Job Description
The Technical Specialist, Malaria will provide strategy, technical assistance, and implementation oversight for project activities related to pediatric malaria, for a USAID-funded project to improve capacity, to properly diagnose, manage, and treat cases of pediatric Severe Febrile Illness. Acknowledging that most cases of severe febrile illness are diagnosed as malaria, the Technical Specialist will focus on activities related to building capacity of child health providers to improve diagnosis of pediatric malaria with regards to severe febrile illness, and increase child health provider’s abilities in case management and treatment concerning pediatric malaria. The Technical Specialist will also provide technical assistance to increase the correct use of Rapid-Diagnostic Tests (RDT) for pediatric malaria, the use of anti-malarial medications for treatment, and other malaria resources for treatment and prevention (such as ITNs). Previous experience managing projects related to malaria and child health, as well as managing malaria commodity procurements and supply chains, is highly desirable. Since this project will focus on the Lake Zone of Tanzania, the Technical Specialist will be based at the project’s office in this region. Thereby, the Technical Specialist will need to successfully collaborate with NGOs, FBOs, Donor agency offices, health offices, and health facilities in the Lake Zone, along with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW), the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP), USAID-Tanzania and other organizations working on malaria issues.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Increase the capacity of child health providers with standardized skills in case management for pediatric malaria
- Improve knowledge and use of malaria RDT and other diagnostic services regarding pediatric malaria
- Help establish a functional referral system for pediatric malaria treatment and diagnosis in the Lake Zone.
- Work with Tanzania government offices, USAID malaria programs (most notably the Presidential Malaria Initiative (PMI) and other local and donor supported malaria programs to develop behavior change messages concerning pediatric malaria prevention and treatment.
- Work with the NMCP, MOHSW, and other relevant stakeholders to review antimalarial medications or antibiotics where referral is not possible, and work to improve access to these medications and antibiotics for health facilities in the Lake Zone.
- Develop better capacity in logistics and supply chain operations to ensure availability of key supplies and commodities regarding malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are available (including RDTs, ACTs, drugs for pre-referral and management of severe malaria, and first line antibiotics).
- Provide support for complementary strategies to enhance the rollout of the malaria programs in the Lake Zone region, particularly programs related to PMI activities.
- Work with partners to provide behavior change communication messages regarding malaria diagnosis, prevention, and treatment
- Work with the project’s monitoring and evaluation team to develop and analyze indicators related to pediatric malaria in the Lake Zone.
Skills/Knowledge Required:
- Master Degree with 8-10 years of experience, or MD/PhD with 5 years of experience in public health or related field.
- Strong knowledge of pediatric malaria diagnosis and treatment within the Tanzania health system context, including current case management of pediatric malaria
- Understanding of various malaria commodities used in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pediatric malaria
- Demonstrated ability to work both as a member of a team and as a team leader, with the ability to accept the inputs of other team members. This also may include working on teams comprised of members from other local and national organizations.
- Strong project management and planning skills.
- Demonstrates leadership and team work and produces high quality work in a timely, cost effective manner and has excellent writing skills.
- Knowledge of health commodity supply chain operations in Tanzania is a plus.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal communication and computer skills.
- Experience with USAID and donor projects regarding malaria activites, particularly PMI, is highly desirable.
- English language proficiency, abilities in Kiswahili are advantageous
This position is contingent on successful award of a proposal.
To Apply: Candidates are invited to apply by sending their current CV and a Letter of Interest that describes their technical qualifications, their specific areas of expertise, and their availability for full-time employment, to the following email address:
Abt Associates is an AA/EO employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits.
