JOB DETAILS:
Background
Implant provision in developing countries, including Uganda, faces several access challenges including geographical distance from facilities, lack of trained providers, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure (World Bank Group, (2019). Task sharing to pharmacies and drug shops is a novel approach with promise to greatly expand access to and availability of implant insertion and removal services.
In response to this pressing issue, a promising solution emerges through the potential expansion of implant provision services through pharmacies and/or drug shops. These community-based outlets offer a unique opportunity to bridge the existing gaps in access to family planning services. However, the successful implementation of such a transformative model necessitates a thorough understanding of its potential acceptability and feasibility from the perspectives of key stakeholders whose collective insights are paramount in shap

ptability and feasibility of implant provision in these alternative settings, to inform whether or not to implement a study with actual service provision to ultimately pave the way for informed and impactful interventions in Uganda's family planning landscape.

Consultant responsibilities: PATH is seeking a qualified Senior Technical Advisor (TA) with an OB/GYN degree and experience in contraceptive implant provision to provide targeted technical assistance, to implement a qualitative formative study on the potential Acceptability and Feasibility of Implant Provision Through Pharmacies and drug shops in Uganda” in the districts of Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono.

Specifically, they will:
Study implementation and advisory
• Engage in data collection activities, such as conducting interviews with healthcare providers and patients to gain insights from a medical perspective.
• Ensure that the study is conducted with cultural sensitivity, respecting local beliefs and practices related to reproductive health.

• Assist in writing research reports and publications, ensuring that the findings are accurately represented and clinically sound.
• Together with the PIs, communicate with local institutional review board (IRB) (Mulago Hospital research ethic committee) and UNCST as required.

• Communicate with PATH staff based in Uganda, and/or PATH staff in Seattle regularly to discuss progress and findings.
• Immediately notify the PIs if unanticipated challenges arise or changes occur that may impact the study implementation and/or data.
• Respond to communication from PATH and others as requested.

Clinical expertise and guidance on best practices
• Ensure that all information related to implants is medically accurate and up-to-date, contributing to the credibility of the study.
• Review and provide feedback on study protocols to ensure they align with best practices in reproductive health.

• Work with the Principal Investigators (PIs) to oversee the implementation of the study to ensure adherence to protocols and address any issues that arise promptly.
• Help interpret qualitative data, drawing on clinical expertise to understand implications for practice.

Thought leadership and stakeholder engagement
• Facilitate communication and collaboration with other healthcare providers, including gynecologists, obstetricians, and family planning specialists.
• Help build trust with community members and study participants by addressing their concerns and providing credible information on contraceptive implants.

• Advise on feasibility of implant provision through non-clinical private sector channels, and highlight key considerations from a clinical perspective
• Ideate and advise on strategies for overcoming challenges related to implant provision via pharmacies and drug shops

Deliverables
• Written feedback on study protocol and supporting documents, procedures, analysis, reports and publications –One week after receiving the documents.
• Verbal and written communication with PATH staff, PI, IRB and UNCST as required

• Work plan and summary report on planned communications with healthcare providers – weekly updates.
• Regular progress reports on study implementation – weekly.
• Log of interviews conducted– Throughout data collection, final report one two weeks after completion.
• Report on community engagements- After community engagements.
• Document on strategies for overcoming challenges related to implant provision via pharmacies and drug shops.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Educational Background:
o Medical Degree with specialization in gynecology and obstetrics.
o Advanced Degree (Desirable): A Master's or PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Services Research, or a related field, which provides a strong background in research methodologies and public health principles.

Professional Experience:
o Clinical Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of clinical experience in gynecology and obstetrics, with specific expertise in family planning and contraceptive methods, particularly contraceptive implants.
o Research Experience: Proven experience in conducting and/or overseeing qualitative research, particularly in reproductive health or public health settings. This includes designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and publishing findings.
o Community Engagement: Experience working with diverse communities, particularly in low-resource settings, to build trust and address culturally sensitive health issues.
o Familiar with contraceptive supply chains across public and/or private sectors
o Experienced in acting as a thought-leader in Ugandan reproductive health discourse
o Connections to academic institutions, teaching hospitals or other key stakeholders preferred

Skills and Competencies:
o Medical Accuracy and Expertise: Deep understanding of contraceptive implants, their medical implications, and current best practices.
o Protocol Review and Development: Ability to review and develop study protocols, ensuring they meet ethical standards and best practices in reproductive health.
o Communication and Collaboration: Strong skills in facilitating communication and collaboration with healthcare providers and stakeholders.
o Data Collection and Analysis: Competence in conducting qualitative interviews and interpreting qualitative data with a clinical perspective.
o Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrated ability to conduct research with cultural sensitivity and respect for local beliefs and practices.
o Leadership and Oversight: Capability to work with Principal Investigators (PIs) and oversee study implementation, ensuring adherence to protocols and timely resolution of issues.

Professional Certification and Memberships:
o Active membership in professional bodies such as the Uganda Medical Association, the Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Uganda (AOGU).