Senior Laboratory Advisor - Malaria

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is seeking a Senior Malaria Specialist - Diagnostics (SMSD) for a potential USAID-funded new malaria activity in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that aims to support stronger, more resilient health systems at all levels; save lives; decrease morbidity and disability; and increase the potential of women, newborns, children, families, and communities to thrive. This future activity will support DRC Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) priorities to advance universal health care coverage; complement other donor investments; leverage previous health and other US Government (USG) investments; build on evidence-based practices to achieve and sustain health outcomes; and mitigate the need for humanitarian assistance.

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is a global health nonprofit that makes foundational changes to health systems to protect people from diseases and improve their health. MSH collaborates with local partners, from the Ministry to the community, to strengthen and complement existing health systems. Since 1971, MSH has worked in more than 150 countries to help ensure sustainable, resilient, and equitable access to quality health care around the globe.

This position is subject to project award and funding.

QUALIFICATIONS

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES

The SMSD will provide technical support and strategic direction for strengthening malaria laboratory practices (both microscopy and rapid diagnostic test - RDT). The SMSD with guidance and support of the Technical Director (TD), will support the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of initiatives to improve and increase access to quality parasite-based diagnosis to improve quality of malaria case management, work with the DRC MOH, Health Laboratory Directorate and supported Provincial Health Directorates,work with other Project staff and the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) team to improve quality of parasite-based diagnosis and also increase access to quality malaria diagnostic testing.

This position is subject to project award and funding.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop activity plans for malaria parasite-based diagnosis based on the annual work plan

• Develop Terms of Referencefor implementation of parasitological diagnosis of malariaacross nine PMI-supported provinces
• Develop concept notes for the implementation of a diagnosis quality assurance system (microscopy and RDT)
• Support the mapping and engagement of stakeholders for the development of a framework for diagnostics quality assurance
• Support the establishment of quality assurance system across all supported provinces
• Participate in program technical review activities at national and provincial levels

Serve as focal point for the implementation of parasitological based diagnosis of malaria

• Support the TDin planning activities on malaria diagnosis at the national and provincial levels
• Participate in the panel selection of diagnostic advisors working in the 9 supported provinces.
• Review field reports on malaria diagnosis activities and make appropriate recommendations to the TD
• Technical support for roll-out of activities related to malaria diagnosis at national and provincial levels
• Support the development and roll out of a mentoring and supportive supervision programs and External Quality Assurance (EQA) activities at all levels of the health system, and in each province as it relates to malaria diagnostics
• Collaborate with Surveillance Monitoring and Evaluation Team to collate data from diagnostic activities at the provincial level
• Contribute to technical content of messages development by the Social Behavior Change partner to create demand for quality diagnosis and case management
• Attend technical meetings and represent the Project at national level

Support the development of tools, standard operating procedures and training materials for malaria diagnosis

• Support processes for development and review of tools for malaria diagnosis at NMCP
• Participate in technical meetings and workshops hosted by NMCP and other key partners to improve malaria parasite diagnosis and in particular PMI
• Review and make inputs into technical documents developed to improve malaria diagnosis and case management
• Participate in development and updating of training materials on malaria diagnosis
• Support for any malaria diagnostics implementation/operation research conducted by the NMCP and partners
• Design and pretest tools for malaria diagnosis (microscopy & RDTs) quality assurance activities
• Support and/or facilitate training on parasite-based diagnosis at all levels of implementation
• Provide programmatic support to the TD on conduct of Therapeutic Efficacy Studies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required: Minimum of bachelor's and 3-5 years, or master's and 0-2 years of relevant work experience in supporting lab network for Malaria, or other diseases under HSS projects activities in low-resource settings.

Preferred: Master's in public health or in medical laboratory sciences or equivalent, with a least 10 years of work experience in a medical diagnostic laboratory with formal training in laboratory and diagnostic, epidemiology assessment, public health, or related discipline. Minimum of 7 years of senior-level experience implementing malaria diagnostic activities/projects with demonstrated success in achieving results. USAID experience preferred. Familiarity with the structure, systems, and policies of the health sector in DRC, particularly the Directorate of Health Laboratories, the Directorates of Provincial Health, and the NMCP. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with senior-level colleagues, particularly interacting productively, proactively, and comfortably with government agencies, NGOs, private sector groups, USAID/PMI, and other donor organizations. Track record of strong commitment to sharing knowledge, documenting experiences, supporting creative initiatives, and sharing credit. Must have proven experience supervising and mentoring technical staff for similar health projects. Experience in operational research and/or producing high-quality deliverables such as publications and reports is a plus. Energetic, forward thinking, independent, creative person with intellectual depth and high ethical standards. Demonstrated intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office applications Fluency in French and strong English language skills. Demonstrated strong writing and oral presentation skills in English.

Local nationals of DRC are encouraged to apply.

Applications are only accepted online.

MSH is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, religion, creed, citizenship, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability unrelated to job requirements. MSH will take affirmative action to ensure that qualified applicants are employed and that employees are treated without regard to their race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran and disability status. In compliance with U.S. Department of Labor Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Section 4212 of the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act, MSH has developed and maintains an affirmative action program and plan.

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