Driver x2 at Wits Health Consortium
Job title: Recruiter/Driver x2
Type: Permanent ☐ Fixed Term ☒ Temporary ☐
Main purpose of the job:
To support the recruitment and retention of participants for clinical research studies conducted by SYNAPSE Research Collective. The role includes community-based recruitment and outreach, participant follow-up and retention activities, and safe transportation of participants and/or study staff as required. All activities must be conducted in accordance with applicable study
protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), site procedures and ethical requirements.
Location: SYNAPSE Research Clinic, Edendale, Pietermaritzburg
Closing date: 09 September 2026
Submit detailed CV to: vacancies12@witshealth.co.za
Advert reference number: RecruiterD – 002 – SYNAPSE
In accordance with our Employment Equity goals and plan, preference will be given to suitable applicants
from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments
thereto.
Key performance areas
Recruitment and community engagement
Implement study-specific recruitment strategies in collaboration with line management and study
teams to support achievement of participant recruitment targets.
Conduct community-based recruitment and outreach activities at approved recruitment locations.
Identify appropriate recruitment opportunities and locations in accordance with study-specific
recruitment plans and ethics-approved procedures.
Engage appropriately with clinics, community organisations and other relevant stakeholders to
support participant recruitment and referrals.
Provide potential participants with accurate, protocol-approved information about relevant research
studies.
Maintain accurate manual and electronic recruitment, referral and screening logs in accordance
with project requirements.
Provide regular feedback to the study team regarding recruitment activities, challenges and
opportunities.
Participant education and support
Explain study requirements and relevant study procedures to potential and enrolled participants using
approved study materials.
Facilitate participant questions and refer clinical or study-specific questions to the appropriate
member of the study team where required.
Support participant information and informed consent processes where appropriately trained,
delegated and permitted by the study protocol and site procedures.
Maintain participant confidentiality, privacy and professionalism at all times.
Participant retention and follow-up
Support the development and implementation of study-specific participant retention strategies.
Monitor participant visit schedules and identify participants who are approaching or have missed
scheduled study visits.
Confirm participant visits through approved communication methods, including telephone calls and
SMS, as directed by the study team.
Conduct participant tracing and approved home or community follow-up visits where required.
Maintain accurate records of participant contact and retention activities in the appropriate manual
and/or electronic logs and source documentation.
Reconcile scheduled visits against participant attendance and follow up outstanding participants as
required.
Identify social or practical barriers that may affect study participation and facilitate referral to
appropriate services in consultation with the study team.
Escalate participant retention concerns or difficulties to the appropriate study team member
promptly.
Driving and participant transport
Safely transport study participants and/or study staff as required for study-related activities.
Drive site vehicles for community-based recruitment, participant tracing, outreach and other
authorised study activities.
Ensure the safe, professional and respectful transportation of participants at all times.
Complete required vehicle, trip and mileage documentation accurately and timeously.
Conduct routine vehicle checks as required and promptly report vehicle defects, damage, incidents
or safety concerns in accordance with site procedures.
Ensure responsible use and care of assigned study vehicles and compliance with applicable road
traffic laws and organisational procedures.
Administration and reporting
Maintain complete, accurate and up-to-date recruitment and retention documentation.
Ensure daily, weekly and monthly recruitment and retention reports are completed and submitted
timeously, as required.
Update relevant study logs, source documents and other study documentation as required and within
the scope of delegated duties.
Assist with day-to-day participant-related activities and study logistics as required.
Ensure that participant information and study documentation are handled confidentially and
securely.
Self-management and teamwork
Take ownership and accountability for assigned tasks and demonstrate effective self-management.
Ensure that the quality and productivity of own work are consistently maintained.
Inform the relevant team member promptly when tasks or deadlines cannot be met and contribute to
identifying appropriate solutions.
Work collaboratively with study and clinic teams to achieve recruitment, retention and study
objectives.
Communicate professionally and appropriately with participants, colleagues, community stakeholders
and other partners.
Maintain high standards of confidentiality, professionalism and respect.
Respond constructively to feedback and contribute positively to the functioning of the team.
Demonstrate reliability, flexibility and willingness to assist with study activities within the scope of the
role.
Requirements and minimum education and training
Matric/Grade 12.
Valid South African driver’s licence.
Ability to communicate effectively in English and isiZulu.
HIV management and/or counselling training would be advantageous.
Willingness and ability to undertake regular community and field-based work.
Ability and confidence to drive safely in urban, peri-urban and community settings.
.
Required minimum work experience
At least one year’s relevant work experience in community engagement, recruitment, counselling,
participant/client-facing services, administration or a related role.
Experience working directly with members of the community
Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities
▪ Previous experience in clinical research, HIV/SRH programmes, community-based recruitment or
participant retention would be advantageous.
▪ Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and build rapport with people from diverse
backgrounds.
▪ Strong listening, communication and time-management skills.
▪ Ability to work independently in community settings and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Demands of the job
▪ Regular work in both clinic and community/field settings.
▪ Regular driving and transportation of participants and/or study staff.
▪ Community and home visits may involve exposure to varying weather conditions and other
environmental conditions.
▪ Ability to work effectively in challenging community environments and engage respectfully with
people from diverse backgrounds.
▪ Ability to manage competing priorities and work toward study recruitment and retention targets.
▪ Some flexibility in working hours may be required according to study, participant and recruitment
activities.
Should you be interested in applying for this vacancy, please send an email to vacancies12@witshealth.co.za.
The subject heading of the email must read RecruiterD – 002 – SYNAPSE and the job title of position applying
for. Please include the following documentation:
- A cover letter (maximum one page) that clearly states which vacancy you are applying for
- A detailed CV

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