Summary
Date Posted: Friday, July 14, 2023 , Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Job Description
The Regional Microbiologist / Laboratory Specialist will play a key role implementing the Fleming Fund’s approach to improving bacteriology in laboratories supported by the Fleming Fund in the East and Southern Africa (ESA) region. The grants programme seeks to improve national surveillance of antimicrobial resistance by improving laboratory services and engaging clinical staff in the planning, execution and use of diagnostic services.

The Regional Microbiologist / Laboratory Specialist will play a vital role in the Fleming Fund’s approach to improving AMR surveillance. The position holder will lead the Fleming Fund’s oversight of programme laboratory quality in the ESA region, covering supported countries including Uganda, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and others that may be added in future. The position holder will provide expert input and coordination in grant management as a member of the Regional Team supporting the end-to-end process of grant management: this includes developing requests for proposals, country visits and site assessments, evaluation of proposals, contributing to programme recommendations, and monitoring of grant implementation. The position holder will additionally guide and support the approach to training, continuing professional development, the Fellowship Scheme and clinical and practitioner engagement.

The position holder is expected to have an excellent working knowledge of medical bacteriology, laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, and laboratory quality management systems. They will work with grantees to ensure a consistently safe and high-quality laboratory improvement programme in line with the grant’s ToRs. They may also be required to provide support to other regions and work in partnership with their counterparts in each of the three other regional hubs. They will join a team which includes a One Health / veterinary specialist, with whom they will work closely to provide complementary technical input.

The role includes regular travel to countries within the region for on-site verification and partner liaison. The amount and type of travel is carefully considered in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and only undertaken following Mott MacDonald’s rigorous safety and security policies.

The Regional Microbiologist / Laboratory Specialist will report to the Regional Coordinator and work closely with the rest of the regional team, with the Lead Clinical Microbiologist, Laboratory Services Lead, and with members of the Core Technical Team.

Key responsibilities are:
• Technical leadership in the ESA Region Grants programme:
• Provide technical and strategic input into the rollout and monitoring of the country and Fleming Fellowship grants programme in the region.
• Contribute to the grant development process, including country visits, sites assessments, liaison with key country stakeholders, and conducting site assessments.
• Contribute to the technical review of funding applications and make recommendations for approval.
• Support countries in implementation of Fleming Fund Grants, including liaison with Government, UN agencies and other key stakeholders.
• Define roles for consultants and other technical assistance and assist in management and performance assessment.
• Evaluation of laboratory development, quality management, training and procurement plans
• Assist in interpretation of both AMR and AMU surveillance data
• Assist in monitoring grant performance and reviewing grantee reporting.
• Provide advice to grantees for problem solving and addressing technical challenges to delivery of grants.
• Support Regional Grants by assisting in monitoring the performance for the Fleming Fund’s multi-country Regional Grants being implemented in ESA.
• Assisting in procurement planning and central procurement.

Candidate Specification
Education:
Essential:
• Clinical and/or laboratory scientist with specialism in microbiology including significant experience in bacteriology.

Desirable:
• MSc in Biomedical Science, MSc in Medical Microbiology or related field
• Completion of higher specialist training or scientist training programme in microbiology
• PhD or equivalent qualification an asset.

Training:
Essential:
• Appropriate certification and levels of continual professional development.

Desirable:
• Relevant courses in management and/or technical fields such as epidemiology will be an asset

Experience:
Essential:
• History and track-record of providing technical advice to programmes, organisations or other institutions.
• Experience of quality assurance processes, biosafety and biosecurity standards, and LMIS.
• Significant experience working in low- and middle-income settings.
• Excellent practical laboratory experience in bacteriology, including in low-income settings.
• Demonstrated ability to work within teams in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Knowledge of different diagnostic techniques for bacterial pathogens.

Desirable:
• Experience in developing surveillance systems
• Research or professional interest in drug resistant bacteria
• Experience in surveillance for antimicrobial use at facility and/or national level.
• Working with a funding agency or similar organisation.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating programmes.
• Knowledge and networks in the region within the subject area.
• Demonstrated excellence in publications and/or a research track-record.

Key Skills:
Essential:
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to use evidence-based decision making
• Ability to work collaboratively: communicating, building relationships, and influencing effectively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders in a LMIC environment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Able to multi-task and maintain a critical overview of interrelated tasks, projects, and issues, ensuring delivery according to targets.
• Excellent written and oral English language skills.

Desirable:
• Proven technical writing skills in English.
• Excellent presentational skills, including at high-level conferences and policy fora.
• Ability to work in other language(s) would be considered an asset
• Experience of teaching and training and/or a relevant higher education qualification.


Job Experience: No Requirements

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months:

Level of Education: Postgraduate Degree

Job application procedure

Interested applicants click here to apply


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