The Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit (MITU) is a collaborative research Unit based at the National Institute for Medical Research campus in Mwanza, Tanzania. The mission of MITU is to contribute to improving health through the development and evaluation of interventions against HIV and other health problems by conducting research, including clinical trials, to the highest international standards; to enhance the capacity to carry out such research in Tanzania and the East African region; and to contribute to the translation of research findings into health policy. MITU is currently collaborating with other international research partners to conduct a cohort study of 90 women with schistosome infection and 90 women without schistosome infection. This five-year program of research aims to define the genital mucosal immune cell composition in Schistosoma haematobium infection, before and after praziquantel, determine the molecular mechanisms linked to breakdown of genital epithelial integrity in women with S. haematobium infection and to quantify the effect of S. haematobium infection on the frequency, intensity, and duration of genital Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 reactivation in the cohort. The Unit is now inviting applications from motivated and suitably qualified candidates to fill the following position:
Position: LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
The successful applicant will have a bachelors diploma/degree in the laboratory sciences/technology, and at least 5 years’ post-qualification laboratory experience.
Posts: 2
Specific Responsibilities
- To travel for two days every week with the study team to Itilima district in Simiyu region for screening, enrollment and follow up of study participants.
- To perform urine filtration and Kato- Katz procedures for diagnosis of schistosomiasis from samples collected from participants during study visits.
- To Prepare and organize samples for submission and storage at the laboratory.
- To examine Kato- Katz slides and enter the results in the study tablets.
- To assist with additional tasks as reasonably required by the field study team including assisting other team members as needed in order to contribute to smooth and efficient field work.
- To collaborate with the study PIs, Study Coordinator, Field Coordinator, Laboratory staff and other team members to ensure the continued success of study objectives.
- Attend the monthly meeting between the laboratory and investigating teams.
- To perform tasks in accordance with GCP and GCLP guidelines.
- To perform quality control of all study laboratory related procedures.
- To perform appropriate maintenance of equipment including keeping logs of equipment and routine cleaning of laboratory working areas.
- To perform stock taking for laboratory reagents and consumables.
- To liaise with the procurement department in procuring of laboratory reagents and consumables with regard to study specifications.
- To follow and ensure strict safety procedures and safety checks.
- To ensure participants’ confidentiality is maintained at all times.
Essential Qualifications
- A Diploma/ Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences/Technology or any equivalent qualification.
- At least 5 years’ post-qualification laboratory experience preferably in research settings.
- Certification in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) for the conduct of human research.
- Familiarity with laboratory techniques for diagnosis of schistosomiasis including Kato Katz and Urine Filtration techniques.
- Familiarity with processing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
- Strong organizational skills and ability to work effectively in a team.
Desirable qualifications
- Experience working in research settings
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Swahili.
Mode of application:
- Interested applicants should submit their applications together with a letter of application, CV and copies of all relevant certificates, memberships and qualifications recruitment@mitu.or.tz no later than 9th June 2023.
- The applicants should clearly state the job title for which they are applying in the subject line of the email.
- Paper applications will not be accepted.
Interviews will be held at the earliest available opportunity and only shortlisted candidates will be notified by email if selected for interview.
MITU is an equal opportunity organization, female applicants and people with disability are highly encouraged to apply
A competitive remuneration package will be offered.
The Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit (MITU) based at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) campus in Mwanza, Tanzania is a collaborative research unit of NIMR and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The mission of MITU is to contribute to improving health through the development and evaluation of interventions against infections and other health problems by conducting research, including clinical trials, to the highest international standards. MITU also aims to enhance the capacity to carry out such research in Tanzania and to contribute to the translation of research findings into health policy. The Unit is now inviting applications from motivated and suitably qualified candidates to fill the below position that will be based at NIMR campus, Mwanza.
Position: FINANCE OFFICER
We are seeking to appoint an ambitious and highly motivated finance officer with experience in accounting and financial management, he/she will closely work and will be supervised by the Senior Finance Officer as part of the finance team of the Unit.
Principal responsibilities
- Preparing payment vouchers as well as revenue vouchers and submit for processing in accordance with the laid down rules and regulations
- Assist in issuing invoices for project expenses to donors/funders
- Managing records, receipts and process invoices
- Filling payments and receipt vouchers and ensure safety of accounts files
- Filing simple statutory returns with relevant institutions
- Resolve financial disputes raised by the customers, vendors or the project team
- Supporting the Senior Finance Officer and other staff with projects tasks whenever required
- Assist in preparing monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements
- Monitor and report on daily and monthly reconciliations, identify and solve any accounting discrepancies
- Assembling data for tax filings where and when required and keeping abreast of some tax related information.
