Kinshasa

PATH

Scope of work—Consultant: MR MAP Human Factors Project—DRC: 2023

Research and Evaluation Consultant Scope of Work

Title: Research and Evaluation Consultant
Project: MR MAP human factors evaluation (Measles and rubella Microarray patches)
Location: Kinshasa, DRC
Period: May 1, 2023–December 16,
Purpose: Evaluation of two novel microarray patch designs (Micron and Vaxxas) for the delivery of MR vaccine.

Background

PATH is a global organization that works to accelerate health equity by bringing together public institutions, businesses, social enterprises, and investors to solve the world’s most pressing health challenges. With expertise in science, health, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales solutions—including vaccines, drugs, devices, diagnostics, and innovative approaches to strengthening health systems worldwide.

Measles and rubella (MR) vaccine coverage rates in low- and middle- income countries (LMIC) have stagnated at about 85 percent since 2013, resulting in many children not being vaccinated and missed goals for measles and rubella coverage and elimination. Microarray patches (MAPs) have the potential to increase vaccination coverage and improve health equity. Due to their ease of use, potential thermostability, and size, MAPs could enable new vaccine delivery scenarios including vaccine delivery by lower-level health care providers (HCP) and house-to-house vaccinations as well as reduce missed opportunities for vaccinations. Measles-containing vaccine (MCV) MAPs have been in development for over a decade but remain in early-stage clinical development. MCV MAPs were identified as a priority to achieve measles and rubella elimination goals by the World Health Organization (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) in 2016.

Two MAP developers, Micron Biomedical and Vaxxas, are developing MR MAPs according to criteria outlined in the WHO/UNICEF MR MAP target product profile (TPP). Each developer has completed adult first-in-human clinical trials to study safety and tolerability of their MR MAP, and Micron has tested their MAP in toddlers and infants. Phase 2 studies with each of these MAPs are planned in the Gambia.

PATH is serving as a neutral third party to evaluate both MR MAP technologies in a Phase 2 clinical trial, thermostability study, and programmatic
fit/human factors evaluation. The goal of these workstreams is to generate evidence to inform whether one MR MAP candidate should advance to a Phase 3 non-inferiority trial that would serve as the basis for licensure, and if so, which candidate. The WHO MR MAP working group has reviewed the study plans and is in support of this work.

DRC seeks a Research and Evaluation Consultant to evaluate two novel microarray patch designs (Micron and Vaxxas) for the delivery of MR vaccine.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with National, Provincial, Public Health Office (PHOs) and health center officials and development partners for coordination and obtaining the necessary approvals for conducting the study and during data collection/interviews in DRC. 
• Organize an information workshop with the stakeholders in this study.
• Translate all relevant documents into French (i.e., operational protocol, tools/questionnaire, consent form and others [if required] for submission to ethics committee) and back-translate consent form into English, as required.
• Ensure that the health officials (health personnel/facilities and national stakeholders) are identified as per the project requirement/sampling plan and are duly sensitized and informed regarding the project activities. 
• Plan and conduct Induction/Refresher training of the project data collection team and ensure that key team members are trained/oriented on Human Subject Protection (HSP) guidelines.
• Coordinate with PATH in conducting simulated use and interviews with the identified participants. Support PATH team during the data collection and perform interviews jointly.
• Support in data analysis and compilation, including translation of the data analysis into English.
• Support in review and finalizing the DRC-specific project report.
• Organize a dissemination workshop.
• Lead local IRB close out activities with PATH’s assistance, as needed.
• Participate in regular meetings with the PATH team.
• Provide monthly written updates to the PATH team on study progress and any risks or challenges.
• Submit timely financial invoices and technical report as per the agreed project timeline and deliverables for the payments/clearance.

Required experience:

• Minimum of master’s degree in public health, Epidemiology or related field strongly preferred.
• Expertise in researching and evaluating public health programs.
• Demonstrated experience producing high-quality written reports on research and evaluation findings.
• Previous experience in qualitative data collection and data analysis and interpretation. 
• Familiarity with health system programming, national health M&E and data systems is preferred.
• Written and spoken fluency in French and English

PATH is dedicated to diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.

PATH is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. PATH does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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Link => Research and Evaluation Consultant