The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) is inviting applications for the position of Field Project Coordinator within the Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response. Based at Klerksdorp and Tshepong Hospitals in the North West province, this role is central to the GERMS-SA surveillance programme. GERMS-SA is a national initiative aimed at monitoring critical public health concerns, including pneumonia, HIV-related infections, epidemic diseases, and vaccine-preventable illnesses.
This programme involves laboratory-based surveillance for specific pathogens as well as syndromic surveillance for pneumonia and diarrhoea. This re-advertised vacancy offers an opportunity for a professional nurse with a strong foundation in epidemiology and a passion for public health.
Key Job Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Coordinating Surveillance Projects: Overseeing various NICD surveillance projects on the GERMS-SA platform, including laboratory-based surveillance and specific illness monitoring (pneumonia, influenza-like illnesses, and diarrhoea).
- Site Management: Managing multiple surveillance sites across various provinces, ensuring that staff perform their duties effectively.
- Human Resource Oversight: Ensuring optimal staffing levels for project operations, managing performance, and addressing HR issues as per organisational policies.
- Staff Training and Mentorship: Developing and delivering training material, mentoring surveillance staff, and enhancing their skills across all levels.
- Quality Assurance in Data Collection: Supervising the collection of clinical case report forms, ensuring data accuracy, and resolving queries promptly.
- Liaison and Communication: Collaborating with site laboratory personnel, NICD centre staff, and national/international partners to maintain smooth project operations.
- Compliance and Reporting: Maintaining regulatory compliance by updating SOPs, ensuring adherence to study objectives, and compiling detailed surveillance reports.
- Meeting Coordination: Organising and chairing teleconferences, participating in meetings, and assisting with project site visits and audits.
- Research and Presentation: Conducting data analysis, preparing findings for national and international presentations, and contributing to scholarly publications.
Minimum Requirements and Key Competencies
Candidates must meet the following qualifications and skills:
- Educational Background: A four-year nursing degree/diploma with midwifery or a B Tech in nursing. Registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional/Registered Nurse is essential.
- Experience: Five years of clinical experience post-qualification, along with a minimum of three years in clinical research or surveillance. Candidates should also have at least three years in a management or leadership role.
- Skills: Excellent project management abilities, strong written and verbal communication skills in English, and experience in ethics protocols and SOP management.
- Technical Knowledge: Proficiency in computer skills and a good understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
- Public Health Advantage: Experience in public health, epidemiology, and communicable diseases is beneficial. Working towards or possessing a Master’s in Public Health or Epidemiology is an added advantage.
- Additional Requirements: A valid driver’s license and personal vehicle are essential as this role involves site travel.
Field Project Coordinator Role Application Guidelines
Interested candidates who meet the job requirements should submit a detailed CV to the relevant Human Resources Practitioner. Applications should be emailed to Recruiter3@nicd.ac.za, quoting the reference number NICD0924/001-01 along with the job title.
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Candidates with foreign qualifications must submit a South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate. Additionally, applicants are required to attach proof of current registration with a professional body, such as HPCSA or SANC, along with supporting documents like ID and driver’s license copies.
Please Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The NICD prioritises equal opportunity and affirmative action. All qualified applicants, including internal and contract employees, are encouraged to apply.
The closing date for applications is 8 November 2024.
The NICD’s Field Project Coordinator role offers a unique and impactful opportunity for a qualified professional nurse passionate about public health and epidemiology. With a central role in the GERMS-SA surveillance programme, the Field Project Coordinator position calls for a leader who values data-driven decision-making, teamwork, and effective communication across multiple provinces.
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The Field Project Coordinator position provides the chance to shape critical health responses in South Africa and contribute to high-stakes public health initiatives. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting all required documentation before the closing date to be part of an essential national health team.
