Epicenter is an organization created by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in 1986. We carry out field epidemiology, training and research activities for MSF interventions. Our activities with populations in precarious situations are carried out from Uganda, Niger and France, and on MSF and other programs. They mainly concern infectious diseases and malnutrition.
Context
Epicenter has contributed to research on Lassa fever since 2020, in collaboration with The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Epicenter notably participated in the evaluation of the feasibility and the preparation of future efficacy trials of the vaccine against Lassa fever, through the establishment and analysis of a cohort of adults and children. exposed to Lassa mammarenavirus (LASV) – responsible for Lassa fever – in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Benin, Guinea and Nigeria (CEPI funding, 2020-2024). This large-scale cohort notably made it possible to better understand the epidemiological profile of the disease, by estimating the incidence and spatial and age distribution of cases of Lassa fever.
Based on these results, a phase 2a clinical trial was defined and implemented, and is currently underway (IAVI funding, 2023-2027); a phase 2b trial will be conducted from the first quarter of 2024 in the same study sites, namely Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria (CEPI/EDCTP funding, 2021-2026). These trials will provide safety and immunogenicity data for the vaccine and will contribute to the validation and definition of endpoints and procedures for a future efficacy trial (phase 3 trial).
Mission and responsibilities
Under the responsibility of the Director of the Research Department, the Multi-Country Project Coordinator will ensure the coordination and smooth running of Epicenter’s activities within the framework of studies/trials on Lassa fever, without however limit it. He/she will also have a representation role (as Epicenter) and communication with stakeholders (consortium and other national/international actors). He/she will work in close collaboration with the Epicenter teams, based in France, Uganda and Niger, involved in these projects in the following areas: data management, monitoring, pharmacovigilance and biostatistics/modeling. Secondaryly, he/she may also contribute to other ongoing projects within the Research Department.
Main activities
In collaboration with project managers based in France, Uganda and Niger:
- Supervision of the implementation of activities under the responsibility of Epicenter, in collaboration with team members;Â monitoring the progress of studies/tests and expected deliverables;Â detection and reporting of protocol deviations;
- Monitoring of Epicenter data management and monitoring activities, their compliance with study protocols and Good Clinical Practices (GCP);
- Supervision and coordination of dedicated teams in the countries concerned;
- Logistical, technical, administrative and budgetary monitoring in collaboration with the Epicenter support teams (organization of travel for the various team members, monitoring of the hiring of personnel necessary for the projects, budget reviews and monitoring of financial reporting in collaboration with the management controller , etc…) ;
- Coordination of the management of material resources;Â monitoring of shipments of study materials, coordination of all medical or logistical orders as well as purchases made within the framework of the projects;
- Participation in the drafting of reports and communications intended internally for Epicenter and for the partners/donors of the two studies;
- Organization and regular participation in meetings internally at Epicenter, and with international project partner teams;
- Role of representation, under Epicenter, of studies/trials in progress, internally Epicenter, and within international consortia.
Qualifications
- Master in Epidemiology/Public Health
- Experience in clinical research (in vaccine trials would be a plus)
- Mastery of Good Clinical Practices
- Experience in clinical data management and clinical trial monitoring
- Fluent English and French
- Excellent ability to communicate orally and in writing
- Team work
- Availability to travel frequently to study countries
Additional Information
What we offer you
You will work within a multicultural team in the fields of research and epidemiology.
You will evolve in the environment of humanitarian medical action in a satellite organization of Médecins sans frontières.
Your contributions and ideas will be valued and greatly appreciated.
TERMS
- Position based in one of Epicenter’s research centers (Paris, Mbarara or Niamey) with frequent travel (50% of the time) to study sites (Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia).
- 12-month fixed-term contract, to be filled as soon as possible.
- Remuneration according to applicable Epicenter/MSF grid.
How to apply
Please send your application (CV + cover letter) no later than 11/19/2023
Only pre-selected applications will be contacted.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
In the event that we have received enough qualified applications, we may stop publishing the offer before 11/19/2023.
Epicenter is keen to protect the personal data of its members, employees and people wishing to join the association. The data collected during this application will be strictly transmitted, for fair and quality treatment, to the people involved in the recruitment process, regardless of where the Epicenter structure to which they belong is located.
