling, logistic regression analyses, and model-building techniques.
• Proven experience in survey instrument design and data collection in field studies.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in training and mentoring team members.
• Knowledge of variance estimation techniques such as Jackknife and Taylor series linearisation.

Additional Requirements:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Deep understanding of public health surveys and response rates.
• Demonstrated ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the survey's study data system, including real-time data monitoring, household monitoring, field team management, laboratory sample tracking, quality and proficiency test tool, real-time dashboard, and linkage-to-care applications.

OVERALL JOB FUNCTION

The Data Quality Lead within the data management team will play a critical role in managing the AIMS dashboard, real-time data monitoring, and ensuring data quality within the Kenya Population-based HIV Impact Assessment II (KENPHIA II) which is a cross-sectional, Household-Based National HIV Survey. This role involves daily monitoring of survey data, identifying the addressing data issues and coordinating the data monitors to provide immediate feedback to regional field teams. The successful candidate will report to KENPHIA II Data Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

Data Quality Assurance:

• Review data collected by field teams and laboratories, ensuring consistency and accuracy across the different data sources.
• Trouble shooting data and survey process issues with other members of the data team in real time

Data Review:

• Constantly review data collected by teams and laboratories to ensure high standards of quality and accuracy.
• Maintain ongoing communication with teams to address any emerging data quality issues in real-time.
• Support the secondary editing of the survey data

AIMS Dashboard Management/ Real-Time Data Monitoring:

• Oversee the AIMS dashboard to ensure accurate and timely data entry and reporting.
• Conduct daily monitoring of survey data to identify and address missing data, skipped elements, and other quality issues.
• Provide real-time feedback to field teams to correct data collection practices.

Coordination and Escalation:

• Maintain communication with regional teams, coordinators, and monitors to address any issues and escalate when necessary.
• Coordinate with various stakeholders to ensure smooth data collection and quality assurance processes.

Feedback and Improvement:

• Analyze data quality trends and provide recommendations for process improvements.
• Develop and deliver training sessions for field teams and data monitors on best practices for data collection and quality assurance.

Team Management and Communication:

• Manage a team of data monitors who are in constant communication with field teams.
• Follow up on the data collection process and ensure adherence to protocols.
• Regularly review data collected by teams and laboratories, providing guidance and support as needed.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in statistics, computer science, public health, laboratory science or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Minimum 3 years of work experience in a quality assurance or quality control role, preferably in a public health, public health laboratory or surveillance setting.
• PHIA experience is an added advantage.
• Experience in implementing data quality improvement projects and/or managing and monitoring data QA/QC procedures in large clinical research studies.
• Familiarity with linkage to care processes and support for return of results.
• Prior experience working with LIMS and CSPro among other health information systems (HIS) in hospital settings.
• Understanding of statistical quality control processes. 
• Expertise in Total Quality Management (TQM), including QA/QC.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent organizational skills and oral/written communication abilities.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Excel and at least one of SAS, STATA or R statistical analysis package.
• Knowledge of Geographical Information System (GIS) is an added advantage.
• Ability to work independently and in a team with the ability to support the team to work effectively and efficiently.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical and attentive to details.

Overall Job Function

Reporting the KENPHIA II Field Laboratory Manager, the Regional Laboratory Officer will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of field biomarker testing and satellite/mobile laboratory activities through extensive monitoring, supervision and carrying out spot checks to ensure compliance to the KENPHIA II protocol.

