ALIMA IN NIGERIA

ALIMA has been present in Nigeria since 2016. Its actions are part of a regional response strategy to health and nutrition emergencies, with a focus on pediatric, maternal-infant and epidemic interventions. ALIMA is present in North-East Nigeria in Borno State (MMC and Jere LGAs) and in Yobe State (Bade and Karasuwa LGAs) where it provides outpatient and inpatient healthcare and nutrition services for IDPs and host communities. In North-West Nigeria, ALIMA is in Katsina State (Kaita LGA) to respond to increased nutritional needs. ALIMA is present in the South-West, in Ondo State (Owo LGA) where teams are treating patients for Lassa fever and conducting research into improved treatment.

NutriVax Project

NutriVax-Measles is an innovative project funded by the Eleanor Crook Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in Yobe State, Nigeria. The aim of the project is to conduct a cluster randomized control trial (with an embedded cohort) to test whether small quantity lipid-based nutrition supplements (SQ-LNS), which is designed to prevent malnutrition, will incentivize measles vaccination and increase immunization coverage while providing nutritional benefits. You can read a full description of the project here:

https://eleanorcrookfoundation.org/resources/why-ecf-and-gavi-are-joining-forces-to-explore-pairing-nutritional-supplement-and-vaccine-delivery-to-save-more-lives/

The project is developed and implemented by the CORAL platform (Clinical and Operational Research Alliance). The CORAL platform was created in 2016 by ALIMA, INSERM (French National Institute for Health Research) and PAC-CI (a research center in Cote D’Ivoire) following their collaboration in the response to the Ebola Virus Disease epidemic in Guinea. The aim of this platform is to combine research and humanitarian action in order to improve the quality of care delivered to populations in crisis and reduce mortality. The CORAL platform carries out research projects on both emerging infectious diseases and mother and child health. The Mother and Child Health Unit focuses on prevention and care of acute malnutrition as well as pediatric and maternal health.

Mission location : Based in Gashua, Yobe State Nigeria

POST TYPOLOGY FUNCTIONAL AND HIERARCHICAL LINKS

• You report to the Project Coordinator
• You interact with the International clinical research associate, the IT department from the CORAL team, ALIMA’s medical coordinator and ALIMA’s nutrition advisor

MISSION AND MAIN ACTIVITIES

The Nutrivax Research Manager is responsible for coordinating the implementation and smooth running of the study until its completion, in collaboration with the entire ALIMA operational team (medical, logistical, administrative) at the study site, and with the international research team. He/she participates in the design and implementation of ancillary studies at his/her site.

Preparation and implementation of the study in Nigeria

• Ensure the preparation of the study at community and health center level.
• Organize and ensure recruitment of the research team.
• Organize the training plan for those involved in the study.
• Work with the scientific project manager to provide the training needed to implement the study: application of the protocol, compliance with research procedures, implementation and follow-up of data collection and monitoring tools use etc.
• Participate in the development of data collection and monitoring tools, algorithms and study procedures with the scientific project manager.
• Participate in application testing and development
• Ensure compliance with overall study schedule
• Organize data collection, data transfer and data control
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical aspects of the study (consent, information notice, confidentiality of collected data)
• Ensure communication with the Yobe project manager, the country medical coordinator and the various study partners at local and national level

Study follow-up

• Coordinate the project’s research team and coordinate with other ALIMA departments (logistics, administrative and medical) to ensure smooth integration of research activities into the overall project by ALIMA on site.
• Ensure compliance with the protocol, procedures and good clinical practices
• Organize site visits, meetings and training sessions for key players
• Contribute to and ensure the pooling of material, medical and human resources deployed on the project for research activities.
• Work with the logistics department to ensure that office equipment, data collection aids, IT equipment and the Internet network are available and operational throughout the study.
• Supervise data/information management (collection, entry, analysis, dissemination, archiving) in liaison with PACCI
• Monitor the resolution of queries sent by the scientific project manager
• Ensure budget analysis and management for research activities, in collaboration with the administrative and financial department

Reporting and representation

• Write reports on the progress of the study and national monitoring.
• Support the reporting manager in drafting reports and project proposals for activities relating to the study (intermediary donor reports).
• Ensure the smooth communication on research with national associated investigators and with local authorities in collaboration with the coordination team
• Participate in scientific valorization internally and externally (e.g. community representatives, Ministry of Health authorities, and scientific advisory committees.)

Support the implementation of ancillary studies

• Coordinate data collection for the acceptability/feasibility component in conjunction with the INSERM team

PROTECTION OF BENEFICIARIES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Level 3: The incumbent is responsible for the application of HR processes and may be required to conduct field visits. He/She may therefore be in contact with children and/or vulnerable adults. Therefore, a criminal record check or the presentation of a certificate of good conduct will be required. In situations where the impossibility of providing a criminal record or a certificate of good conduct is established, a declaration on honor will be requested.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

You have a medical diploma health, Master’s degree in public health or epidemiology. You have experience on a research project or in implementing surveys, previous experience in implementing an SQ-LNS supplementation program is an asset. You have experience in degraded security contexts and emergency contexts and previous experience in conducting studies and research in a similar context.

You have Good communication skills and the ability to analyze context and understand medical and humanitarian issues.

Language :

A strong command of both spoken and written English is essential for this position

CONDITIONS

Contract term: Contract under French law; contract length: 6 months renewable

Position to be filled: AUGUST 2024

Salary: Level 11, depending on experience + per diem

ALIMA pays for :

• Travel costs between the expatriate’s country of origin and the mission location
• Accommodation costs
• Medical cover from the first day of the contract to a month after the date of departure from the mission country for the employee and his/her family
• Evacuation of the employee