U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation

Epidemiology and Laboratory Services Advisor - West Africa Region

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Last update: Mar 27, 2023 Last update: Mar 27, 2023

Details

Deadline: Mar 31, 2023 Deadline for applications has passed
Location: Ghana Ghana
Job type:Contract, 12 months +
Languages:
English, FrenchEnglish, French
Work experience: Min 5 years
Date posted:Mar 24, 2023
Expected starting date:Jun 15, 2023

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Description

*This is position is open to U.S. citizens or Legal permanent residents who have lived in the U.S. for the last three years and have experience working with CDC, PEPFAR or USAID*

Estimated Period of Performance: 6/15/2023 to 6/14/2028

Embassy Access and Security Level: Level 5

CRDF is seeking an Epidemiology and Laboratory Services Advisor for the Influenza Program, West Africa Region, Ghana who will enhance or establish systems for surveillance of influenza and other respiratory viruses of public health importance through sentinel programming.  The Advisor will assist CDC Influenza Program with implementation and monitoring of surveillance, support implementation of prevention and control programs for respiratory pathogens and provide technical assistance for countries associated with the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and members of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) network.

Responsibilities:

  • Assure optimal participation of countries in West Africa and Central Africa where CDC works, in the submission of specimens through the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) network
  • Support intra-agency collaborations that promote the successful implementation of programmatic goals and objectives (e.g., CDC Ghana, CDC headquarters initiatives and other CDC programs)
  • Conduct regular meetings and ad hoc communications with global, country, and local agencies to effectively facilitate the completion of programmatic and reporting goals and objectives, to include telephone, email, face-to-face meetings, and trainings
  • Coordinate with Noguchi Memorial Medical Research Institute to complete tasks assigned
  • Establish and maintain a point of contact in each MoH and/or National Lab in each West Africa and Central Africa country where CDC currently works. This can include additional countries where future work is planned.
  • Assess each MOH/Lab to determine their capability and their needs, encourage them to conduct influenza and other respiratory viruses of public health importance surveillance
  • Develop an action plan in English, French, or both languages for each country to prioritize the support that can be offered by CDC
  • Strengthen MOH technical capability through direct Technical Assistance for each MOH/Lab both on laboratory and epidemiology aspects
  • Organize regional collaboration among countries that will be supported by CDC to increase capacity of countries through training, networking, and information sharing of influenza methodologies
  • Organize or conduct regional trainings, e.g., epi surveillance training and lab/polymerase chain reaction (PCR) training
  • Serve as Flu Advisor on Global Health Security (GHS) initiatives associated with influenza and other respiratory viruses of public health importance (e.g., SARS-CoV2) surveillance and laboratory
  • Participate as member of Global Health Security team as subject matter expert on influenza laboratory and surveillance
  • Determine feasibility of CDC providing assistance in the event of an outbreak
  • Collectively with in-country actors/points of contacts determine need, identify resources available to fulfill need, and provide support as available and appropriate
  • Contribute to enhanced sentinel surveillance in Ghana thorough technical assistance in collaboration with Noguchi Institute
  • Strengthen the WHO/AFRO Influenza Lab Network in West Africa, Central Africa, and other African countries; support new NICs through cross-training national reference labs for base flu diagnostics
  • Provide outbreak response and support in the West Africa region with USG (CDC or USAID), FAO, and WHO/AFRO
  • Confirm reporting of seasonal, avian, and novel influenza reports to WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) and CDC Atlanta for West African and Central Africa countries and other African countries
  • Provide scientific and/or technical advice on cooperative agreements awarded by CDC’s Influenza Division

Qualifications

  • MD with specialized degree in virology
  • 5+ years of experience in health or public health program management
  • 5+ years of experience in animal and human influenza in an African setting
  • Ability to work independently, while seeking advice and support when necessary
  • Willingness & ability to converse with various groups using French and English languages
  • FSI Level 5 required in French and English language

Qualified Candidates:  To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must apply by the deadline of March 31, 2023.

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