Associate, Neglected Tropical Diseases
Overview:
The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low-and middle-income countries, while strengthening the capabilities of governments and the private sector in those countries to create and sustain high-quality health systems that can succeed without our assistance. For more information, please visit: http://www.clintonhealthaccess.org
The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Eswatini strives to achieve elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the country, with the National Bilharzia (Schistosomiasis) Worm Control Program (NBWCP) specifically targeting elimination of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths (STH). The primary strategies deployed to achieve this goal are annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaigns, as well as strengthened surveillance to guide decision-making and monitor progress toward these elimination goals. CHAI Eswatini has supported the Ministry of Health since 2009 in various different program and strategic areas to achieve sustainable public health goals, and has recently begun collaborating with the MoH to improve NTD data systems.
This is a 6 month project.
Responsibilities:
With the support of the CHAI Eswatini team and Global Malaria team, the Associate will:
- Plan, pilot, and evaluate a system of electronic data collection for MDA campaigns
- Engage with NTD program and stakeholders to map current MDA data flow, understand data inputs and desired outputs, and plan for pilot testing
- Liaise with GMAL informatics team to ensure customizations are matched to the country context, and are responsive to country needs
- Prepare pilot logistics, including but not limited to:
- Device setup and configuration
- Training material preparation
- Conducting training of data collectors
- Triangulation of base layer data (i.e. school registers) and oversight of its entry into the system before piloting
- Pilot simulation using the Reveal platform, guiding field workers, testing functionality, and collating feedback and lessons learned from the pilot
- Monitoring and evaluation of the pilot, including focus groups with field staff to inform a final assessment of the tool’s fit for purpose in future
- Assess opportunities for strengthening the NTD surveillance system (including in select countries outside Eswatini) – with the support of the CHAI Eswatini team and Global Malaria team, the Associate will:
- Conduct a scoping of the NTD surveillance system to prepare plans for system strengthening that would ready the country for elimination of priority NTDs. Key system elements to be scoped would include:
- Overview of current system
- Organizational, behavioural, and management structures associated with the system
- Mapping of system processes
- Diagnosis of key performance gaps, and recommendations to close those gaps
- Complete other responsibilities as requested by supervisor
Qualifications:
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree and at least 3-5 years of professional experience in public health, information system management, business consulting, other relevant private and public health sector experience with leadership experience;
- Robust problem-solving skills, quantitative and qualitative analytical capabilities;
- Exceptional diplomatic and interpersonal skills, and able to build strong professional relationships with a range of stakeholders in a challenging, multi-cultural environment;
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including ability to communicate effectively while addressing a broad-ranged audience;
- Ability to work independently and effectively in high-pressure, fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously;
- Potential to take on increasing levels of responsibility and leadership on the team; and
- High level of proficiency in relevant computer applications, particularly Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
Advantages:
- Advanced degree in a relevant field such as public health, public policy, business or other relevant disciplines;
- Experience working with digital health/mHealth platforms;
- Professional experience working with government authorities in developing countries, with experience in sub-Saharan Africa; and
- Experience working in public health and with international organizations.