Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), is an International Humanitarian Organization providing medical aid to populations in distress, victims of natural and man-made disasters and victims of armed conflict, regardless of race, religion and political believes. For more information, visit our Arabic website, www.msf-me.org

Médecins Sans Frontières France is looking for Yemeni nationals to recruit for the following position:

Focal Point Study

Location: Coordination office – Sana’a
Reports to (Hierarchical): Project Medical Referent
Reports to (Functional): Operational Research Activity Manager
Length of contract: 6 months contract with 3 months probationary period 
Contract type: Full Time 
Open date: 6/10/2025

KEYS POINTS ABOUT THE POSITION:

Plan, organize, and oversee the activities related to the study and its team, in line with MSF values, policies, protocols, and ethical research standards, to ensure the quality, accuracy, and continuity of study implementation and contribute to the achievement of the study objective.

Accountabilities

• Coordinate and perform study-related tasks, including administrative duties such as managing consent forms, data transfer, filing, and archiving, to ensure accurate data collection.
• Enter study data in REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) and follow up on laboratory sample collection and results, contributing to reliable reporting and regular updates on study activities and progress.
• Ensure the availability of study materials, including sample collection supplies and printed paper forms, to support smooth implementation of study activities.
• Implement all study-related protocols and procedures, and ensure the research team follows the same standards, in order to guarantee the quality of data collection and study implementation.
• Organize and coordinate the activities of the study team (weekly schedules, training needs, absences, etc.), evaluate performance and ensure continuous capacity building, to maintain high-quality study standards.
• Oversee and/or supervise the management of study materials and supplies (data collection tools, devices, forms, consumables, storage, inventories, etc.) to ensure efficient and effective use of resources.
• Ensure that all staff involved in the study are qualified and trained in the proper use of tools, devices, and protocols. Report any technical or operational issues to the project team.
• Provide timely feedback and reports to the Medical Focal Point / Study PI.

MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities

• Supervise the implementation phase of the neonatal sepsis study in Al-Salam Hospital;
• Work closely with the operational research activity manager to ensure adherance to the study protocol, and provide regular feedback to him/her on any challenges;
• Assess inclusion and exclusion criteria prior to including patients in the study;
• Train key departmental staff on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, informed consent process, patient and sample flow, and data collection and paperwork specific to the study;
• Collect data from enrolled patients using study-specific data forms (Study Form, Checksheet of inclusion/exclusion and Online from).
• Ensure completeness and accuracy of all data collected from patients
• Liaise with clinical staff to clarify missing or unclear information prior to transcription into REDCap.
• Transcribe data into REDCap software in a timely and accurate manner;
• Transcribe and communicate laboratory results from WHONET to REDCap and doctors;
• Maintain an organized system for linking paper documentation with digital entries for verification and monitoring.
• Implement and document regular quality checks on data entry, informed consent forms, and sample labeling to ensure protocol compliance and data integrity.
• Support the preparation of monthly or interim reports summarizing recruitment figures, data completeness, and challenges encountered. Take blood samples for hemoculture if required, but always supervise hemoculture sampling to ensure respect infection, prevention and control and sample flow for the study;
• Be capable of providing informed consent in local language and fielding questions related to the study from families / caretakers; 
• Ensure samples are sent to the Central Lab following storage guidelines and ensure arrival to the lab within the study time frame;
• Ensure that all data relevant to the study is stored in accordance with the study protocol, and that it is kept confidential and secured at all times;
• Be mindful of the study’s ethical considerations and report any concerns raised to direct managers;
• Collaborate closely with other key study focal points, such as Antimicrobial steward, lab, neonatology and maternity supervisors, and infection/prevention/control manager, and ensure weekly meetings to update on study progress and discuss any challenges;
• Identify challenges among study staff (e.g. motivation, workload, understanding of the protocol), and support solutions in collaboration with the operational research activity manager.
• Ensure that all equipment and material related to the study are maintained properly and are stored in secure manner (Checksheets, Study form, Consent forms, medical supplies like blood culture bottles, syringes, PPE, etc..) and coordinate replenishment to avoid stock-outs .
• Contribute to continuous improvement of study workflows, proposing adjustments that enhance patient safety, data quality, and efficiency.

Education: Specialty (Medical/Para Medical) 
Experience: Essential 2 years of previous experience. Having worked in MSF or other NGO’s and in developing countries is desirable. 
Languages: Written and spoken competencies in mission and local language essential (English and Arabic)

Knowledge:

• Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)
• Background and Trainings in Antimicrobial Resistance, Infection/Prevention/Control, and/or Neonatology (desirable)
• Research methods and experience (desirable)

Competencies    

• Results
• Teamwork
• Flexibility
• Commitment
• Stress management