Human Protections Administrator at Pathfinder International

Pathfinder International is driven by the conviction that all people, regardless of where they live, have the right to decide whether and when to have children, to exist free from fear and stigma, and to lead the lives they choose. Since 1957, we have partnered with local governments, communities, and health systems in developing countries to remove barriers to critical sexual and reproductive health services. Together, we expand access to contraception, promote healthy pregnancies, save women’s lives, and stop the spread of new HIV infections, wherever the need is most urgent. Our work ensures millions of women, men, and young people are able to choose their own paths forward.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Human Protections Administrator

Requisition number: HUMAN001803
Location: Awka, Anambra
Job type: Part-time
Reports: Global MEL Director
Job category: Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

Summary of Role

• Serves as Pathfinder’s Human Protections Administrator (HPA) under Pathfinder’s Federal-wide Assurance (FWA) and has primary responsibility for Pathfinder’s Human Subjects Research (HSR) compliance program.
• The HPA will lead the development and enhancement of HSR policies and procedures in addition to related training and monitoring of HSR activities.
• The Human Protections Administrator will serve as Pathfinder’s internal expert on HSR related regulations and their application to research activities at Pathfinder.
• The HPA will be Pathfinder’s primary point of contact with Pathfinder’s external Institutional Review Boards (IRB) and oversee the vetting and engagement of external IRBs.

Key Responsibilities
HSR policies and procedures:

• Provide guidance regarding the interpretation of HSR regulations and policies to Pathfinder researchers, global and country staff members, and senior management.
• Support in the development and implementation of organizational HSR policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement HSR Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

HSR compliance monitoring:

• Develop and implement HSR compliance and documentation system, including the creation of an online repository to safely store and organize regulatory documents, research related IRB documents, etc.
• In collaboration with the Pathfinder Legal and Audit Departments, conduct quality assurance monitoring of HSR, including investigation of matters of non-compliance.

HSR training:

• Design and implement HSR training program.
• Ensure compliance and documentation of HSR training by investigators, key personnel, and relevant Pathfinder staff members

HSR knowledge transfer:

• Coach, mentor, and train designated staff on the duties of an HPA and on the details of HSR policies and procedures.

Research protocols:

• Coordinates the technical and administrative review of HSR application materials prior to submission to the IRB.
• Coordinates the review and processing of ongoing research, protocol amendments/modifications, and reporting of adverse events.

Federal-Wide Assurance (FWA) compliance:

• Maintain current knowledge of HSR program guidance and regulations as they evolve.
• Assures any FWA or other assurances are maintained and updated in a timely way (i.e*.* prior to expiration).

Required Education and Work Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Health, Biomedical Science, Nursing or closely related field.
• At least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Certification as Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC), Clinical Research Associate (CRA), or Certified IRB Professional (CIP)
• Detailed knowledge and experience understanding and applying the U.S. “Common Rule” regulations and related OHRP/DHHS procedures, guidelines, and best practices for human subjects’ research.
• Knowledge of the mandates, operations, and organization of an IRB.
• Knowledge and understanding of HSR determinations and exemptions

Preferred Competence and Work Experience:

• At least 1 year working experience working with non-profits in the field of global health and development.
• Languages: Proven writing and speaking skills using English language required.
• Communication and Influencing Skills: Proven ability to influence others, including donor agencies and local partners, through diplomacy and proven oral and written communication skills.
• Presentation Skills: Proven ability to make presentations from prepared materials to small and large groups.
• Community Relations: Advanced skills in facilitating working relationships with key constituents.
• At least 1 year working experience working with IRBs and Ethics Committees and advising on HSR and exempt HSR determinations.
• Experience supporting the implementation of human subjects’ research conducted in low- and middle-income countries.
• Experience applying the Common Rule to non-biomedical studies (social, behavioral, and educational studies).
• Software Applications: Advanced knowledge of MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook.
• Project Planning and Management: Advanced knowledge and skills in project management and planning to fulfill performance objectives.

Technology to be Used:

• Uses cellular and office phone, laptop, or desktop computer.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel required (10% or less).

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply

Note

• Please note that the position is a fixed term position for only 9 months and requires the person to work 20 hours per week
• Interested applicants are requested to include the contact details for at least 3 references in their resume.

Application Deadline 18th August, 2023.