Job offer: VICONEL Data Assistant at SolidarMed

VACANCY – VICONEL DATA ASSISTANT– VICONEL 2.0

SolidarMed is a leading non-profit organization working to improve the health care of 2.5 million people in Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Working with national partners to strengthen health systems and community capacities, we are committed to scientific evidence and policy dialogue both as foundations and objectives of our work.

The VICONEL Data Assistant is primarily responsible for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the VICONEL database. This includes the importation, verification, and entry of data, as well as regular data quality checks. The role requires close collaboration with laboratory staff, health facility personnel, and the data management team to ensure that data is complete, accurate, and timely. The Data Assistant plays a critical role in supporting the research objectives of the VICONEL project by facilitating high-quality data collection and management.

Contract Type

Full time

Place of Assignment

Butha Buthe with frequent travel to MKG and Leribe district

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Regularly liaise with laboratory staff to ensure weekly import of laboratory data from the Laboratory Information System into the VICONEL database
• Confirm successful data transfers, troubleshooting or reporting any delays or discrepancies immediately to the supervisor
• Cross-check viral load results against viral load request forms for accuracy
• Accurately enter any additional data directly into the database as needed, ensuring that all entries meet format and completeness standards
• Ensure only patients with complete information, including necessary identifiers such as ART numbers are confirmed
• For incomplete records, follow up with the respective health facilities to gather missing data before final confirmation
• Ensure the completeness of data for the database by following up with health facilities
• Regularly run data check scripts (e.g. R, Stata) to identify and correct discrepancies in the dataset, following up on identified issues as needed
• Report any data issues, inconsistencies or challenges encountered to the head of data unit or the QA/QC Officer
• Document recurring issues and collaborate on potential solutions to improve the data quality process
• Contribute to the monthly or regularly scheduled compilation of database metrics and indicators for the head of the data unit and study PI
• Support any additional tasks assigned by QA/QC Officer, Head of Data Unit or other members of the VICONEL Management Team
• Regularly review REDCap data entries for completeness, consistency and accuracy
• Conduct automated and manual data checks and flag entries for verification with record assistants or study nurses
• Assist record assistants and study nurses with troubleshooting REDCap form access, field definitions and data entry procedures
• Participate in or conduct training sessions for staff on data entry protocols
• Assist in maintaining up-to-date documentation for REDCap use within the study
• Maintain strict adherence to patient confidentiality and data protection principles. Ensure secure handling and storage of all sensitive information to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches

Qualifications Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Data science, Public Health, statistics) with at least 2 years experience in data management or a similar role, preferably in a healthcare or research setting.

Skills, Required Experience and Competencies:

• Proficiency in database management and data entry.
• IT skills including Microsoft Office suite and willingness to learn working with new software programs.
• Experience with data quality control procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to troubleshoot data issues and effectively communicate findings.
• Ability to conduct thorough data quality checks and resolve data inconsistencies.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skillsin both English and Sesotho and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.Ability to write clear and concise reports, , work under pressure, and promptly assess and report relevant findings and challenges
• Positive outlook in a complex working environment, good interpersonal skills, reliability, punctuality, and self- motivation.

Added advantage.

• Experience using STATA, R and/or REDCap
• HIV research experience
• Demonstrable experience in data collection, capturing, verification, ideally in a research context
• Experience or interest in writing or contributing to scientific abstracts or manuscripts
• Understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and regulatory compliance.

Interested candidates should send applications via email to: [email protected] before close of business 30th January 2025. Subject line: VICONEL DATA ASSISTANT

Applications must include:

• A cover letter outlining your motivation and how you meet the requirements.
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae indicating relevant work experience and contact details of 3 professional referees.
• Certified copies of your latest and /or most relevant qualifications
• 1 reference letter from your previous HR.

NB:

ALL applications must be submitted via email – NO HARD COPY/in person application submissions will be accepted.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.