Management Sciences for Health is currently seeking 01 (one) Senior Program Associate for Laboratory Services for its Strengthening Pharmaceutical Systems (SPS) Project. MSH is a U.S. based NGO whose mission is saving lives and improving the health of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health.
I. OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Senior Program Associate for Laboratory Services provides the leadership and on-going technical assistance for the laboratory systems strengthening initiatives being conducted by the Strengthening Pharmaceutical Systems (SPS) program in Vietnam. Currently, SPS is assisting the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) of the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the laboratory services to implement the national PMDT guidelines, through the development and implementation of a pilot referral, reporting and transport system for specimens for Tuberculosis (TB) culture and identification of drug-resistant TB. S/he also serves as the SPS laboratory liaison to the NTP and national stakeholders and partners responsible for TB control and/or laboratory systems strengthening in Vietnam, in order to ensure effective local coordination, collaboration, and communication.
II. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Act as the SPS primary liaison with the Ministry of Health (MOH), NTP, USAID/Vietnam and other stakeholders and technical assistance partners for all SPS/MOH/NTP collaborative laboratory systems strengthening activities.
2. Facilitate the National TB Control Program and related laboratory services to develop a policy, and guidelines for implementing a referral, reporting and transport system for specimens for TB culture and identification of drug-resistant TB.
3. Work with MOH, USAID and the NTP to select initial pilot project sites and collect baseline data from these sites relating to current number of TB specimens referred, number of MDR-TB cases identified and numbers started on 2nd line drug treatment.
4. Review with the NTP, the current PMDT guidelines relating to the identification and management of MDR-TB and discuss/agree on how the development and implementation of a specimen referral system can assist their efforts to implement these guidelines.
5. Document how the pilot sites are currently implementing the PMDT guidelines; identify gaps and need for change/improvements and capacity building.
6. Draw up criteria for specimen referral and SOPs for implementation of guidelines relating to TB specimen referral and reporting of results
7. Orient pilot sites and referral labs on the proposed referral system and provide appropriate capacity building of clinical, public health and laboratory staff to enable them to implement the referral system.
8. Work with NTP and other stakeholders to set up and implement the pilot system for specimen collection, storage, transport, delivery, results, and feedback to patients and treatment based on results.
9. Collect and analyze quarterly post-implementation data and compare with baseline.
10. Coordinate with SCMS and other MSH projects working in TB and/or Lab and with the TBCARE 1 project (under KNCV) to ensure a harmonized approach to all activities.
11. Coordinate with and keep the MSH Country Director informed concerning work plans and project implementation as well as issues that might arise with USAID or the Government of Vietnam
12. Provide regular progress reports to the SPS/Vietnam Program Manager on all activities and prepare briefs/reports to USAID/Vietnam and partners as requested.
13. Perform other duties as assigned.
III. QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Bachelor of Science degree or Medical degree, plus a higher degree in biomedical science, microbiology, public health or relevant related field, essential.
2. At least 3 years’ post-qualification, practical experience in TB control, including MDR-TB, and TB laboratory management.
3. Understanding and working knowledge of the role of the laboratory in TB prevention, care and treatment, TB/HIV, and Programmatic Management of Drug-resistant TB (PMDT)
4. Knowledge and understanding of both traditional and new TB diagnostic technologies, required for the scale-up of TB diagnosis and PMDT.
5. Knowledge of and demonstrated experience in capacity building, supervision, monitoring, and evaluation of clinical, public health and laboratory staff.
6. Demonstrated managerial and organizational skills in a developmental setting with flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
7. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to effectively communicate program objectives, progress, and challenges and to successfully develop creative and strategic solutions to achieve common goals.
8. Experience with USAID-supported projects preferred, including experience developing work plans and budgets.
9. Strong organizational, administrative and both written and oral communications skills.
10. Proficiency in English, including reading, writing, and speaking skills, with ability to write lucid technical reports and documents in English is required.
11. Computer literacy; competency with Microsoft Office, data management, internet and email systems.
12. Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with colleagues and partners.
13. Ability to travel within Vietnam up to 30% time as needed.
Management Sciences for Health is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental handicap, or status as a disabled or Vietnam Era veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
To apply for this position (deadline: 22 January 2011), please send cover letter and CV via email, fax or regular mail to:
MSH/SPS Project – Senior Program Associate for Laboratory Services position
25 Bui Thi Xuan
Hanoi, Vietnam
Fax: + 84 4 3 945-4563
Email [email protected] [1]
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.