Background

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in Health, Education, Nutrition, Environment, Economic Development, Civil Society, Gender, Youth, Research and Technology; creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories.

Job Summary:

The Program Officer will support the diagnostics systems capacity building work for the USAID Infectious Diseases Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) project that serves the Global Health Security Agenda Programs. IDDS supports select governments and their relevant ministries in the strengthening of their human and animal health diagnostic systems for infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The IDDS project has three key objectives:

• Improve the detection of diseases of public health importance and identification of AMR through an accessible, accurate, adaptable, timely and integrated diagnostic network
• Improve the quality of real-time surveillance systems for pathogens of greatest public health concern, including AMR and zoonotic diseases
• Generate evidence-based guidance and innovative solutions to strengthen in-country diagnostics and surveillance systems

  The work will focus primarily on public health systems but may also include private health and other non-governmental diagnostic facilities (laboratories and point-of-care facilities). The position will be based in Addis Ababa and will involve frequent in-country travel. Technical responsibilities include working with the IDDS diagnostics global and regional leadership, in-country partners, ICF (project prime), and USAID to implement agreed strategies to enhance diagnostic networks (both human and animal health and point-of-care facilities) in Ethiopia as well as the broader surveillance systems. Program coordination responsibilities include working with IDDS team, FHI 360 finance, operation and other stakeholders.

  Accountabilities:

  Technical Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for the implementation of technical assistance, diagnostic network and facilities strengthening and quality improvement interventions in line with joint external evaluation (JEE) reports, country national action plan, other assessment reports and country workplan activities aligned with JEE and local stakeholder improvement goals.
  • Responsible for implementing in-country diagnostic network enhancement activities which may include capacity building activities for core diagnostic components such as quality management systems, supply chain, management information systems and development of diagnostic SOPs and tools, ·
  • Closely work with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) to support other national stakeholders in developing or updating national diagnostic network strategic plans, SOPs and policies.
  • Monitors and reports progress with diagnostic network enhancement activities as per the approved country workplan.
  • Builds capacity in local diagnostic stakeholders and leaders to identify and oversee enhancements in diagnostic networks.
  • Conducts assessments of diagnostic facilities and leads the follow-up of corrective and preventive actions and quality improvement initiatives
  • Provides technical assistance and training to diagnostic facilities and the overall diagnostic network as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement programs.
  • Assists laboratories with preparing for accreditation through locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally accepted accreditation agencies based on country demand.
  • Provide technical assistance in the site refurbishment and Laboratory diagnostic equipment assessments

    Program coordination responsibilities

    The program coordination duties include the following.

    📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

    ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

    • Assist in the development of annual workplans and budget well activity budgets.
    • Monitor the project implementation and ensure project deliverables are achieved on a timely fashion.
    • Assist in the preparation of reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly annual) as well as review deliverables
    • Assist procurement in accordance with FHl360 and USAID regulations and procurement plans, including oversight of all bids and billing as appropriate.
    • Coordinate expense authorization (EA) for travel expense reports of staff and coordinating with finance staff to ensure timely submission of the EAs and Travel Expend Report (TERs).
    • Assist with the planning, logistics and the management of meetings, workshops/ trainings and be responsible for taking and disseminating the minutes of meetings.
    • Set up, maintain, and update the filing system to include project documents, including work plans, project reports, project updates and other her project-related documents.

      Applied Knowledge & Skills:

      • Sound knowledge and experience in clinical diagnostics (on-the-bench experience), diagnostic networks and quality management systems.
      • In-depth knowledge of the diagnostics for infectious diseases and anti-microbial resistance (AMR).
      • Awareness of the mechanisms and strategies that are being deployed under the Global Health Security Agenda and other similar mechanisms to combat emerging infectious threats and AMR
      • General understanding of the country environment and how it affects diagnostics network functioning.
      • Strong problem-solving skills.

        Competencies:

        There are 31 FHI 360 development competencies, of greatest focus for this particular job will be:

        • Project Management (Planning and Time Management) - Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks (sets objectives/goals/measures). Breaks down work into steps, schedules, task/people assignments. Marshals people, time, and resources efficiently. Arranges information in a useful manner and orchestrates multiple activities at once.
        • People Management (Making Others Great) – Facilitate professional development of staff by providing challenging, learning assignments and opportunities. Shares and solicits feedback monthly at the very least. Helps establish compelling development plans. Assigns responsibility and accountability for tasks/decisions. Monitors process, progress, and results. Creates a climate in which people want to do their best.
        • Creating and Managing Systems and Processes – Recognizes the need for standardization and balances client and organization need in systems design. Anticipates the effects of process change on people while optimizing task efficiency and simplicity.
        • Employees are expected to possess or have high potential for the development of these three fundamental competencies.

          Problem Solving & Impact:

          • Works on problems of moderate scope that require analysis or interpretation of various factors.
          • Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
          • Builds rapport with internal and external staff.
          • Decision may affect a work unit or area within a department.

            Supervision Given/Received:

            • Has no supervisory responsibility.
            • Receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new assignments or projects.
            • Typically reports to an Associate Director or Director.

              Education:

              • A minimum of a BSc in Clinical Laboratory Science and additional training in program management and supply chain management fields.

                Experience:

                • At least 5 years of experience in diagnostic strengthening and capacity building in the country.
                • Knowledge and experience in program coordination, logistic management
                • Knowledge and experience in laboratory equipment preventive maintenance
                • Knowledge and experience with strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards including against ISO 15189
                • Knowledge and experience laboratory supply chain management
                • Demonstrated program coordination experience

                  Typical Physical Demands:

                  • Typical office environment.
                  • Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
                  • Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.

                    Technology to be Used:

                    • Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

                      Travel Requirements:

                      • Up to 75% within the country

                        This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

                        FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

                        FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.
                        
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