Clinical Research Assistant at Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA)

The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) is an international medical organization, founded in 2009. ALIMA’s aim is to provide a high standard of healthcare in situations of emergency or medical disaster and to improve the practice of humanitarian medicine by developing innovative projects associated with medical research. The specific feature of the association is to base its operating methods mainly on partnership with national medical players. By pooling and capitalizing on their skills, ALIMA and its partners give as many people as possible access to a high standard of treatment.

Since its creation, the association and its partners have successfully developed in line with the increase in humanitarian medical needs, especially in Western and Central Africa: 580,000 patients treated in 2014 including over 25,000 hospitalizations, new governance between the partners of the medical NGO platform in the Sahel, new innovative approaches and operational research projects. ALIMA also responded to the Ebola emergency by opening a 40-bed Ebola treatment centre in Guinea. With operations in eight countries, 15 projects, over 1,200 employees and a budget of €19.5 million, ALIMA is a dynamic NGO, effectively deploying medical aid for the most vulnerable.Context

ALIMA is implementing the INTEGRATE clinical trial in Nigeria, a multinational research initiative focused on improving treatment outcomes for Lassa Fever. The project combines clinical care with operational research to strengthen evidence-based medical responses and local research capacity.

Mission & Objectives

The Clinical Research Assistant (CRA) supports the monitoring and quality assurance of the INTEGRATE clinical trial in Nigeria. He/she ensures that study activities comply with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), the research protocol, and ethical and regulatory standards.
The CRA will regularly visit study sites to monitor progress, verify data accuracy, and assist with problem-solving related to trial operations.

Main Responsibilities
Clinical Monitoring and Quality Assurance:

Monitor compliance with Good Clinical Practice (ICH E6 R2) and study SOPs at each site.
Verify the accuracy and consistency of data entries with source documents.
Ensure timely reporting of adverse and serious adverse events (SAEs).
Support site staff in resolving data queries and protocol deviations.
Prepare and submit detailed monitoring visit reports to the INTEGRATE coordination team.
Verify that trial documentation (regulatory binders, consent forms, logs) are current and compliant.
Participate in end-of-study closure activities.

Coordination and Communication:

Act as the liaison between site teams, ALIMA coordination, and international monitors.
Participate in weekly coordination meetings and contribute to quality improvement.
Communicate any field-level challenges, deviations, or technical needs promptly.
Support training and capacity-building activities for local site staff on GCP and study procedures.

Compliance, Ethics, and Data Integrity:

Ensure strict confidentiality of patient and trial data.
Monitor adherence to national ethics committee and regulatory authority requirements.
Uphold ALIMA’s principles of data protection, transparency, and accountability.
Ensure all trial activities adhere to ALIMA’s policies on PSEA, safety, and ethical conduct.

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC):

Comply at all times with Lassa fever IPC protocols when in wards and laboratories.
Enforce adherence to biosafety and PPE procedures during field visits.
Report any IPC breaches or exposure incidents to the Safety Focal Point.

Contribution to Research Development:

Assist in documentation and analysis of trial progress.
Contribute to local capacity building by mentoring junior research staff.
Support the dissemination of research outcomes at local and national levels, under supervision.

Professional Conduct:

Maintain professional behavior in accordance with ALIMA’s values and ethics.
Show initiative and autonomy in problem-solving while maintaining team spirit.
Participate actively in team meetings, briefings, and training sessions.
Promote an environment of respect, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Experience And Skills
Education:

Medical, Paramedical, or Life Sciences Diploma (Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Laboratory Sciences).
Additional certification in Clinical Research or GCP required.
A postgraduate degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or Clinical Research is an asset.

Experience:

1 – 2 years of experience in clinical research or trial monitoring.
Previous work with infectious diseases or hospital-based studies preferred.
Experience with international NGOs or multi-partner projects is desirable.

Skills:

Strong knowledge of GCP, clinical monitoring techniques, and regulatory compliance.
Excellent command of medical and research terminology.
Strong computer proficiency (MS Office Suite, EDC systems).
Ability to draft clear and precise reports.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to work under pressure and manage priorities effectively.

Languages:

Fluent in English (spoken and written).
Knowledge of Hausa, Yoruba, Pidgin, or other local languages in Ondo and Bauchi States is an advantage.

Personal Qualities:

Rigor, reliability, and integrity.
Adaptability and flexibility in complex field settings.
Respect for confidentiality and ethical sensitivity.
Mobility and willingness to travel regularly to inclusion sites.
Commitment to humanitarian and scientific values.