ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – ISERC OPERATIONS AND COMPLIANCE

Job Overview

The Administrative Assistant – ISERC Operations and Compliance will provide essential administrative and operational support to the Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committee (ISERC) Secretariat. This role ensures efficient management of research ethics review and post-approval monitoring activities, supporting compliance tracking, records management, and coordination of monitoring to uphold University policies and NACOSTI requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor ongoing research projects for compliance with approved protocols, university policies, and national/international ethical standards.
• Coordinate post-approval oversight including tracking ethical approval renewals, progress reports, protocol amendments, and study closures.
• Support and coordinate routine and for-cause monitoring visits and audits to verify adherence to approved procedures and safeguard research participants.
• Document and coordinate protocol deviations, non-compliance cases, and participant complaints, escalating issues for corrective action.
• Monitor and support reporting of adverse events and unanticipated problems, ensuring timely communication to the Scientific and Ethics Review Committee and regulatory bodies.
• Facilitate protection of research participants’ rights, safety, dignity, and confidentiality through proper documentation and implementation of informed consent and ethical requirements.
• Maintain comprehensive records and databases related to compliance activities, monitoring reports, site visits, and regulatory documentation.
• Prepare administrative and periodic compliance reports and assist in compiling information for management and the Scientific and Ethics Review Committee.
• Support quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives including SOP development, accreditation processes, and institutional research governance.
• Assist in the ethical clearance process by preparing reports, documentation, and tracking submissions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Communication, Information Science, or related fields from a recognized university.
• Training in Research Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience in research administration, ethics review, compliance monitoring, quality assurance, or research management in a university or similar institution.
• Experience with Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committees (ISERCs), Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), or research institutions is advantageous.
• Experience conducting audits, inspections, or monitoring research projects is desirable.

Other Skills And Competencies

• Knowledge of NACOSTI guidelines and international ethical standards.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• Ability to conduct inspections, audits, and investigations objectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic records management systems.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining confidentiality.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and attention to detail.
• Computer skills certified by a recognized institution.