EntryFull TimeEN
Research Assistant – Nurse (Imama)
Department
Centre of Excellence for Women and Child Health
Entity
Aga Khan University
Location
Kenya
Introduction
Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent primarily to low- and middle-income countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and 14,000 staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As a leading international institution dedicated to excellence and change, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access.
The Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health (CoEWCH) was established in 2012 as a research unit within the obstetrics and gynaecology department of the Aga Khan University (AKU) with Prof Zulfiqar A Bhutta as the Founding Director. In 2015, Prof Marleen Temmerman was welcomed as the East Africa (EA) Director of the Centre to build capacity across East Africa. CoEWCH EA conducts research, knowledge translation, capacity building, and evidence-based advocacy in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and rights to improve the health and wellbeing of women, children, and adolescents. With a focus on establishing high quality education, multidisciplinary research, and trainings in women, child, and adolescent health, the Centre contributes to health systems strengthening and quality of care, particularly in remote groups and vulnerable populations
Job Summary
AKU’s Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health (CoEWCH) was established in 2012. It conducts research, knowledge translation, capacity building, and evidence-based advocacy in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and rights to improve the health and wellbeing of women, children, and adolescents. With a focus on establishing high quality education, multidisciplinary research, and trainings in women, child, and adolescent health, the Centre contributes to health systems strengthening and quality of care, particularly in remote groups and vulnerable populations.
This position is required to contribute to recruitment of participants, data collection and follow up of the clients for the research study, ‘the iMAMA/Smartsweep,” in collaboration with Philips, funded by the Bill Gates Foundation (BGF); whose primary objective is to assess the performance of Philips SmartSweep AI algorithms compared to Philips LumifyTM Diagnostic Ultrasound System for identified antenatal parameters.
The research assistant–nurse will be required to support the study activities at the health facility study site. This will include screening and recruitment of study participants, clinical and non-clinical data collection.
The research assistant–nurse will be required to comply with the stipulated guidelines on all study activities. He/She will be tasked with ensuring proper and ethical handling of study data in compliance with stipulated institutional policies and study-specific standards operating procedures (SOPs), The study nurse will be required to be sensitive and considerate throughout the encounter with participants, their families and other health facility staff. He / She will be the face of the study to the community and the larger health facility team and will be required to communicate to families and community members as appropriate and at all times to display a professional attitude.
He / She will report to the project manager
The position is based in Mombasa. This role may require shift work, including weekends and public holidays.
The nurse is required to have and maintain active nursing practice licenses in Kenya and will be required to contribute to clinical care at the respective health care facilities.
Responsibilities
Liaise with health facility staff to identify potentially eligible study participants for recruitment into the study
Contribute to screening and recruitment of study participants, including provision of informed consent.
Clinical and non-clinical data collection for study participants
Perform anthropometric measurements and vital signs measurements for study participants
Conduct special study procedures for the study. A basic ultrasound procedure (AI-POCUS)
Contribute to follow-up of participants for the post-visit data collection
Create daily and monthly summary reports for activities as guided by the study coordinator.
Communicate with families and community members about the study as appropriate and as guided by the study PI
Attend training sessions and obtain relevant competency in data collection and informed consent, and other skills essential for delivery of his/her role.
Regularly report any relevant events that affect the study to the study Manager
As guided by the study coordinator, plan for data collection activities on a weekly and monthly basis to maximize efficiency of work output
Conduct all study activities in adherence to the guidelines and protocols provided and with utmost confidentiality and ethical practice
To handle study equipment with care and to ensure safe storage
Participant reimbursement and accurate record-keeping as per study protocols and in compliance with AKU financial guidelines
Any other responsibility as allocated by the PI and or/study Manager.
Requirements
Diploma in Kenya Registered Nurse Midwife or Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse or equivalent
Valid Practicing license from the Nursing Council of Kenya
Basic Computer literacy and training in Microsoft Office Suite
Relevant Experience
Good written and verbal skills in English and Kiswahili
Experience working at the maternity unit, antenatal care unit or child health units at hospital or health Centre level
At least 1-year experience at a busy health facility
Experience working at public health care facilities
Experience in research activities at community or health facility level
Experience in mobile data collection tools
Personal Characteristics & Behaviours
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Keen listening ability
Attentive to detail and quality.
Ability to work independently/with minimum supervision and within stipulated deadlines and schedules.
Proactive, able to multi-task and willing to adapt to additional tasks
Well groomed
Willing to work long hours. This may include nights, weekends and/or public holidays.
Able to maintain confidentiality
Courteous and respectful
