Job Title: Public Health Specialist (Laboratory/Project Manager)
ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT (OR) APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR
RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.
The US Embassy is seeking an individual for the position of Public Health
Specialist (Laboratory/Project Manager) at the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
The Public Health Specialist (Laboratory/Project Manager) works under the
leadership of the Public Health Specialist (Laboratory Team Lead) as a senior
laboratory program advisor to programs under the President’s Emergency Plan for
AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The incumbent provides comprehensive technical,
administrative and managerial advice and assistance in support of building
laboratory capacity which includes surveillance, research and investigation
activities of host government ministries, International Organizations,
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and host ministry of health partners
involved in treatment of HIV/AIDS in country.
Job holder serves as a senior advisor to the host country Ministry of Health,
partners and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the implementation of
laboratory programs and activities.
Incumbent collaborates with host country senior scientists on the design of new
public health laboratory diagnostic approaches that are based on latest
research findings. Recommends procedural modifications as warranted to align
with investigative protocols. Make contacts with medical staff to provide
updated information on new laboratory protocols and procedures.
Monitors and evaluates progress of projects, identifying policy, organizational
and personnel, logistical, and financial problems and makes or recommends
revisions as necessary to overcome obstacles and constraints to progress.
Identifies training needs and participates in the development / implementation
of training courses for partner organizations.
These roles and responsibilities require, knowledge, as well public health
technical and leadership, negotiation, advocacy, constant and clear
communication with CDC, USG laboratory and other programs, MOHSW and other
laboratory implementing partners and stakeholders.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Management, Planning and Coordination 30%
Incumbent serves as principal coordinator for laboratory systems and services
within the host country and is responsible for planning and implementation of
capacity building of all laboratories to ensure consistency of results. In
general, reviews individual laboratory procedures, weighing against accepted
protocols and develops programs to ensure consistency. Job holder participates
in developing and reviews of major initiatives including planning and writing
the laboratory portion of Country Operational Plan (COP) each year and review
of all cooperative agreements that require research and diagnosis of HIV/AIDS,
STD, AI, TB, malaria and emerging diseases in laboratories throughout the host
country. Work with Counseling & Testing, Care and Treatment, Prevention and
Strategic Information colleagues to ensure that programs are working together
to complement support and capacity building.
Job holder represents CDC Tanzania Laboratory Support Program at Public health,
technical, policy and strategic planning meetings with collaborators. Provides
guidance and direction to grantees, program collaborators and contractors on
management and implementation of activities to ensure consistent with PEPFAR
and international policies and guidance.
Incumbent serves as a member and advisor on the USG technical working group for
strengthening linkages and coordination of laboratory service improvement
activities within USG PEPFAR programs and at national level. Participate in the
development of protocols for evaluation of the quality of laboratory services
and recommends improvement strategies following results.
Represent CDC Tanzania in national and international meetings and workshops,
and works in collaboration with NHLQATC and other laboratory cooperative agreement
partners to writes abstracts for presentation in national and international
forums.
Technical Assistance and Oversight/Capacity Development 30%
Provides technical assistance and oversight to the MOHSW, NHLQATC and other
partners in the implementation of laboratory capacity building activities,
including validation of clinical molecular assays (using PCR, DNA sequencing
and other modern molecular analysis techniques), evaluation of all proposals
for testing programs and Public Health Evaluation (PHE) projects of PEPFAR
partners, ensuring that human subjects requirements are being met, protocols
are being followed appropriately and recommends amendments/approval to
supervisor. The annual budget for external laboratory programs in Tanzania in
fiscal year 2013 is $7.25 million.
Assesses national referral and regional laboratory capacity to support
surveillance and diagnostics for HIV/AIDS and HIV-related risk behaviors, STI,
TB and other opportunistic infections (OIs) as well as international emerging
infections. Develops strategies to strengthen capacities and capabilities based
on assessment findings. Introduces new diagnostic technology as it becomes
available. Develops training plans and ensures competent instructors to provide
training for personnel at laboratories for which responsible.
