Study Navigator

Study Navigator – CIDRZ (Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia). The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) is the largest independent, non-profit healthcare research organization in Zambia. Founded in 2001, it initially focused on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment but has since expanded to address a broad range of infectious diseases, implementation science, and public health programs.

About the Role

The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Study Navigator to support the Bwelela Easy Study. The successful candidate will work closely with study participants to strengthen HIV treatment retention, facilitate re-engagement in care, and support community-based research activities while ensuring high-quality data collection and participant support.

Key Responsibilities

• Contact study participants by telephone according to study procedures.

• Conduct community tracing for participants who cannot be reached by phone.

• Build trust and establish positive relationships with participants returning to HIV care.

• Identify barriers affecting treatment retention and develop return-to-care plans.

• Provide counselling, emotional support, and health education to participants.

• Coordinate clinic appointments and facilitate re-entry into HIV care services.

• Support community-based Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) delivery for eligible participants.

• Recruit, consent, enrol, and follow up study participants.

• Collect accurate study data and maintain high-quality documentation.

• Maintain tracing records, activity logs, and other study documentation.

• Report adverse events, social harms, and protocol deviations in accordance with study guidelines.

• Perform any other study-related duties assigned by the project team.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• Grade 12 School Certificate.

• Certificate in Community Health, Health Sciences, Counselling, Psychosocial Support, or a related field.

• A Diploma in a relevant field will be an added advantage.

• Experience in HIV outreach, adherence support, peer navigation, community tracing, or defaulter tracing.

• Strong communication skills in English and at least one local Zambian language.

• Excellent interpersonal, counselling, and record-keeping skills.

• Willingness to conduct field and community-based work within facility catchment areas.

Desired Skills

• Compassion and empathy when working with vulnerable populations.

• Strong organisational and time management skills.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

• Good problem-solving and teamwork skills.

• Ability to work independently while meeting study timelines and protocols.

Job Summary

1. Employer: Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)

2. Position: Study Navigator

3. Project: Bwelela Easy Study

4. Location: Lusaka, Zambia

5. Employment Type: Full-Time

6. Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 Certificate plus Certificate in Community Health, Health Sciences, Counselling, Psychosocial Support, or a related field

7. Experience: HIV outreach, adherence support, peer navigation, or community tracing experience preferred.