POSITION SUMMARY:

The incumbent will be responsible to lead technical assistance and coordination on initiatives in research, evaluation, and laboratory for the ICAP FIKIA project in all regions (Mwanza, Kagera, Geita, Dar es Salaam, Pwani, Kigoma and Mara). A member of the central technical team, under the guidance of the Director of Prevention Services, s/he will be responsible to manage planning, logistics, and rollout of research initiatives. Major planned studies to undertake in the current year include an HIV recency surveillance study using rapid tests, a multi-region integrated bio-behavioral survey (IBBS) for key populations, an IBBS for fisher folk in Lake Victoria regions, and a study on HIV networks around transport corridors.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES

Specific Responsibilities and Duties:

• Provide technical support for the planning, implementation, and monitoring research studies and evaluations.
• Develop protocols, SOPs, and training materials for research and evaluation initiatives.
• Submit and ensure all studies have current approvals from relevant Institutional Review Boards (IRBs).
• Oversee stakeholder engagement required for planning and rollout for all research studies
• Foster collaboration with other institutions and investigators on research and streamline communication and meetings
• Lead planning and oversight of laboratory components required for research studies and program.
• Coordinate lab QI/QA as relevant for components in research studies and program.
• Ensure compliance with International, National standards and best practices for research and all programs are implemented in accordance with national guidelines and policy, protocols/SOPs, good clinical practice, and ethical regulatory requirements.
• To work with M&E unit to develop programmatic tools, data base, translating data outcomes into programmatic improvement strategies and provide data analysis support to monitor effectiveness of interventions
• Build capacity of the prevention team to review and analyze data, develop outputs (abstracts, manuscripts and presentations) for dissemination and participate in the development of analysis plan
• Lead frequent supervision and monitoring visits to program sites and regions as well representing ICAP in relevant meetings with the MOH/NACP/TACAIDS, the donors and other stakeholders
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor

Required Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills:

• Required: Master’s degree or higher in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or related field, Doctor of Medicine (MD) or equivalent Medical Degree from a recognized academic institution.
• Required: Minimum 3 years working experience in Managerial level in Development Field
• Required: Minimum 2 years’ experience directly supervising/managing multidisciplinary teams of at least 10 staff, with demonstrated skills in leading teams of professionals
• Excellent communication skills, including writing and presentation skills. Fluent in both Kiswahili and English
• Strong computer skills (MS Excel, Access, Word, and Powerpoint at minimum)
• Demonstrated knowledge on HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment, and adherence and psychosocial support programs
• Demonstrated ability to provide strong technical guidance for any medical interventions related to HIV care and prevention to KVP
• Strong ability to liaise with external stakeholders and government officials  Experience in developing and executing work plans, budgets, reports, etc.
• Flexible to work after normal working hours and weekends at various community locations
• Ability to interact well with all targeted groups and peer volunteers by facilitating a nonjudgmental, nondiscriminatory, and non-stigmatizing environment in the program, to welcome all beneficiaries regardless of their background