Job Opportunity at Abt Associates, Malaria Entomology and Vector Control Officer

Job Description

Organization Overview

Abt Associates (Abt) is a mission-driven global leader in research, evaluation and program implementation in the fields of international development, health, and social and environmental policy. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt is regularly ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms and one of the top 40 international development innovators. The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in more than 40 countries. Serving both the public and private sectors, Abt supports participatory governance processes that empower citizens and promote accountability and transparency across sectors. Our impact is felt in responsive and inclusive institutions, empowered communities, equitable access to public services, improved mobilization and management of financial resources, and enhanced enabling environments for economic growth and opportunity.

Opportunity

The anticipated Tanzania Malaria Case Management and Surveillance Activity, a five-year Cooperative Agreement, seeks to reduce the burden of malaria and move towards the long-term goal of malaria elimination. This activity will focus on malaria case management, quality improvement for malaria in pregnancy, malaria surveillance, entomological monitoring, and drug efficacy monitoring, targeting pregnant women and children under five in the Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

The Malaria Entomology and Vector Control Officer  will work in close collaboration with the COP and technical staff of the program to provide strategic input on issues related to improving routine malaria surveillance and, in situations where applicable, working with the GOT to institute state of the art, rapid malaria case detection and response capabilities. The Malaria Surveillance and Epidemiology Officer will provide input into all TMCM reports related to malaria surveillance and response activities.

Specific duties and responsibilities include the following:

• In collaboration with project leadership and country stakeholders, identify and implement strategies to assist and build the capacity of the Government of Tanzania (GOT) and local organizations in conducting entomological monitoring including community-based entomology activities.
• Collaborate with local organizations that conduct entomological monitoring to provide technical assistance and build their capacity in translating study results into clear communications and advocacy for government agencies and policy makers.
• Provide guidance to GOT and local organizations to ensure that all entomological monitoring activities adhere to WHO protocols and tools.
• Remain apprised of the most current WHO recommendations for insecticides and ensure the NMCP and ZAMEP are continuously updated
• In collaboration with NMCP and NAMEP, design and implement capacity building efforts to strengthen entomological monitoring competency at national, regional, and zonal levels
• Prepare and ensure timely submission of project deliverables for entomology activities, as requested.
• Present entomology milestones and achievements in written reports and at conferences and meetings.
• Cultivate and maintain close working relationships with the entomology teams at NMCP and ZAMEP and with local partners implementing this work.
• Supervise direct reports with particular focus on their key tasks and the quality of project deliverables.

 Qualification requirements include the following:

• Master’s Degree in public health, vector biology, entomology, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years or more management experience in the design, implementation, and management of vector control programs of similar size, complexity, and setting.
• Demonstrated experience working closely with others and fostering collaboration to achieve project goals.
• Strong database, excel, and other computer data management skills preferred.
• Exceptional communication skills (including presentations) in written and spoken English
• Excellent knowledge of data collection protocols for quality data collection and verification.
• Exceptional ability to analyze multiple sources of data to identify data trends and provide recommendations on project implementation.
• Demonstrated track record in disseminating entomological information/programmatic and research outcomes and findings at national and international conferences, as well as in the published peer-reviewed literature.
• Fluency in Swahili; English written and oral communication skills.

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