Vacancy Announcement

Projahnmo Research Foundation (PRF) in association with Johns Hopkins University, USA has a long and illustrious history of conducting research in Bangladesh. PRF’s research has contributed to improvement of health of Bangladeshi citizens and has supported the career development of numerous Bangladeshi public health professionals. Projahnmo Research Foundation is implementing two WHO coordinated multicounty implementation research in Bangladesh: (1) Antenatal Corticosteroid Implementation Research (ACS IR) and (2) Immediate Kangaroo Mother Care Implementation Research (IKMC IR). The developed model in Phase 1 will be scaled up in eleven districts during phase 2 of the research. Strengthening Small and Sick Newborn Care (SSNC) is a critical component that needs to be ensured to achieve the study objectives successfully. Projahnmo Research Foundation is seeking qualified and motivated applicants from Bangladeshi nationals for the position of Medical Officer (SSNC Focal Point).

The Medical Officer (SSNC Focal Point) will be responsible for the overall management of SSNC activities of both research projects. S/he will be responsible for planning, executing, and communicating SSNC activity-related matters with the study investigators, study team, WHO team, master mentors, master trainers, implementing hospital authorities, neonatologists, pediatricians, obstetricians, and other relevant stakeholders. S/he will assist in preparing and reviewing study reports, identifying gaps and potential solutions, and communicating with the WHO team, study team and investigators.  S/he will have to ensure effective and efficient use of the project's resources and materials.

Duty station: Dhaka with 70% to 80% travel to implementing districts (11 districts)

Job Description / Responsibility:

1. Effective planning and implementation of SSNC activities:

• Ensure effective implementation of the SSNC activities in the implementation districts.  
• Play a leading role in developing Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) for each district; updated regularly and monitor progress of SSNC in respect to specific deliverables and time frame.
• Support for organizing training for different groups and different levels
• Develop/adopt training materials, job aid, communication materials for SSNC implementation

2. Coordination and liaise:

• Coordinate and maintain liaison with master trainers, master mentors, clinical providers and administrative authorities (district hospital/medical college hospital, Civil Surgeon, DDFP etc.) for smooth implementation of SSNC activities
• Coordinate and maintain liaison with MNH professional organizations (OBGYN/Pediatricians/ Neonatologist/sonologists), Academia, Institutes, and other stakeholders at national level and implementation districts.
• Coordinate and maintain liaison with private provider/managers especially implementation facility/referral facilities at implementing districts
• Coordinate and maintain liaison with WHO regularly, provide timely deliverables and coordinate within the team for timely accomplishment of tasks
• Coordinate with Master Mentors/Master trainers and arrange mentoring visit

3. Monitoring, supervision, and reporting:

• Coordinate and implement regular SSNC mentoring visit incoordination and engagement of Master Trainers and Master Mentors, DGHS managers. Prepare mentoring visit report and submit/share timely with investigators, study team and WHO team
• Collect SSNC data and submit it to the WHO team. Ensure trustworthiness of data
• Supervise, monitor and support implementation team for regular data collection and provide feedback
• Prepare presentation, reports for SSNC for the meeting/call for investigators, WHO and MOH
• Organize, facilitate, and conduct periodic team meetings and refresher training.
• Collate data and prepare progress reports (weekly/fortnightly/monthly) as required.

4. Administrative, financial, and other responsibilities:

• Ensure proper and optimum use of project logistics, including data forms, registers, tab, laptop/desktop computer, etc.
• Facilitate facility preparedness including infrastructure renovation, procurement of required equipment and supplies; support to maintain equipment inventory
• Prepare budget, procurement request for SSNC implementation activities following organizational process
• Ensure proper documentation and archiving records.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, seminars and workshops as required by the projects and organization

5. General:

• Build and nurture effective teamwork
• Support visits for internal and external visitors.
• Represent PRF as required and uphold values of the organization
• Carry out any other tasks assigned by the Supervisor

Educational Requirement:

• MBBS, preferably with Master’s degree in public health (MPH)

Experience Requirement:

• At least 3 years of relevant working experience in public health research or program. Candidates who have work experience of newborn and child health research/program will get advantage.
• Sound knowledge on Bangladesh newborn and child health situation, excellent technical knowledge on child health programming and good understanding of MOHFW health care delivery system.
• Candidates having working experience in research will be given preference

Additional Requirement

• Computer skills in MS word, excel and power point. Familiarity with statistical software will be an added advantage
• Should be able to communicate effectively both in Bangla and English
• Should be willing to work after office hours, including weekends and holidays (if needed)
• Should spend at least 70% of time in the field is an essential requirement.

Job Nature

• Fixed term

Salary and Benefit:

• NOA Step 1 (Negotiable for experience candidate)
• Other benefits as per organizational policy.

The appointment will be made on a fixed term basis for 1 year but may be extended for further period depending on satisfactory performance and availability of funds.