- Maintaining primary records and assist in preparation of simple management reports
- Assist with reviewing of expenses, payroll records etc. as assigned
- Update financial data in databases to ensure that information will be accurate and immediately available when needed.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential criteria for selection
- A relevant accounting qualification, such as a degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration
- A minimum of 2-year experience working within a similar organisation.
- Experience preparing management accounts using computerised software packages such as ERP Navision, SUN, QuickBooks etc.
- Excellent working knowledge of Excel or related software.
- Experience of preparing and monitoring budgets and financial reports.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Swahili.
- Self-motivation and effective time management skills.
Desirable criteria for selection
- Experience working with projects funded by international organisations.
- Experience working as part of the team in a multicultural environment.
- Ability to carry out multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
MODE OF APPLICATION
E-mail applications to recruitment@mitu.or.tz with the following:
- Detailed supporting statement/letter – Whereby each section should set out how your qualifications, experience and skills meet each of the essential and desirable criteria within the person specification. Please provide one or more paragraphs addressing each criterion. The supporting statement is an essential part of the selection process and thus a failure to provide this information will mean that the application will not be considered. An answer to any of the criteria such as “Please see attached CV” will not be considered acceptable.
- Please include a daytime mobile telephone number and e-mail contact details.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) including names and addresses of two referees (one must be from your most recent employer or training institution).
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION
- Applications should be received no later than 15 May 2023.
- You will be informed by email if you are selected for interview and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Interviews will be held in person at the NIMR Mwanza Centre, Isamilo, Mwanza.
The Mwanza Intervention Trial Unit (MITU) is a collaborative research Unit based at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) campus in Mwanza, Tanzania. The mission of MITU is to contribute to improving health through the development and evaluation of interventions against HIV and other health problems by conducting research, including clinical trials to the highest international standards; to enhance the capacity to carry out such research in Tanzania, and the East African Region; and to contribute to the translation of research findings into health policy.
MITU is now working to implement several vaccination trials in Tanzania, involving both HPV and COVID vaccines. These are randomized clinical trial to assess the safety and protectiveness of these vaccines. MITU is now inviting application from suitably qualified candidates with vaccination experience for the following position:
MITU is now inviting application from suitably qualified candidates for the following position:
Position: Pharmacist Technician
The post-holder will work closely with the trial pharmacist, Principal Investigators and coordinating team to operationalise the trial.
Specific responsibilities
- To ensure proper preparation, handling, cold chain maintenance and storage of vaccines according to the study protocol, standard operating procedures and Good Clinical Practice.
- To manage temperature monitoring and deal with temperature out of range (TOR) events.
- To ensure that all pharmacy-related activities are implemented according to the study protocol and Good Clinical Practice.
- To ensure compliance with all aspects of pharmaco-vigilance for the clinical trial, including liaison with the regulatory authorities where required.
- To assist in the maintenance of vaccine accountability documentation.
- To follow correct pharmacy waste disposal procedures and assist in the disposal of unused or expired vaccines and drugs when required.
- Assist in stocktaking and ensure other medications prescribed by study clinicians for study participants are stored and dispensed appropriately.
- To report to the trial pharmacist, trial manager and study investigators; work with the wider clinical trial team; and attend team meetings.
- To report any incident which may affect the integrity of the trial to the trial coordinating team and Principal Investigator.
- To perform any other trial-related activity as may be requested by members of the trial management team.
Essential criteria
- A diploma in pharmaceutical sciences.
- At least two years’ practical experience supporting pharmacy activities within a clinical trial set-up.
- At least two years’ experience in vaccine handling, maintenance of cold chain and managing temperature excursions.
- Excellent numeracy skills and attention to detail.
- Computer literacy including demonstrable proficiency with Word, Excel.
- Willingness to work outside of normal working hours on occasions as the work demands.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Swahili.
- Strong organisational skills with proven ability to work effectively within a team, assess prioritise and manage workload with minimum supervision.
Desirable criteria
- Up-to-date GCP training.
- Experience of communicating or liaising with the Tanzanian regulatory authority for clinical trials.
Mode of application and requirements
- Interested applicants should submit a letter of application together with their CV and copies of all relevant certificates to recruitment@mitu.or.tz no later than 31 March 2023.
