About US:
The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) is an international non-profit organization which is a partnership of infectious diseases and public health specialists. The overall objective of the IDI is to strengthen health systems with strong emphasis on Infectious Diseases, through Research and Capacity Development. IDI has five operational areas through which it works to achieve its mission: Prevention, Care and Treatment; Training, Research and Laboratory services (provided through a partnership with the Makerere University – John Hopkins University Core Lab) and Outreach.
About CDC Project:
The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) has received funding from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to implement a 5 year project “Global Health Security Partner Engagement: Expanding Efforts and Strategies to Protect and Improve Public Health Globally.” CDC under Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) seeks to accelerate progress toward a world safe and secure from infectious disease threats and to promote global health security as an international security priority in three key areas:
· Preventing and reducing the likelihood of outbreaks —natural, accidental, or intentional.
· Detecting threats early saves lives.
· Rapid, effective response requires multi-sectoral, international coordination and communication.
Job Summary: The Project Officer will serve as the IDI focal person at CPHL and will work closely with the Project team support CPHL in coordination of GHSA activities. In addition, the incumbent will support the MOH and its partners in the implementation of programs and activities to meet key International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) requirements / through implementation of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA). This will include coordinating efforts to build capacities to prevent avoidable epidemics, detect threats early and respond rapidly and effectively to the threats.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
· In charge of coordinating project efforts to support to MOH and its partners to strengthen systems for/ or that contribute to the:
o Prevention/reduction of the emergence and spread of antimicrobial drug resistant organisms;
o In charge of the development of the Govemment national biosafety and biosecurity system;
o Strengthening laboratory systems for improved detection, differentiation, and characterization of pathogens; including Emerging Infectious Diseases;
o In charge of the development of real-time and GHSA reporting mechanisms to ensure effective and rapid response to the health threats;
· Participating in the development of epidemic outbreak surge capacity at national, regional, district, facility and community levels
· Work in liaison with MOH, CPHL leadership and management structures, liaise with the necessary agencies and organs to ensure alignment of project activities to government structures and policies; such as data collection tools, electronic laboratory information management systems, training programs and materials etc.
· Assist in convening of stakeholder meetings/workshops and compilation of workshop reports
· The incumbent will be based at CPHL and will provide routine updates on project activities involving CPHL to CPHL Management
· Prepare and submit regular progress reports as required by the project guidelines through the Head CPHL
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
· The ideal candidate should hold a Bachelor’s degree in a Laboratory related Health Science from a recognized university. Additional qualifications: Master’s degree in Medical Microbiology, Public health, Medical Laboratory Science, Project Planning and Management, or similar field will be an added advantage.
· Additional training and mentorship of Health Care workers in Quality Management Systems
· Experience in setting up national networks and systems related to communicable disease control, laboratory services, surveillance, epidemiology, emergence or disaster response and other related public health activities.
· Familiarity with the IHR, IDSR, Biosafety and Biosecurity, AMR, national laboratory network and the goals of GHSA
· Demonstrated ability to engage key government ministries and a large number of stakeholders drawn from different sectors
· Participation in a Viral Haemorragic Fever ((VHF) outbreak investigation and response in or outside Uganda will be an added advantage
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should hand deliver an application letter with a detailed CV, naming at least two professional referees to:
The Human Resources Manager,
Infectious Diseases Institute,
P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
E-mail to: hr@idi.co.ug
NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Deadline: 21st December, 2015 by 5:00 PM