Position Title: Ethical Review Committee Member
Works closely with: ERC Chairperson and other members of the ERC
Duration of Appointment: 2-4 years, renewable
Type of Engagement: Honorarium-based
About the PDA ERC
In line with its professed Vision, Mission and Values Participatory Development Associates’ Ethical Review Committee (PDA ERC) was set up in January 2017 to help ensure that research conducted by PDA, or under PDA’s supervision, or by PDA’s partners is carried out to the highest ethical standard.
Position Summary
Ethical Review Committee (ERC) Members play a vital role in safeguarding the rights, dignity, safety, and well-being of research participants by ensuring that proposed research studies are ethically sound and comply with international and national ethical guidelines and standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Review Research Proposals:
Critically evaluate and report on proposals submitted for ethical compliance, including methodological validity/soundness, risk-benefit assessment, informed consent processes, privacy/confidentiality, participant selection and community impact.
- Participate in ERC Meetings:
Attend ERC meetings to discuss matters related to the committee and contribute to collective decisions (rarely more than 2 or 3 times a year).
- Maintain Confidentiality:
Uphold the confidential nature of committee deliberations and submitted research documents and correspondence.
- Stay Informed:
Keep up to date with changes in ethical standards, associated regulations, and best practices in research ethics and protection of human subjects.
- Conflict of Interest Disclosure:
Declare any real or perceived conflict of interest and recuse yourself from related reviews or decisions as appropriate.
Qualifications and Experience
- An advanced qualification in one or more of the following fields: social sciences, public health, law, ethics, or related areas.
- Extensive experience in research and evaluations involving human participants, including social or behavioral studies.
- Previous experience with research ethics or participation in an IRB/ERC is desirable but not mandatory.
- Deep understanding and appreciation of ethical issues in research and commitment to upholding ethical standards.
Key Competencies
- Strong ethical reasoning and critical thinking
- Ability to analyze complex documents and arguments
- Commitment to fairness, impartiality, and confidentiality
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Familiarity with human rights and research governance principles
- Ability to meet deadlines and manage workload
How to Apply
Please send your CV and an application letter of up to 2 pages to ethics@pdaghana.com