Opportunities & Vacancies

Welcome to our Opportunities and Vacancies Page!

In order to carry out its duties in research, training, and treatment in the area of tropical medicine, KCCR offers a number of jobs. You desire to join us? Below are all of our open positions right now.

PROJECT MANAGER FOR ARNTD COR-NTD

VACANCY NOTICE

City, Country : Kumasi, Ghana

Type: Full TIme

Project: ARNTD COR-NTD

Position

The management of the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research into Tropical Medicine (KCCR) together with the African Research Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ARNTD) hosted by the Global Health and Infectious Diseases (GHID) Research Group at KCCR seeks a Project Manager.

The Project Manager shall primarily aid the Principal Investigator to implement work under the ARNTD COR-NTD Program according to funder’s regulations. The post-holder shall operate under the auspices of KCCR, but the scope of work shall include activities and engagements with other partners such as the Task Force for Global Health, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The Project Manager is expected to have excellent organisational and communication skills. The Project Manager should be willing to work efficiently as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Who we are

The African Research Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ARNTD) is a community of researchers, policy makers and implementers based in African institutions or overseas. The Network envisions an African continent free of NTDs, enabling its populations thrive in a healthy environment by supporting evidencebased control and elimination of NTDs from Africa by empowering current and future generations of African researchers. The ARNTD Secretariat is hosted by the Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research Group (GHID), at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR), at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana.

The Task Force for Global Health is an international, nonprofit organization that works to improve the health of people most in need, primarily in developing countries. Through its programs, the TFGH address the health needs of populations around the world by working in partnership with ministries of health and hundreds of organizations, including major pharmaceutical companies that donate essential medicines to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases and increase access to medicines and vaccines for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, influenza, and cholera. The Task Force is affiliated with Emory University, and is headquartered in Decatur in Atlanta, Georgia, USA and has regional offices in Guatemala and Ethiopia. The Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD) is the Secretariat of the NTD Support Centre of the TFGH and supports the development of a robust operational research agenda that is focused on meeting the critical challenges facing NTD programs.

Overview of the Program

The ARNTD COR-NTD Programme is a 5-year cooperative agreement funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Coalition for Operational Research on NTDs (COR-NTD) based at the Task Force for Global Health. This program was developed to provide support towards research activities needed to improve existing disease mapping, develop monitoring and evaluation strategies, evaluate and introduce improved diagnostics, inform best practices and policy change through OR studies, provide capacity-building initiatives for local scientists and program staff, and employ innovative solutions to improve and sustain NTD health services for affected populations.

By focusing on efficiency and effectiveness through strong partnerships, will support national governments, local research institutions, and local NGOs to foster and convene a network of local and international research investigators; define and undertake relevant coordinated research initiatives as prioritized by USAID and USAID NTD Program; improve the timeliness and quality of OR initiatives and work collaboratively with the NTD donor community to ensure that research support is equitable and appropriate to meet project needs. The overall goal of these activities is to contribute towards achieving the goals
enshrined in the WHO 2030 NTD Roadmap.

Main Responsibilities/Activities

The Project Manager shall oversee the project activities to ensure compliance with all Funder’s regulations and policies and provide administrative and financial support to a portfolio of in-country and multi-country projects and work closely with the principal investigator (PI), Scientific Officers, the Project Finance Officer, partner institutions, KCCR finance and administrative departments. The Project Manager shall put in place a structure that optimizes the efficiency of the technical, communication and
administrative process for the program team and ensure adherence to them.

Communication
– Facilitate the relationship and correspondence between the PI, the Program partners and the
Funders.
– Foster robust internal and external communication with partner institutions including facilitating
conference calls/meetings, ensuring meeting minutes are created, providing status reports,
managing action item lists and issues lists.
– Supervise the project communication outputs on various media platforms including website and
social media

Planning of Resources
– Plan with the PIs and other team members on the sourcing and use of resources to achieve the
goals and objectives of the projects within allotted timelines and budgets.
– Facilitate the authoring of project implementation manuals and other training tools as may be
necessary
– Support the PIs in the creation and submission of annual USAID workplan.

Technical Supervision
– Support the PI in developing and implementing broad procedures for management of the project.
– Support the PI in defining project responsibilities and supervising their execution.
– Manage and improve file folder structure, key documents and other project management
information tools.
– Document processes and SOPs for other users, and liaising with TFGH on knowledge
management systems and needs.

Monitoring Progress and Risks Management
– Monitor the preparation and progress of each milestone and deliverables of the projects. Ensure
that progresses are in time with the deadlines assigned to enable the projects to run smoothly.
– Resolves challenges promptly, pro-actively and collaboratively.
– Update project documents, status and timeline in real time in the project information management
system.
– Manage administrative aspects of the projects in line with the funder’s requirements.

