Infectious Disease Implementation Science and Best Practice Lead

Job Description

Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) is a five-year United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded project with the following overall objectives: (1) Improve the detection of diseases of public health importance and identification of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in priority infectious diseases including Tuberculosis (TB) through an accessible, accurate, adaptable, timely, and integrated diagnostic network system; (2) Improve the quality of real-time surveillance systems for pathogens of greatest public health concern, including AMR and zoonotic diseases, and; (3) Generate evidence-based guidance and innovative solutions to strengthen in-country diagnostic networks and surveillance systems.

Job description:

IDDS supports TB diagnostic network strengthening directly in a number of countries through field support (Bangladesh, Burma, Cambodia, India, Vietnam, Zimbabwe) and through core funding. Through this work, IDDS is implementing USAID’s Global TB Accelerator technical and innovative project approaches, and WHO-recommended policies aligned with Stop TB partnership strategies. IDDS activities will enhance the impact of TB support provided by the Global Fund and other donor support to high TB burden countries to achieve the UN high level meeting targets. IDDS ensures technical consistency in implementation across countries and sustainably builds the capacity of country stakeholders to scale-up technical approaches.

Under Core TB, IDDS focuses on activities to achieve these key results:

• Improve the case detection of TB, DR, and MDR-TB

• Increase access to, and quality of, second line anti-TB drug resistance testing

• Support for biosafety and safe working practices in TB diagnostics

• Provide technical leadership in TB diagnostic systems

ICF is seeking an Implementation Science and Best Practice Lead to be responsible for leading the generation and sharing of best practice guidance and models; application of implementation science research methodologies as well as coordination with other project team members and partners involved in TB and drug resistant (DRTB) diagnostics at the global level and in designated countries. This position reports to the IDDS TB Strategic Lead based in Rockville, MD, USA.

Responsibilities:

The Implementation Science and Best Practice Lead has the following responsibilities:

• Provide high-level technical assistance for TB diagnostics related implementation research, analysis, and documentation of critical evidence creation
• Assist with the generation, analysis and reporting of implementation research and studies in TB diagnostics in IDDS focal countries
• Document best practices, guidance and models and disseminate through an existing project or partner portal.
• Convene the IDDS TB technical working group across the consortium of partners and lead the implementation of activities and interventions to achieve IDDS TB goals.
• Drawing on expertise and experience of each partner identify topics and sub-groups relevant for the core TB scope of work (SOW) and other in-country supported activities.
• Support the publication and presentation of implementation research best practices and models in national and international forums.
• Develop and convene technical webinars and other information sharing mechanisms to a wide-ranging audience of both internal (IDDS) and external audiences.
• Deploy technical assistance (TA) in TB diagnostics to USAID priority countries as needed
• Collaboratively and coordinate with subject matter experts and partners on TB and DRTB diagnosis.

Supervision:

• Plays a coaching and mentoring role for other IDDS staff at country and HQ level

Activities will be directed by USAID Washington and carried out in coordination with USAID Missions, Ministries of Health (National TB Control Programs and National TB Reference Laboratories), other relevant technical partners (USAID or non-USAID) and the Global Fund.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in public health, international development, or related field
• 5+ years of experience demonstrating strong research and analytical skills and the ability to use data for decision making in support of international health programs.
• 2+ years of experience curating and disseminating evidence and best practices
• Proven knowledge and experience in the conduct of research and evaluation studies
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Strong presentation skills
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills in facilitation and stakeholder engagement/coordination
• Willingness and ability to travel a minimum of 35% internationally and other travel as needed (temporally remote work, post-COVID travel in line with public health guidelines)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous infectious disease detection experience in Asia or Sub-Saharan Africa

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About the Organization

Working at ICF

Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to benefit people, businesses, and governments around the globe. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth. ICF—together for tomorrow.

About ICF

ICF (NASDAQ:ICFI) is a global consulting and technology services provider with more than 5,000 professionals focused on making big things possible for our clients. We are business analysts, policy specialists, technologists, researchers, digital strategists, social scientists and creatives. Since 1969, government and commercial clients have worked with ICF to overcome their toughest challenges on issues that matter profoundly to their success. Come engage with us at icf.com.

ICF offers an excellent benefits package, an award winning talent development program, and fosters a highly skilled, energized and empowered workforce.

ICF is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. (EOE – Minorities/Females/ Protected Veterans Status/Disability Status/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity)

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