Epidemiologist & Biostatistician

About the role

Research:

Undertake scientific research using CHAMPS data from all sub-projects - for publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at academic and policy conferences
Establish a research portfolio on medium- to long-term basis
Write, design or contribute to new proposals: Review Request for Proposals (RFP) for new funding and prepare and submit new grant applications
In consultation with the CHAMPS Data and Informatics team, provide assistance with data extractions and management for scholars/researchers using the CHAMPS databases.
Provide statistical guidance to current staff and postgraduate students for research purposes
Lead the development and adaptation of new protocols and SOPs development for all new existing projects, including ensuring timely ethical approvals/amendments for all projects
Oversee EQA and proficiency testing and approvals of all lab and lab processes

Data Management and Quality Assurance/Control:

Design quality assurance frameworks for CHAMPS data, including core CHAMPS, Adult MITS, pregnancy surveillance, Data to Action, the HDSS
Lead the implementation of quality assurance measures, review internal effectiveness and improve accordingly
Develop a framework for continuous quality review of historical data, and develop interventions to improve the quality
Ensure quality issues are resolved from the field and data team sides respectively

Project Delivery/Management:

Manage the full scope of the CHAMPS HDSS program, including standard operating procedures development and implementation, reporting, and publications according to all applicable standards
Effectively manage the HDSS staff component and ensure productivity and cost effectiveness
Ensure effective collaboration with the Surveillance and SBS workstreams within the CHAMPS family
Manage the HDSS operational plan as set out in conjunction with the necessary stakeholders
Taking leadership in ensuring coordination and integration across sub-projects and nested studies – Pregnancy Surveillance, Adult MITS study, Population Surveillance, Core CHAMPS, Data to Action project.

External Operations:

Work effectively and co-operatively with others to establish and maintain good working relationships that are mutually beneficial with the various stakeholders
Community engagement to identify any misinterpretations and improve the community’s understanding of the role of CHAMPS research and programme and how they can participate or collaborate
Enforce the principles of Good Customer Service in each project/study and review the mechanisms in place to encourage and review customer complains

Staff Management and Development:

Oversee interdisciplinary teams, setting targets, achieving milestones and responding to crises
Formulate short- and long-term strategic targets and ensure they are attained
Manage a field team with varying skills on-site, including planning daily activities to ensure that recruitment and follow up targets are met
Identify areas for development in staff’s skillset and implement relevant interventions to ensure growth for staff.

Financial Management:

Support the Deputy Site Director to prepare and review budgets for HDSS in consultation with the respective finance and/or grants management departments
Evaluate expenditure in each project according to the variance reports provided and if necessary, realign budget line-item allocations

About you

Qualifications

Minimum of Master’s Degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Demography, Population Studies, or a related Public Health discipline, An MD, PhD or DrPH degree will be an added advantage
At least 10 years’ experience managing research operations, such as clinical research, clinical trials, public health research or for large population-based surveys, etc.
Track record of previous peer-reviewed publications, preferably with a minimum of five (5) published manuscripts as first or senior author
Experience with data analysis software required, Direct experience with data analysis and interpretation required

Desirable additional abilities and attributes

GCP (Good Clinical Practice)
Advanced level of computer literacy
Willingness to work extended hours, as required
Sound understanding of standard research environments
Ability to mentor and coach junior scientists
Sound understanding of leading and managing change
Performance development
Decision making
Focus on service delivery
Drive for continuous improvement
Good communication and teamwork
Ability to liaise with external stakeholders at all levels
Strong networking and relationship-building ability
Ability to lead through influence
Conflict management skills, especially in a multi-cultural and multi-functional team structure
Willingness to travel for work, both locally and internationally
High levels of flexibility required
Ability to work under pressure
Respect for project deadlines

About us

You’ll be working with Crown Agents which is a high impact social enterprise passionate about transforming the future for millions of people. Since our creation in 1833 we have worked across the globe to improve public services and drive economic growth. Our expertise is finding new solutions to difficult problems for clients in the areas of health, governance, economic growth, humanitarian action and supply chain services. We work with and train leaders at local, national and international level to achieve lasting change drawing on our insight and experience.

Crown Agents is committed to diversity and will promote diversity for all candidates at all times as well as a business culture that reflects that belief. Crown Agents will treat everyone equally irrespective of race, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation, and places an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy. Crown Agents shall not discriminate unlawfully when deciding which candidates are selected for interview, or in any terms of employment, and will ensure that each candidate is assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the role. Crown Agents is committed to being an organisation enhanced by diversity and encourages applications from anyone who shares our values and commitment to improving the lives of communities affected by poverty or conflict.

About what's on offer

Crown Agents offers a competitive benefits package