Harriet Tunu Baraka
Toronto
Summary
Seasoned project coordinator with over 7 years of experience managing multi-site projects, specializing in clinical trials. Adept at coordinating cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance with project requirements, and driving operational excellence. Proven track record of supporting large-scale international collaborations and maintaining high levels of accuracy, efficiency, and quality.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Project Coordinator
University of Nairobi
01.2016 - 12.2023
- Initiated, launched, and managed five multi-site international research clinical trials and economic studies, including the WHO CHAMPION Trial (heat-stable carbetocin) and WHO ACTION Trials (antenatal corticosteroids for preterm birth)
- All projects executed within budget, which I managed (>USD$5 mil per project)
- Managed logistics for investigational medicinal products (IMPs) importation, storage, and distribution to trial sites
- Organized and facilitated >30 workshops, including training sessions, team-building activities, performance reporting, report dissemination, and best practice knowledge sharing with the study team and other stakeholders
- Led stakeholder engagements with national and international partners, securing alignment with clinical trial milestones and objectives
- Supervised a multidisciplinary team of over 30 staff, including data management, nursing, and administrative teams, ensuring smooth operations and efficient task execution
- Collaborated with hospital staff to foster strong working relationships, prioritize patient safety, and ensure seamless care delivery throughout the study
- Oversaw data entry processes using K@molo and Redcap, ensuring data accuracy, maintaining security protocols, and addressing queries in a timely manner
- Facilitated drug return and destruction logistics, adhering to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards
- Contributed to quality management system (QMS) improvements, ensuring continuous adherence to regulatory and internal standards
- Prepared and delivered timely project performance reports, including progress and financial updates, and presented quarterly and annual findings to global project managers and stakeholders.
Maternal and Child Health Nurse
Aga Khan Hospital
01.2010 - 12.2015
- Managed the reproductive, maternal and child health clinic, providing services to up to 40 clients daily, ensuring timely service delivery and alignment with regional priorities
- Managed vaccine and essential drugs inventory and supplies, ensuring consistent availability and reducing wastage
- Integrated and implemented immunisation programs promptly to address emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, such as measles and polio outbreaks
- Provided health education to mothers, improving awareness of preventive care and the benefits of immunisation
- Conducted needs assessments to tailor services to the specific needs of the community
- Contributed to the development and review of institutional policies, guidelines, and standards in collaboration with the Kisumu County Division of Reproductive Health, Child Health, and the KEPI unit
- Played a key role in meeting regional vaccination needs through strategic planning and effective coordination
Nurse, Paediatric Department
Nairobi Hospital
01.2007 - 12.2008
- Provided high-quality nursing care to paediatric patients, managing both acute and chronic conditions while ensuring compliance with best practices in patient safety and care
- Worked collaboratively with families to deliver patient-centered care, fostering trust and creating a supportive environment that addressed the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of patients and their families
- Optimized departmental workflows, improving service delivery and contributing to better patient outcomes, including shorter recovery times and higher satisfaction rates
Education
Master of Health Science - Health Administration
University of Toronto
04.2025
Bachelor of Science - Health System Management & Development
Amref International University
Kenya07-2023
Bachelor of Commerce - Human Resource Management
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Kenya12-2015
Diploma in Midwifery - Kenya Registered Midwife
Pumwani School of Midwifery
Kenya09-2009
Diploma in Nursing - Registered Nurse
Cicely McDonell School of Nursing
Kenya09-2007
Skills
- Project Management (PMP Certified)
- Clinical Trial Coordination and Logistics
- Stakeholder Engagement and Cross-functional Collaboration
- Regulatory Compliance and Risk Mitigation
Affiliations
- Association of Clinical Research Professional (ACRP)
- Project Management Institute (PMI)
- Canadian College of Health Leadership (CCHL)
Professional Development & Certifications
- Project Management Professional (PMP) – Project Management Institute
- Policy Development & Advocacy for Global Health – University of Washington
- Fundamentals of Global Health Research – University of Washington
- ICH-GCP Certification – NIDA
- Building Quality Management Systems for Sites and Sponsors- ACRP
- Clinical Research Project Management – VIARES Academy
- Clinical Trials Operations Specialist – VIARES Academy
Publications
Antenatal dexamethasone for improving preterm newborn outcomes in low-resource countries: a cost-effectiveness analysis of the WHO ACTION-I trial., WHO ACTION Trial Collaborators (including Baraka H), Lancet Glob Health, 10/01/22, 10, 10, e1523-e1533, 10.1016/S2214-109X(22)00340-0
Certification
- Project Management Professional (PMP) - Project Management Institute.
- Policy Development & Advocacy for Global Health – University of Washington
- Fundamentals of Global Health Research – University of Washington
- ICH-GCP Certification – NIDA
- Building Quality Management Systems for Sites and Sponsors- ACRP
- Clinical Research Project Management – VIARES Academy
- Clinical Trials Operations Specialist – VIARES Academy
Conference Presentations
47thKenya Obstetrics and Gynaecology Scientific Congress2023: Use of quality improvement collaborative model to improve early detection of PPH and treatment using the WHO MOTIVE ‘First response’ bundle.
Timeline
Research Project Coordinator
University of Nairobi
01.2016 - 12.2023
Maternal and Child Health Nurse
Aga Khan Hospital
01.2010 - 12.2015
Nurse, Paediatric Department
Nairobi Hospital
01.2007 - 12.2008
Master of Health Science - Health Administration
University of Toronto
Bachelor of Science - Health System Management & Development
Amref International University
Bachelor of Commerce - Human Resource Management
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Diploma in Midwifery - Kenya Registered Midwife
Pumwani School of Midwifery
Diploma in Nursing - Registered Nurse
Cicely McDonell School of Nursing
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