Research Nurse – Pediatric Evaluation Study 72 views

KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation

KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation (KNCV) is one of the leading international non-profit organizations dedicated to fighting tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. We are an international center of expertise for TB control that stimulates effective, efficient and sustainable tuberculosis control strategies in a national and international context. We are an organization of passionate TB professionals; including medical doctors, researchers, training experts, nurses and epidemiologists.

Over the past century we have built a wealth of knowledge and expertise, initially by successfully driving back TB in the Netherlands, and subsequently by partnering in the fight against TB in over 40 countries worldwide.

We operate from a central office in The Hague in the Netherlands and additional country offices worldwide. KNCV raises funds from individual, institutional, and corporate donors.

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the top infectious disease causes of death worldwide and is a top 10 cause of mortality in children under five years of age and is under-recognized in children due to diagnostic and health systems challenges. TB diagnosis in young children is challenging so averting active TB disease in children through TB preventive treatment (TPT) is critical in reducing the burden of pediatric TB. However, the WHO estimates 63% of eligible children TB contacts under 5 years do not receive TPT.

Optimizing access to pediatric TPT could save millions of children’s lives and is a key component of the WHO’s END TB strategy, the Roadmap for Childhood Tuberculosis and the third sustainable development goal to reduce mortality in children under 5 years.

The new dispersible rifapentine became commercially available from February 2024 through the global drug facility for routine implementation. The IMPAACT4TB project will facilitate the supply of the new dispersible rifapentine, to be used with isoniazid (currently available as a dispersible tablet) to several countries to improve acceptability and adherence among children. This provides an opportunity to evaluate the experience of this new formulation and preferences of policy makers, healthcare workers and caregivers of CLHIV and child contacts.

The pediatric evaluation study is funded through the Unitaid funded IMPAACT4TB project that catalyzed the introduction of 3HP in at least 12 countries, including Ethiopia. The project will evaluate the delivery of 3HP to CLHIV and child contacts to generate critical knowledge to improve delivery of TPT and, more specifically, of dispersible 3HP, in children in routine programs. This project will be implemented in Cambodia, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia and coordinated by the Aurum Institute. For the Ethiopia part of the study, we are seeking a research nurse to work alongside a project coordinator to implement the study in Ethiopia.

Purpose of the position

As part of the implementation of the pediatric evaluation study in Ethiopia, we will conduct qualitative and quantitative research. As Research Nurse you are expected to actively engage in the implementation of the study in project selected public healthcare setting providing clinical services for TB patients and their families, actively participate in research related activities and support related general administration activities.

Place in the organization

The Research Nurse reports to the Project Coordinator. The Research Nurse works closely with the staff at study sites, and Pediatric dispersible project team.

Profile

As Research nurse your activities will be to:

• Implement the qualitative research, including study participant enrollment;
• Implement the quantitative research, including extracting data from routine medical files using a standardised data collection tool;
• Support the qualitative study interviewers, transcriptionist and translators;
• Complete, compile and submit study case report forms (CRFs) and source documents timeously;
• Collect, store and report data appropriately as per the protocol;
• Perform quality checks on collected data;
• Collaborate with clinical staff and managers;
• Report on daily/weekly activities to Project coordinator and meet stipulated targets;
• Promotion of good relations with the health facility staff and management;
• Participate in training activities of persons working on the project to accomplish aims of the project;
• Ensure day-to-day support of the facility staff on sites.

What does KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation offer? 

• A full-time (37.5 hours) fixed-term contract until the end of the study period (June 30, 2025), contract extension might be considered if the project time-lines are extended;
• An informal work atmosphere in an international environment where initiative is appreciated;
• A highly motivated team of experienced, self-driven colleagues worldwide;

A salary dependent upon education and relevant working experience