- The applicants should clearly state the job title for which they are applying in the subject line of the email.
- All attached documents should be saved using the candidate’s name.
- Applicants should also include the names and email contacts of 2 referees who can be contacted immediately if shortlisted.
- Applicants without suitable qualifications/registration or vaccination experience will not be considered.
Interviews will be held at the earliest available opportunity and only shortlisted candidates will be notified if selected for interview.
MITU is an equal opportunities organization. Female applicants and people with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.
The Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit (MITU) based at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) campus in Mwanza, Tanzania is a collaborative research unit of NIMR and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The mission of MITU is to contribute to improving health through the development and evaluation of interventions against infections and other health problems by conducting research, including clinical trials, to the highest international standards. MITU also aims to enhance the capacity to carry out such research in Tanzania and to contribute to the translation of research findings into health policy. The Unit is now inviting applications from motivated and suitably qualified candidates to fill the following position that will be based at NIMR campus, Mwanza.
Position: Senior Finance Officer
Ref. Number: MITU/FIN/01/21
We are seeking to appoint an ambitious and highly motivated senior finance officer with proven technical experience in accounting and financial management, who is capable of working under the supervision of the Associate Director of Finance and Administration as part of the finance team of MITU.
Principal responsibilities
- Be responsible for managing all finance aspects of various projects, including preparing quarterly management accounts and providing day-to-day advice, guidance and support to MITU’s Principal Investigators (PI’s) and Project Co-ordinators (PC’s).
- Maintain and update MITU’s financial systems and controls, verifying and checking the financial records, reports, ledgers and statements.
- To support with the preparation of audit files during audits, liaise with staff and auditors during the process and help prepare supporting documentations and the production of audited annual accounts.
- To be responsible for the processing of sales invoices for grants and other income sources, thereby ensuring that all monies are received and banked accordingly.
- To maintain appropriate computerised and paper filing systems of financial information in accordance with MITU’s process and procedures.
- To manage the MITU fixed asset register in collaboration with the procurement team, thereby ensure that this is fully updated.
- To assist Investigators during proposal budget preparation and to also help with setting up of budgets within the MITU finance systems.
- To assist with the monthly payroll, including the reviewing of overtime claims forms and ensure that all overtime claims are accurate and in line with MITU’s processes and procedures.
- To provide financial information and advice to other MITU colleagues as and when required.
- To liaise with MITU senior staff and collaborating institutions on any administrative issues.
- Promote MITU, its core values and services, and play a positive role in the delivery of its day-to-day operations and strategic goals.
- To carry out other duties relevant to the post as and when requested.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential criteria for selection
- A relevant accounting qualification, degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a professional accounting qualification (CPA/ACCA or equivalent).
- A minimum of 5 years experience working within a similar organisation preparing management accounts using computerised software packages.
- Excellent financial software knowledge such as ERP Navision, SUN, QuickBooks.
- Excellent financial report-writing skills and the ability to communicate financial information easily to be understood and in a clear format.
- Proven experience of preparing and monitoring budgets and financial reports.
- Strong organisational skills with proven ability to work effectively within a team, assess priorities and manage workload with minimum supervision.
- Proven experience of good written and oral communication skills in English.
- Experience of managing restricted/unrestricted income and expenditure accounting and reporting.
- Experience of managing grants from international Donor such as DFID, ERC, MRC, USAID etc.
- Self-motivation and effective time management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Desirable criteria for selection
- Experience of working within the development sector e.g., Non-governmental Organisations (INGO’s or NGO).
- Experience of working within a Research Institution/Organisation.
MODE OF APPLICATION
E-mail applications to recruitment@mitu.or.tz with the following:
- Detailed supporting statement/letter – Whereby each section should set out how your qualifications, experience and skills meet each of the essential and desirable criteria within the person specification. Please provide one or more paragraphs addressing each criterion. The supporting statement is an essential part of the selection process and thus a failure to provide this information will mean that the application will not be considered. An answer to any of the criteria such as “Please see attached CV” will not be considered acceptable.
- Please include a daytime mobile telephone number and e-mail contact details.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) including names and addresses of two referees (one must be from your most recent employer or training institution).
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION
- Applications received later than 26th February 2021 will not be considered.
- You will be informed by email if selected for interview and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Interviews will be held in the following weeks at the NIMR Mwanza Centre, Isamilo, Mwanza or remotely through zoom or other online platform.
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