IDDS Cameroon Laboratory Advisor

Apply for this job online

Summary of Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance Laboratory Advisor for Cameroon

Reports to: The Team lead for IDDS based in Yaoundé, Cameroon and the ASLM Director of Programs

ASLM background

The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) is a pan-African professional body working to advocate for the critical role and needs of laboratory medicine and networks throughout Africa. Africa is rapidly growing but faces major health challenges including epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and new priorities such as Ebola and other global health security threats. Strengthened laboratory capacity and surveillance in Africa are critical to overcoming the burden of disease and ensuring a healthy future for the continent. ASLM addresses these challenges by working collaboratively with governments, local and international organizations, implementing partners, and the private sector.

Summary of the position:

Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) is a five-year USAID-funded project with the following overall objectives: (1) Improve the detection of diseases of public health importance and identification of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in priority infectious diseases through an accessible, accurate, adaptable, timely, and integrated diagnostic network system; (2)Improve the quality of real-time surveillance systems for pathogens of greatest public health concern, including AMR and zoonotic diseases, and; (3) Generate evidence-based guidance and innovative solutions to strengthen in-country diagnostic networks and surveillance systems. ASLM is seeking a Laboratory Advisor to be responsible for technical implementation of the diagnostic strengthening activities in Cameroon as well as coordination with other project team members and partners who undertake these activities.  This includes strengthening laboratory systems, primarily in ​​public health but also private health and other non-governmental laboratories. This position reports to the Team lead for IDDS based in Yaoundé, Cameroon and the ASLM Director of Programs.

Responsibilities:

• Implement technical assistance, diagnostic network and facilities strengthening and quality improvement interventions in line with joint external evaluation (JEE) reports, country national action plans, other assessment reports and country workplan activities aligned with JEE and local stakeholder improvement goals.
• Provide technical assistance in diagnostic strengthening and quality management systems including specimen referral mechanisms, supply chain, management information systems, diagnostic SOPs and tools, workforce capacity, expansion or decentralization of point-of-care diagnostic service points, and biosafety and biosecurity.
• Support developing or updating national diagnostic network strategic plans, SOPs and policies.
• Liaise with Ministry of Health officials, public health laboratory leadership, partners and other key stakeholders and organize advocacy meetings for the uptake of new initiatives and their integration into national laboratory systems.
• Assist with procurement of essential equipment and supplies, including ordering, shipping, and clearing customs.
• Assist with contracting of consultants/contractors.
• Make arrangements and follow up on logistics, conference calls, emails and reporting.
• Monitor consultant/contractor compliance to workplans and deliverables.
• Maintain appropriate bi-directional communication and information flow with HQ to ensure the project activities are being fully leveraged on the ground.
• Interact regularly with USAID-Cameroon and IDDS in-country implementing partners to ensure close collaboration and alignment.
• Provide in-depth and high-quality technical assistance to the government and relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor and report progress with diagnostic network enhancement activities as per the approved country workplan.
• Assist laboratories in their preparation for accreditation through recognized national and international accreditation agencies.
• Support laboratories in the establishment of tiered networks, as well as in their collaborative support efforts between existing labs.
• Follow established processes to guarantee the technical and programmatic quality of IDDS work in Cameroon.
• Work closely with the IDDS team to define and adjust annual work plans as well as implementing technical activities.

Perform other related tasks as identified by the Director of Programs

Qualifications

• A degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Medicine, and work experience in a laboratory or clinical environment required.
• Master’s Degree from accredited college or university in Laboratory Sciences or other laboratory disciplines, Public Health, Medicine, or management-related degree preferred.
• Program management or management consulting experience preferred.
• Self-starter with a strong ability to think and work independently while handling multiple projects and priorities. At the same time, ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to visualize, articulate, conceptualize, and solve complex problems.
• Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and ability to be self-directed.
• Ability to navigate complex government processes with multiple stakeholders, and experience with negotiating and achieving consensus.
• Experienced professional who knows how to get things done – on time and on budget.
• Persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills.
• Passion for science education and drive to work as part of a dynamic, fast paced, highly motivated team.
• Strong leadership skills that include the ability to lead and manage in a dynamic environment.
• Comfortable in a peer relationship with political leaders such as the Minister for Health, Senior MOH staff, zone and district MOH staff, and health sector leaders.
• International NGO, non-profit, social enterprise, and/or academic organization experience preferred.
• Fluency in French and working knowledge in English required.
• Prior experience working in Francophone Africa preferred.
• Knowledge of: Microsoft Office applications with proficiency in Excel, Word, and Outlook.

How to apply:

• The application website closes on 5^th April 2019 at 5:30 PM Addis Ababa time and any application sent after the deadline will NOT be accepted. Interested applicants should apply online.
• If you can’t access the link, you can send your resume and application letter to hr@http://localhost.

Additional Information:

• This position is a contract position and subject to available funding. ASLM may terminate employment at any time due to funding, or for any other lawful reason.

Please note that all applicants should apply online or Email.

*ONLY successful candidates shall be contacted for an interview.