ThaiNGO

Job Description

UCSF/RAI2E Research Field Manager, Thailand

Malaria Elimination Initiative (MEI)

University of California, San Francisco Global Health Group (GHG)

The Malaria Elimination Initiative (MEI)

The Malaria Elimination Initiative (MEI) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Global Health Group believes a malaria-free world is possible within a generation. The MEI brings the vision, strategy, and evidence-based approaches to catalyze action in countries and regions paving the way for global malaria eradication. As a forward-thinking partner on the malaria elimination frontline, the MEI generates evidence through operational research, develops new tools and approaches, documents and disseminates elimination experiences, builds consensus, assesses the costs and benefits of elimination, and strengthens political and financial commitment to shrink the malaria map. With support from the MEI’s highly-skilled team of economists, advocates, project managers, malariologists, and epidemiologists, countries around the world are actively working to eliminate malaria—a goal that nearly 30 countries will achieve by 2020. For more information about our approach and impact, visit www.shrinkingthemalariamap.org.

Project Background – RAI2E Operational Research Project

In the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), the risk of malaria infection is often due not to village-based transmission but rather to occupational and behavioral risk factors leading to exposure in forest settings. Additionally, a substantial portion of infections are asymptomatic and/or submicroscopic, limiting the scope of current diagnostics and surveillance approaches. Funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the UCSF MEI RAI2E OR project in Lao PDR and Thailand is a randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, safety, acceptability, and operational feasibility of community-led active surveillance and response strategies to address these challenges: 1. reactive case detection (RACD) using highly sensitive RDTs (HS-RDTs) with specific targeting of forest working risk groups, and in Thailand only, 2. reactive focal mass drug administration (fMDA). This intervention will be implemented by village malaria workers (VMWs) and/or community volunteers and target both village-based populations and forest workers. Data collection will begin around September 2019 and continue through December 2020. 

Research Field Manager Position

The MEI RAI2E Research Field Manager for Thailand is responsible for the oversight, coordination, and monitoring of all study activities in the field: The Research Field Manager provides oversight of proper protocol implementation, manages local staff, and communicates with partners and local and regional government officials. This is a full-time, 18-month (with possible extension up to 24 months) position based in Nonthaburi, Thailand, with regular travel to study districts in the provinces of Kanchanaburi, Mae Hong Son, Sisaket, Tak and Ubon Ratchathani. The Research Field Manager will carry out key responsibilities as outlined below:

Key Responsibilities 

Logistics and Administration

• Develop and implement activity work plans
• Contribute to development of data collection tools and forms, informed consent forms, standard operating procedures and training manuals and materials
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the protocol and ensure accurate implementation
• Participate in Institutional Review Board (IRB) modification submissions
• Procure field and laboratory supplies
• Assist in setting up required field and laboratory spaces
• Assist in interviewing and hiring local field staff
• Conduct trainings for local staff in field and laboratory procedures
• Ensure all field staff are properly equipped with field supplies, per diems, etc.
• Lead and manage contractual arrangements for study budgets for all study provinces
• Identify any possible upcoming logistics and administration issues and share them with the malaria program liaison in Thailand and UCSF Senior Research Manager (in Vientiane, Lao PDR).

Data Collection and Field-based Supervision

• Direct and manage field teams in data collection and sample processing
• Provide on-site supervision to ensure rigorous adherence to study protocol and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Conduct trainings of field staff and provide refresher trainings as needed 
• Monitor enrollment progress, data quality and lab sample processing and report progress to project leads (in Laos and UCSF)
• Identify and solve programmatic, political, technical and/or communications bottle-necks as they arise to support implementation of project activities
• Communicate daily with project leads to ensure success of project
• Oversee transportation of blood samples to appropriate laboratory facilities
• Ensure all laboratory assays are completed on time and results are reported and merged successfully

Reporting, Writing and Communication

• Contribute to writing of reports and presentations
• Participate in manuscript preparation and submission
• Participate in stakeholder meetings to disseminate study findings
• Serve as technical focal point for local project partners in the five study provinces, ensuring that they are up-to-date on project progress and that their guidance and recommendations are implemented in the field
• Serve as the focal point for communication with local and regional government for community outreach

Perform any other duties as assigned by project leads.

Organization Structure: The Research Field Manager will report to the UCSF MEI Senior Research Manager, based in Lao PDR, and work closely with the Division of Vector Borne Diseases Program Manager and senior staff in Thailand.

Required Skills

• A university degree in public health, epidemiology, infectious diseases, or related field
• At least two years public health experience in Thailand
• Exceptional skills in program management and/or coordination, including development and management of workplans, milestones/targets, and budgets
• Experience in managing staff and providing ongoing mentorship and capacity-building
• Excellent problem-solving skills and flexibility
• Excellent attention to detail
• Fluent spoken and written Thai
• Fluent spoken and written English
• Must be willing to spend 5-10 working days per month in study districts as needed
• Valid passport and driver’s license

Desired Skills

• Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint
• A Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, infectious diseases, or related field
• Experience working with Ministries of Health, Malaria Control Programmes, or other government bodies, particularly in Thailand or rural health settings in developing countries
• Knowledge of malaria epidemiology and malaria surveillance, particularly in low transmission settings

• Strong writing skills in English
• Open-mindedness and respect for cultural diversity
• Enthusiasm for learning new skills

Period of employment: Starting in August 2019 until December 2020 (with possibility of 6-month extension)

Application instructions: Please send you a cover letter, CV and references to Timothy Finn, Senior Research Manager, at timothy.finn@ucsf.edu. Please include “UCSF/RAI2E Research Field Manager” in the subject of your email.

Application deadline: August 16, 2019