Community Educator at UNC Global Projects

The University of North Carolina – Global Projects Zambia (UNC-GPZ) is conducting a study to exhaustively document the course and outcomes of labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period in settings where the occurrence of adverse birth outcomes is high. The Community Educator will be directly responsible for sensitizing communities and potential participants about the LABOR Study and assisting with retention activities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: (include but are not limited to the following):

Recruitment and Retention Activities:

• Ensure awareness of the LABOR study through sensitization activities in the community and antenatal clinics.
• Assist with developing recruitment and retention strategies for the LABOR study in collaboration with the Study Coordinator.
• Monitor sensitization activities to evaluate their effectiveness in informing participants about the LABOR study.
• Ensure that all sensitization activities are documented appropriately.
• Provide regular written reports (daily, weekly or monthly) as required by study management.
• Be an active leader and positive mentor in sensitization activities by supporting and guiding other sensitization staff while in the field.

Community Relations

• Maintain a professional, respectful attitude in the clinic and community.
• Effectively collaborate with the community and UTH/district staff as necessary.
• Report all community misconceptions about research and address any concerns in an expeditious manner to the Study Coordinator.
• Assist with trouble shooting solutions to recruitment problems.
• Network with District clinic staff and other Community based groups as needed.

Communication

• Communicate with other staff members openly and honestly about study progress, issues, and/or problems that may arise
• Actively participate in problem solving
• Work collegially as part of the study team
• Effectively collaborate with the participants, community and district staff
• Provide high quality service to participants by maintaining pleasant relationships at all times and attending to community members in a timely manner
• Be responsive to enquiries from potential participants and others as required

Training

• Acquire and maintain a strong knowledge of the study protocol
• Attending study meetings and trainings, as required
• Completing all required study training, including routine Human Subject Protection and Good Participatory Practice training

Other Activities

• Assist with translations as required
• Maintaining strict participant confidentiality and privacy at all times
• Being accountable and responsible for study resources and supplies, such as participant files, study equipment, and facilities
• Any other duties/responsibilities necessary for the successful implementation and functioning of the study

SPECIAL SKILLS/COMPETENCES/VALUES

• Must be friendly, polite and respectful
• Must have excellent, communication, problem solving and interpersonal skills
• Must be fluent in at least one local language of Nyanja or Bemba, preferably both
• Dress appropriately for sensitization activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a full  Grade 12 certificate
• Certificate in Psychosocial Counseling
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in the community
• Familiarity with research