Plans, oversees and coordinates cooperative agreements with the host government
for activities in areas of laboratory diagnostics, including the establishment
and maintenance of a national quality assurance system. Institutes Quality
Assurance (QA) programs, including internal and external quality control
standards. Works with host government to support accreditation process of
laboratories that have been targeted for that process.
Develops standards to enhance capacities of regional and referral hospital
laboratories and to support surveillance for HIV, STD, TB, AI and malaria.
Standardizes testing protocols for diagnostics and surveillance. Develops and
updates national guidelines for laboratory systems at all levels of operation.
Designs safety and anti-contamination strategies according to international
standards.
Independently plans, summarize in reports on laboratory assessments and
operational research studies for presentations at national and international meetings
on HIV/AIDS prevention/care. Translates and verifies translations of protocols
and other documents from and to English and host country language. Assists in
standardization of lab equipment and maintenance assistance and provides
technical specifications for procurement of essential laboratory equipment and
supplies. Provides technical assistance on the architectural, structural,
security and biohazard design aspects of on-going work related to laboratory
renovation and establishment of new laboratories. Ensures proper budgeting of
all national referral and regional laboratory activities supported by PEPFAR.
Ensures validity of data and authorizes entry in appropriate data base.
Serves as activity manager and main point of contact for Laboratory branch
cooperative agreements and contracts. Once cooperative agreement is in place,
oversees performance of cooperating partners/contractors, carries out technical
reviews, reviews progress, identifies potential issues and informs supervisor,
recommending actions for amelioration. Facilitates procurement of equipment and
supplies to enhance laboratories operating within the host country. Provides
guidance to laboratories requisitioning equipment and supplies on the
international market. Works with host country to develop forecasting capacity
for laboratory commodities.
II. Management
25%
Maintains effective liaisons with program officers and partner staff to ensure
that partners meet monitoring requirements for supported cooperative agreement
activities (e.g., quarterly reports, continuation applications, and
supplemental applications). Reviews cooperative agreement narrative and
financial reports to assess progress in meeting stated objectives and the
status of expenditures in relation to planned budgets.
Conducts site visits to assess progress of partner organizations in meeting
program objectives. Analyzes and evaluates program activities and writes
reports and abstracts on findings for presentation at national and
international conferences and meetings. Provides guidance and technical
assistance to partners in analyzing and evaluating program activities and
developing reports and presentations for conferences and meetings.
III. Interagency Coordination 15%
As in-country expert on matters pertaining to testing and operations of a
variety of laboratories located within Tanzania, job holder represents
CDC/Tanzania at technical, policy and strategic planning meetings, including
meetings with collaborators and donor agencies. Briefs agency officials on the
results of such meetings and prepares written reports for submission to other
interest parties.
Represents the agency in discussing and developing financial commitment
proposals for laboratory programs at administrative and strategic planning
meetings. This includes all USG PEPFAR implementing agencies (Departments of
State, Defence, Health and Human Services (including Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health), USAID, and Peace
Corps).
Participates in internal and interagency technical working groups to ensure
adherence to internationally accepted/directed standards for laboratories
within the host country.
Note: Incumbent will be required to perform other duties as assigned by the
agency.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with
specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.
Education: Bachelor’s level degree in Applied Biology (Molecular Biology),
Medical Laboratory Technology or related science (medicine, biology,
microbiology or chemistry) is required.
Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five years working in a laboratory setting,
either HIV/AIDS health care, national reference or laboratory, or
research-oriented facility is required. Three additional years of supervisory
/managerial experience is required.
Post Entry Training: Attendance at conferences and workshops addressing
laboratory practice including HIV conferences and workshops. Agency-specific
leadership and development and grants/cooperative agreements management
training are required.
Language proficiency: Level IV (fluent) in English and in Kiswahili (writing,
reading and speaking) are required. The incumbent must have accomplished
writing and oral skills.
Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge and experience in advanced laboratory
techniques is required including comprehensive knowledge of procedures for
laboratory diagnostics and associated technologies. Thorough public health
knowledge of current HIV/AIDS, as well as opportunistic infections issues is
required. Good working knowledge of the principles of laboratory management
including strategic planning, personnel, forecasting and management of
procurement, supplies and equipment.
Comprehensive knowledge of the host government laboratory facilities, health
care system and structures including familiarity with MOH policies, program
priorities and regulations is required. Good working knowledge of USG public
health programs, strategies, methods, processes and techniques used to plan,
develop, implement and evaluate results is required.
Good working knowledge of team management techniques to plan, organize and
direct multi-disciplinary project teams and activities and overall
administrative requirements, budgeting and fiscal management in support of
contracts/cooperative agreements/grants/purchase requisitions is required.
Skills and Abilities: Strong oral and written communications skills are
required. Ability to analyze, understand and discuss program design, management
and implementation approaches is required. This includes the development of
evaluation designs, use of reliable and valid instruments, and methods for data
collection, analysis and reports. Ability to lead project teams and workgroups
and to develop effective working relationships with national and international
working partners is required.
The incumbent will be expected to exercise considerable ingenuity and tact in
applying guidelines to unique and different settings, as the work is highly complex
and can be threatening to stakeholders. Considerable innovation will be
required to influence other collaborative organizations engaged in laboratory
programs to adopt appropriate strategies for their program activities and to
work with partners on national strategic planning for laboratory programs.
Intermediate user level of word processing, spreadsheets and databases is
required.
SELECTION PROCESS
When fully qualified, US Citizen Eligible Family Members (USEFMs) and US
Veterans are given preference. Therefore, it is essential that the candidate
specifically address the required qualifications above in the application.
ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA
1. Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and
residency status in determining successful candidacy.
TO APPLY
Interested candidates for this position must submit the following for
consideration of the application:
Universal Application for Employment as a Locally Employed Staff or Family
Member (DS-174). A hard copy of the application form (DS-174) is also available
at the American Embassy, gate 3; or
A combination of both; i.e. Sections 1 -24 of the UAE along with a listing of
the applicant’s work experience attached as a separate sheet; or
A current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information found
on the UAE (see section 3A below for more information); plus
Candidates who claim US Veterans preference must provide a copy of their Form
DD-214 with their application. Candidates who claim conditional US Veterans
preference must submit documentation confirming eligibility for a conditional
preference in hiring with their application.
Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards) that addresses the
qualification requirements of the position as listed above.
3A. If an applicant is submitting a resume or curriculum vitae, s/he must
provide the following information equal to what is found on the UAE.
Failure to do so will result in an incomplete application.
A. Position Title
B. Position Grade
C. Vacancy Announcement Number (if known)
D. Dates Available for Work
E. First, Middle, & Last Names as well as any other names used
F. Date and Place of Birth
G. Current Address, Day, Evening, and Cell phone numbers
H. U.S. Citizenship Status (Yes or No) & status of permanent U.S. Resident
(Yes or No; if yes, provide number)
I. U.S. Social Security Number and/or Identification Number
J. Eligibility to work in the country (Yes or No)
K. Special Accommodations the Mission needs to provide
L. If applying for position that includes driving a U.S. Government vehicle,
Driver’s License Class / Type
M. Days available to work
N. List any relatives or members of your household that work for the U.S.
Government (include their Name, Relationship, & Agency, Position, Location)
O. U.S. Eligible Family Member and Veterans Hiring Preference
P. Education
Q. License, Skills, Training, Membership, & Recognition
R. Language Skills
S. Work Experience
T. References
SUBMIT APPLICATION TO
American Embassy
Human Resources Office
P.O. Box 9123
Dar es Salaam
POINT OF CONTACT
Telephone: 229 4000, Ext: 4137/4148/4233/4024
Fax: 2294726
CLOSING DATE OF THE POSITION: January 22, 2013
The US Mission in Tanzania provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable
treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color religion,
sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status,
or sexual orientation. The Department of State also strives to achieve equal
employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity
enhancement programs.
The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they
have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political
affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the
appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices,
and/or courts for relief.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted