Malaria Associate

Position/Title: Malaria Associate
Base Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Length of position: One year, extendable based on performance and funding
Reports to: Program Manager

Background

The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), operating through the Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation in Vietnam, is a trusted advisor to governments worldwide, helping them transform the way they provide health services. In Vietnam, CHAI works with a number of departments in the Ministry of Health to help reach national HIV, TB, and malaria targets. Established in Vietnam in 2006, CHAI has emphasized a sustainable and integrative approach to health systems strengthening premised on a close partnership with government to build national capacity.

CHAI’s team in Vietnam consists of a dynamic core of 10 staff in addition to resources available at the regional and global levels. CHAI is now seeking for a Vietnamese national to fill a Malaria Associate position for the Vietnam Office. 

Description

The Malaria Associate will support the acceleration of Vietnam’s drive towards malaria elimination. As a core member of the Clinton Health Access Initiative’s (CHAI) country team in Vietnam, the Malaria Associate will provide effective day-to-day support to the National Institute of Malariology, Parsitology, and Entomology (NIMPE) of the Ministry of Health (MOH) in optimizing current strategies and developing and executing new strategies and interventions to eliminate malaria.

The Malaria Associate must be a highly motivated, entrepreneurial individual with outstanding problem-solving, managerial, analytical, and communication skills.  The Associate must be able to function independently and flexibly and have a strong commitment to excellence.  The position will be based in Hanoi, Vietnam, with travel within the country expected. 

This position reports to the CHAI Program Manager in Vietnam.

Main Responsibilities

• Support NIMPE on the reorientation of their program towards elimination, specific activities may include:
  
  • Updating guidelines, policies, and plans to align with global elimination recommendations
  • Developing operational plans and associated training materials to build government capacity and support effective execution of malaria program

• Assist NIMPE identify potential sources for and mobilization of additional funding to address any potential gaps preventing robust implementation of national malaria strategic plan
• Support NIMPE’s implementation of national case management guidelines at all registered public and private health facilities to support accurate and prompt diagnoses and treatment of all suspected malaria cases
• Collaborate with NIMPE to support rapid and accurate reporting of malaria data from health facilities and community health care workers and that all data is appropriately stored and managed to ensure a rapid and effective response
• Identify key impediments to the successful execution of the malaria elimination strategy and other national guidelines and work with the NIMPE and partners to develop solutions to rapidly address these bottlenecks
• Explore the utilization of new tools and interventions to eliminate malaria and develop operational plans and other materials to support the implementation of these tools
• Collaborate with NIMPE and partner organizations to design and implement operational research projects to identify improved approaches that will help optimize malaria elimination interventions
• Support all CHAI staff working in collaboration with the NIMPE and partner organizations on malaria elimination in Vietnam.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus 3 - 5 years of work experience
• Exceptional problem solving skills and quantitative and qualitative analytical capabilities
• Strong written and oral English and Vietnamese communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships in a challenging multicultural environment
• Ability to manage numerous work streams simultaneously
• Ability to multi-task and to be effective in high-pressure situations
• Ability to work independently on large, demanding projects
• Proficient in Excel, Powerpoint, and Word

Advantages:

• Advanced degree in public health or business
• Experience working with geographic information systems
• Experience developing database systems and using statistical software for data analysis
• Experience living and working in Southeast Asia, including as a native of the region
• Experience working with Asian governments and institutions
• Experience in working with malaria and/or other infectious diseases

A one-page cover letter should specify the position sought and highlight why the candidate believes they are the right person for the position. A CV detailing professional experience, relevant qualifications and three reference contacts should be provided. Interested candidates should send materials to [email protected]. Indicate position sought in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive, but must be received by 15 September 2016. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.