OPTIMA PRESENTATION
OptiMA (Optimizing Acute Malnutrition) is a simplified protocol for the management of acute malnutrition developed and tested by ALIMA with the aim of treating more children, earlier in the descent into acute malnutrition. This approach aims to increase access to treatment through early diagnosis with the MUAC tape used by families and efficiency by using a single therapeutic food with a decreasing ration. Thus, we aim to increase the coverage of programs for acute malnutrition (severe and moderate) which are now covered in a single program.
ALIMA has already conducted several studies to test this simplified protocol. The first pilot study took place in Burkina Faso, Yako in 2017. Since then, two therapeutic randomized clinical trials have been implemented with our research partners, PACCI and INSERM U1219 (Bordeaux) in the DRC in 2019-20 and in Niger, in Mirriah in 2021-22. In parallel, observational pilot studies, which document operational and scale implementation are underway in Mali (Bamako), Niger (Mirriah), Burkina Faso (Barsalogho), Chad (Ngouri and N’djamena) and Nigeria. (Keita, Katsina State). Midway through 2023, there are a total of 6 OptiMA projects underway with a seventh (Dakoro, Niger) planned for early 2024.
These projects aim to document the implementation of a simplified protocol in different contexts at the scale of a health district whose populations can vary from 250,000 to 750,000 people. This documentation consists of creating and maintaining an individual database of children treated with OptiMA with the use of the CommCare software and the conduct of annual coverage surveys to monitor the evolution of the coverage of the nutritional program and the extent of the training families in the use of arm circumference to detect acute malnutrition in their children. These various projects are all carried out in full collaboration with the nutrition departments of the various ministries of health with a study protocol for each project approved by the appropriate ethics committee. For the year 2022, there were 28,850 children treated on 3 OptiMA projects. In 2023, this figure could rise to nearly 90,000.
It is also possible that other OptiMA projects will be implemented in the countries of ALIMA intervention in 2024-2025.
Other actors are working on simplified protocols, including Unicef, IRC, ACF and MSF. Collaboration with these actors is essential in order to build a common base of scientific evidence on simplified protocols and, on this basis, to nurture advocacy during the revision of national protocols.
JOB TYPOLOGY
Location:Â ALIMA headquarters in Dakar with field trips (50% of the time).
FUNCTIONAL AND HIERARCHICAL LINKS
- Hierarchical links
She/He reports to the cross-functional project monitoring manager and main investigator of OptiMA projects
She/He is the direct supervisor of the epidemiologist of the OptiMA cluster and of the epidemiologist in charge of monitoring community dynamics. She/He interacts with the OptiMA project coordinators in the different countries of implementation.
- Functional links
She/He has functional links with the research manager and the nutrition referent.
She/He collaborates with the research donor referent, the desks and the OptiMA operational project managers.
MAIN MISSIONS AND ACTIVITIES
You are in charge of the animation of the OptiMA pole. You ensure the organization of activities within the technical team and are responsible for the preparation and implementation of OptiMA projects in the various countries of implementation. You will oversee the terms of care for patients followed under OptiMA, the methods of collection and the quality of data by project. Externally, you are called upon to ensure the technical visibility of the projects implemented through participation in regional and international meetings. You represent ALIMA in workshops and conferences on the dynamics of simplified approaches. You coordinate communication and advocacy around OptiMA in conjunction with other actors in the nutrition sector.
1. Analysis, reflection and definition of objectives for OptiMA projects
To. Analysis, interpretation and proposals for action
b. Representation with other actors and nutrition and simplified approaches thematic groups.
2. Coordination of the preparation and implementation of OptiMA operational studies
To. Support the desks in the preparation of the implementation of projects
- Ensure the completion of the preparatory stages for the implementation of OptiMA studies (drafting of the protocol and CRFs, submission to the ethics committee, recruitment, support to field teams for planning and discussions with the various actors, etc.);
- Carry out preparatory field visits;
- Coordinate the conduct of baseline/endline surveys (protocol writing, sampling, survey application development and survey implementation).
b. Organizes the implementation of activities in accordance with the project protocol
vs. Monitoring of good clinical practices and compliance with ethical rules
3. Collection of project data and monitoring of the database and the Dashboard
- Organizes the quantitative assessment of resources (HR, equipment, etc.) and qualitative (maintenance, staff skills, mastery of POS) with a view to organizing data collection by country;
- Ensures the implementation of an appropriate data collection and monitoring system;
- Coordinate with IT4LIFE the configuration of applications and databases and their deployment;
- Ensure that periodic external monitoring of all projects is carried out in accordance with the protocols and planning on the pole;
- Monitoring the performance of periodic statistical analyzes comparing the performance of OptiMA projects (coverage, program operating indicators) with PCIMA programs.
4. Communication and advocacy around OptiMA projects and results
To. Management of communication around operational pilots
b. Coordination of ALIMA’s advocacy activities with other actors working on simplified protocols (UNICEF, ACF, IRC, MSF, etc.)
PROTECTION OF BENEFICIARIES AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY
As part of his or her duties, the incumbent will be required to visit programs and be in contact with children and/or vulnerable adults. Therefore, a criminal record check or presentation of a certificate of good character will be required. In situations where it is not possible to provide a criminal record or a certificate of good morals and morals, a sworn statement will be requested.
EXPERIENCES ET COMPETENCES
Experiences:
You have successful field experience in humanitarian aid in insecure contexts (minimum 2 years). You have scientific knowledge in the field of health and a successful experience in health research projects
Experience on simplified approaches projects would be an asset.
Connaissances des bonnes pratiques cliniques et maîtrise de l’éthique scientifique
Formation :
- Master en santé publique ou épidémiologie
- Parfaite maîtrise du package MS Office, en particulier Excel.
- Capacité à manipuler les bases de données et logiciels d’analyse statistiques
CONDITIONS
Durée du contrat : CDD droit sénégalais de 12 mois, renouvelable
Prise de poste: 01/09/2023
Salaire :
- Niveau 9 de la grille interne de Salaire
- Un salaire brut mensuel de 2 205 000 FCFA ;
- Une indemnité de déplacement de 694 000 F CFA ;
- Une indemnité de logement variant entre 2 et 5% du salaire brut mensuel en fonction de la composition familiale pour les collaborateurs recrutés à l’international.
Autres avantages :
- Couverture santé complémentaire pour l’employé et ses ayants droit
- Moving costs in Dakar according to the policy in force
- Contribution to tuition fees (children from 2 to 18 years old) / crèche (0 to 2 years old) according to the policy and the ceilings in force.
- An annual return family ticket to the usual place of residence for you and each of your dependents
- A second individual annual return ticket for the return to the country of usual residence
- Telecommuting policy
- 6.5 weeks of paid vacation per year, recuperation days based on time in the field
How to apply
To apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter online
Applications are processed in the order in which they are received. ALIMA reserves the right to close the offer before the term initially indicated if an application is accepted. Only complete applications (CV in PDF format + Letter of Motivation) will be considered.
Female candidates are strongly encouraged.