– Perform day-to-day management of project team and address any team issues promptly in
consultation with the PI(s).
– Conduct regular meetings with the local team, and also with partner institutions to discuss project
status and issues in a transparent manner.
– Facilitate refresher training, capacity enhancement of teams and retooling for effective project
implementation in compliance with funder rules and regulations.
– Stay up to date on USAID rules and regulations.

Project Reporting and Documentation
– Organize, support, provide follow-up and report pertinent issues to PI.
– Coordinate the receipt and review of reports from sub-awardees and other program partners
towards developing overall programmatic reports
– Review project documents and research reports to be submitted by PIs.
– Represent PIs in a meeting if necessary.
– Prepare annual technical reports.

QUALIFICATIONS/PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements:

– Advanced (postgraduate) degrees in either Project Management, Public Health, Economics, or other
related disciplines
– Experience in managing research projects and teams
– Minimum 3 years of professional experience, in a role that demonstrates an ability to work
independently and effectively in an immersive, fast-paced environment, manage complex projects,
conduct quantitative (e.g., forecasting) and qualitative analyses and work across multiple teams
– Demonstrated proficiency in project management and coordination evidenced from previous roles
– Experience in conducting monitoring and evaluation, and reporting on programmatic activities
– Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
– High computer literacy including knowledge of Microsoft software products, Office suites, program
planning and management software etc

Essential Attributes

– Dynamic person with demonstrated capacity for teamwork and team leadership
– Critical thinking, cutting-edge analytical and presentation skills and attention to details
– Administrative and accounting skills
– Ability to prioritize workload, assume responsibility for work, and follow through to completion
– Ability and willingness to work under pressure as a part of a global team

Desired Attributes

– Knowledge or experience in NTDs, public health systems strengthening and improving access to
health care interventions
– Familiar with health research activities including Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
– Ability to communicate in French

The contract will be for 12-months (renewable), with the first 3 months as probation. There is no internationalor domestic relocation package associated with this vacancy.
Expected start date: August 2024

MODE OF APPLICATION

Interested persons should send their applications addressed to The Head of Administration, KCCR, KNUST, Kumasi including their CV, a motivation letter, copies of certificates and two reference letters and email them to: info@kccr.de and copy secretariat@arntd.org

Closing Date: July 26, 2024,17:00 GMT. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. For further information on the position, please email secretariat@arntd.org

FINANCE OFFICER FOR ARNTD COR-NTD

VACANCY NOTICE

City, Country : Kumasi, Ghana

Type: Full TIme

Project: ARNTD COR-NTD

Position

The Finance Officer shall primarily aid the Finance Manager (FM) in implementing the ARNTD COR-NTD Program according to funder’s regulations. The post-holder shall operate under the auspices of KCCR, but the scope of work shall include activities and engagements with other partners such as the Task Force for Global Health, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The Finance Officer is expected to have good organisational and communication skills. The Finance Officer should be willing to work efficiently as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Who we are

Overview of the Program

Main Responsibilities/Activities

The Finance Officer shall support the Finance Manager in developing budgets, reconciling and documenting financial records and all other accounting processes to ensure compliance with all Funder’s regulations. The Finance Officer shall provide support to a portfolio of in-country and multi-country projects and work closely as directed by the PI and Finance Manager.

Accounting Roles

– Conduct financial bookkeeping including recording transactions, payments and expenses and
processing invoices
– Verify vendor and subcontractor invoices and supporting documents prior to processing.
– Processing reimbursements and refunds
– Ensure structured filing systems of transactions and updated agreements, memo etc.
– Prepare documents to effect deposits and transfers
– Conduct general ledger postings and generation of statements

Communication

– Liaising with clients on billing and payments
– Support the management and reporting on internal and external financial activities of all partners
to funders.

Planning of Resources

– Support budget preparation for submission to funders.
– Support the authoring of project internal financial training manuals, guidelines, templates and
other tools as may be necessary.

Monitoring Progress and Risks Management

– Ensure that all financial processes are aligned with the rules and regulations of funders.
– Stay up to date on USAID rules and regulations.
– Support with preparation for audit exercises with funders and other regulatory bodies.
– Support the preparation and conduct of quarterly project reviews.
– Stay up to date on financial risk register developed by the Finance Manager to anticipate and avert
financial malfeasance and non-compliance to funder regulations.

Reporting and Documentation

– Track and prepare monthly expenditure reports for monitoring of progress on projects.
– Review and archive financial reports from sub-awardees and other program partners towards
developing overall programmatic financial reports.
– Represent Financial Manager in a meeting if necessary.
– Support the preparation of annual financial reports to grantors

QUALIFICATIONS/PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

The Post holder should have the following:

Minimum Requirements:
– Advanced (postgraduate) degrees in either Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or
equivalent
– Minimum 2 years of professional experience in accounting or financial management
– Demonstrate an ability to work independently and effectively in an immersive, fast-paced
environment and manage complex project finance systems
– Proficiency in using accounting software including those used by KNUST and KCCR
– Experience in conducting financial monitoring and evaluation, and preparing reports
– Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

Essential Attributes
– Dynamic person with demonstrated capacity for teamwork and team leadership
– Critical thinking, analytical and good presentation skills and attention to details
– Administrative and management skills
– Ability to prioritize workload, assume responsibility for work, and follow through to completion
– Ability and willingness to work under pressure as a part of a global team

Desired Attributes
– Experience in working with international NGOs and donors or in research grant environments
– High sense of personal integrity, good judgment, and strong operational focus

MODE OF APPLICATION

Closing Date: July 26, 2024,17:00 GMT. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. For further information on the position, please email secretariat@arntd.org

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

VACANCY NOTICE – Physician Assistant

JOB LOCATION – Assin Foso

The management of the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research into Tropical Medicine (KCCR) together with the Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research Group at KCCR is looking for a Physician Assistant.

One of the main goals of the research group is to investigate diseases causing fevers in new-born and young children in order to provide guidance to reduce the burden of these diseases in Ghana and beyond. For more information, visit our webpage: Infectious Diseases & Epidemiology – KCCR (kccr-ghana.org)

The post holder shall undertake various activities associated with the research group. These activities will be performed either at the St Francis Xavier Hospital (SFXH) at Assin Foso (outpatient and inpatient departments) or within the community. The post-holder is expected to have good organisational and communication skills. He/she should be willing to work efficiently within a team in order to perform all activities in a timely fashion.

The post-holder is part of a team consisting of international investigators, local investigators (local PI, coordinators), laboratory technicians, nurses, fieldworkers, and data management team. He/she is accountable in the first instance to the Local PI, Co-PI, Project coordinator(s), site coordinators and the management of the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine.

The Post-holder should always maintain a good relationship with hospital and research staff by communicating in a professional and courteous manner.

Main Responsibilities/Activities

· Strictly adhere to Good Clinical Practice guidelines, study protocol and study manual at all times.

· Ensure that confidentiality is maintained in the collection and handling of information.

· Motivate, supervise, train and monitor the work of field team on a daily basis to ensure that recruitment, clinical assessment, care, and follow-up of study participants and collection of data and samples are taken accurately, according to protocol and in a timely fashion.

· Ensure that study objectives and methods are explained in an appropriate language to potential study participants and/or guardians as applicable, and written informed consent is obtained prior to enrolment.

· Conduct the clinical assessment, investigation and care of study participants as may be required (conduct clinical examinations, evaluate laboratory and other medical reports and supervise administration of drugs).

· Ability to prescribe drugs for patients based on diagnosis.

· Observe, measure and record effects of drugs.

· Monitor treatment, progress of study participants if admitted for in-patient care.

· Administer research documents on study site. This may include but not limited to informed consent form, Case Report Forms, Questionnaires and any other study specific forms Examining patient.

· Support data entry to ensure accuracy of data recorded.

· Evaluate, manage and report all adverse events to site Principal Investigator.

· Undertake verbal autopsies if necessary, to ascertain the cause of death of study participants, if any.

· Monitor and review of medical activities related to conducting clinical studies/trials (Severe Adverse Events review, answer questions about the protocol, amendments, etc.).

· Oversee medical aspects of the risk management and risk mitigation strategies.

· Participate in investigators meetings and meetings with regulatory agencies for medical aspects e.g. participating in GCP training.

· Work with the site PI to ensure the review and completion of all Clinical study reports.

· As part of the safety follow-up for this trial the Post holder will need to provide on-call cover at night and at weekends to assess any study subject who becomes unwell out of hours.

QUALIFICATIONS/PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Physician Assistantship

Essential attributes
At least 1 year of experience post qualification
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
Dynamic, with demonstrated capacity for teamwork and team leadership.
Critical thinking, excellent analytical abilities and attention to detail.
Ability to prioritize workload, assume responsibility for work, and follow through to completion.
Ability and willingness to work under pressure as a part of a global team.
High computer literacy, including knowledge of Microsoft software products, Office suites, management software etc.

Desired Attributes
Familiarized with Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
Experience in Clinical Trials is an advantage.

Remuneration will be according to KCCR standards. The contract will be for a period of 12 months (renewable).

Expected starting date: August 2024

MODE OF APPLICATION

Interested persons should send their applications addressed to The Head of Administration, KCCR, KNUST, Kumasi including their CV, a motivation letter, copies of certificates and two reference letters and email them to: info@kccr.de copy to e.puorideme@kccr.de

Closing Date: 31 July 2024. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.