The role will also be responsible for providing Field & Satellite laboratories and Logistics oversight, ensuring coordinated supervision and smooth running of the satellite Laboratories, sample and team movements for the KENPHIA II Survey. The incumbent will ensure that samples are correctly collected, processed, and transported in line with SOPs and QA/QC procedures for point of care HIV rapid testing. In addition, the KENPHIA II Regional Lab Officer will be responsible for overseeing the smooth operations of the satellite/mobile labs as well as supplies and stocks management prior to and post satellite lab staff deployment and exit in liaison with supply chain team. The role is also responsible for the supervision of the Satellite Laboratory Leads.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure acceptable best practices, procedures and SOPs adherence are followed during sample management processes in the survey through daily monitoring and Weekly reporting.
• Supervise the satellite lab leads to ensure Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) are followed and Quality assurance is maintained in the survey.
• Ensure that all tests are preformed according to good laboratory practices (GLP) both in households and satellite labs.
• Responsible for set up and readiness of satellite labs in the assigned regions at least 1 week prior to opening.
• Coordinate with the Satellite laboratory logistician on availability and delivery of needed supplies for all the satellite labs in the region on time.
• Ensure that All survey equipment in the lab meet Kenya calibration standard before usage in the survey mainly Gene Xpert and PIMA CD4 machines.
• Ensure timely submission of reports to immediate supervisor
• Management of all laboratory supplies including tracking of expiry dates in appropriate forms at any given timeline.
• Resolving all non-conforming events (NCEs) relating to the biomarker component of the survey.
• Coordinate with the satellite lab leads to ensure maintenance of specimen’s integrity during the survey.
• Provide support at the meeting points by ensuring that the samples have been collated and shipped to the satellite lab on time.
• Work closely with the Regional survey coordinator and the other regional supervisors in addressing survey matters and ensure seamless flow of field and satellite lab activities.
• Where necessary perform refresher training as part of Quality Assurance (QA).
• Attend regional meetings and any other meetings called upon by the survey management team.
• Provide any technical support to the survey monitors when needed.
• Share daily reports on occurrences in their regions.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor of science in Medical Laboratory Sciences
• A Medical Laboratory Scientist should be skilled in QMS
• Must be registered with the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB) with a current practising license.
• Experience in working on the laboratory bench for at least three (3) years.
• Experience Field laboratory sample management processes.
• Good Phlebotomy experience will be an added advantage.
• Experience in CD4 testing; proficiency in use of Point of Care (POC) is an advantage.
• Experience with population-based surveys such as KAIS, KENPHIA, Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) etc. will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of and practical experience in Laboratory logistics requirements.

Other Requirements

• Experience performing Quality Assurance measures in all phases of biomedical testing
• Ability to write clear and concise summaries of reports for internal and external audiences
• Able to maintain high levels of confidentiality
• Fluent in both written and verbal English and Swahili languages.
• Friendly and patient
• Detail orientated and highly organized person with a go getter attitude yet a team player.
• Self-supervised and self-motivated person
• Proactive and collaborative
• Ability to travel and work non-standard working hours in any part of the country as per survey requirements.

Overall Job Function

The Regional Survey Coordinator will provide oversight, direction and support to ten field teams in his/her assigned region through the designated team leads and coordinate the regional team composed of the Regional Community Mobilization Officers, Regional Laboratory Officers, Regional HBTS and Linkage To Care Officers, Regional ICT Assistants, Regional warehouse logisticians and Regional fleet officers.  The incumbent is responsible for providing leadership and troubleshooting all elements of problem solving with field operations, ensure good community relations and serve as the liaison to the Ministry of Health and other implementing institutions in the region.

 Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide survey implementation oversight, direction and support to all field teams in his/her assigned region.
• Coordinate other regional field team members including Community Mobilization officers, Regional HBTC and Linkage officers, Regional Laboratory Officers, Regional warehouse logisticians, Regional fleet officers and Regional ICT Assistants.
• Support field team training on the study protocol, procedures, policies, relevant regulations and ensure that the study protocol, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other relevant policies and regulations are being followed.
• Take leadership on all elements of problem solving, and troubleshooting all field operations
• Ensure good community relations and serve as the liaison to the county departments of health, Ministry of Health and other implementing institutions in the region.
• Monitor protocol deviations, receive any incident reports and document them in a form that will be transmitted to the Ethics and Regulatory Lead.
• Understand and adhere to the protocol, SOPs, and other appropriate regulations, procedures and policies and guide the team leads and field team members to ensure the same.
• Ensure that survey staff maintain confidentiality of survey participants and adhere to principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and ethics of human subjects’ research.
• Conduct frequent field visits to ensure timely recruitment of participants in the region and collection of high-quality data.
• Prepare progress report and other reports as may be required.
• Carry out other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the KENPHIA II project Management Team.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Degree in health-related field or Social Sciences
• At least 3 years of survey experience with Supervision or leadership role within a survey or research study.
• Experience in research supervisory and management
• Experience in remote data management systems and processes and experience in using mobile-based data collection tools like tablets.
• Background in HIV/AIDS and/or infectious diseases.
• Proactive in handling challenging situations.
• Strong organizational, problem solving and good analytical laboratory skills.
• Good communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English, Kiswahili and relevant local languages as per the assigned region.
• Proficiency in relevant computer applications: MS Word, Excel, Internet, Email, etc.  

Other Requirements

• Ability to meet tight deadlines and to successfully manage multiple assignments concurrently.
• Ability to function independently or with minimal supervision.
• Ability to adhere to medical research health ethics, as provided.
• Ability to travel and work non-standard working hours in any part of the country as per the survey requirements.

 

OVERALL JOB FUNCTION

The Regional Home-based Testing Counselling (HBTC) and Linkage to Care Officers will be responsible for supervising KENPHIA II Home-based Testing and Counselling activities in his/her assigned regions and support the linkage to care processes as per the KENPHIA II Protocol. He/she will also ensure that KENPHIA II HBTC activities are implemented as per the KENPHIA II protocol and in line with the national guidelines.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor and supervise KENPHIA II HBTC and linkage to care activities in his/her assigned region.
• Provide guidance on HBTC procedures and ensure that testing and counselling activities adhere to the national guidelines.
• Identify, document and escalate appropriately any survey non-conforming events in regard to testing and counselling and implement recommended corrective action as per KENPHIA II incident reporting guidance.
• Identify health facilities and other social services providers for referral in the region and ensure referral of participants that require care, treatment and support for social services.
• Ensure that survey HBTC Counsellors maintain confidentiality of study participants and adhere to principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and ethics of human subjects’ research.
• Maintain constant communication with the county health departments and Ministry of Health officers and other implementing partners in the survey regions for ease of referral for all participants that need linkage to care, treatment and other social services system.
• Work closely with the Facility Linkage Focal Persons to ensure a seamless process in the linkage of all participants
• Compile survey HBTC and linkage activities on a weekly, month basis or as guided and review with the National LTC lead. 
• Coordinate with the Regional Survey Coordinators and team leads to supervise and support the HBTC officers to ensure quality HBTC and Linkage to Care services as well as conduct de-briefing sessions for the counsellors.
• Attend survey team weekly meetings and provide updates on HBTC and Linkage to Care activities.
• Track the requisite linkage to care indicators throughout the survey
• Carry out other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the KENPHIA II National LTC Lead. 

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

•  Degree in any health-related field.
•  HBTC NASCOP certification and updated proficiency testing.
•  Strong supervisory and management experience.
•  5 years’ experience of which 3 years are in supervisory position at sub-county, county or HIV program level of home-based HTS provision and working knowledge of HIV program implementation.
• Experience in conducting home-based testing and counselling services and HIV health surveys will be an added advantage.
• Logistics experience including coordination and tracking of testing supplies.
• Experience in using mobile-based data collection tools like Tablets.
• Strong organizational, problem solving, people and stakeholder management skills,
• Proficiency in results-based framework and approach
• Good communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English, Kiswahili and relevant local languages as per the location of fieldwork.
• Proficiency in relevant computer applications: MS Word, Excel, Internet, Email, etc.

Other Requirements

•  Ability to meet tight deadlines and to successfully manage multiple assignments concurrently.
•  Ability to function independently or with minimal supervision.
•  Ability to travel and work non-standard working hours in any part of the country as per survey requirements.