Administrative Assistant - ISERC Operations and Compliance

About the role

KCA University is hiring an Administrative Assistant for its ISERC Operations and Compliance unit in Westlands, Nairobi. The role supports the Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committee (ISERC) Secretariat in managing research ethics review and post-approval monitoring, compliance tracking, records management and coordination of monitoring, in line with university policy and NACOSTI requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor ongoing research projects for compliance with approved protocols, university policies and national and 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 protect 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 to the Scientific and Ethics Review Committee and regulatory bodies.
• Facilitate protection of participants' rights, safety, dignity and confidentiality through informed consent and ethical requirements.
• Maintain records and databases on compliance activities, monitoring reports, site visits and regulatory documentation.
• Prepare administrative and periodic compliance reports and compile information for management and the Committee.
• Support quality assurance and continuous improvement, including SOP development, accreditation and research governance.
• Assist in the ethical clearance process by preparing reports, documentation and tracking submissions.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Communication, Information Science or a related field from a recognised university.
• Training in Research Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research.
• At least one year of experience in research administration, ethics review, compliance monitoring, quality assurance or research management in a university or similar institution.
• Experience with ISERCs, IRBs or research institutions is advantageous; audit, inspection or monitoring experience is desirable.

Required skills

• Knowledge of NACOSTI guidelines and international ethical standards.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills; ability to conduct inspections, audits and investigations objectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic records management systems.
• Computer skills certified by a recognised institution.