Job Description
PATH is a global organization that works to accelerate health equity by bringing together public institutions, businesses, social enterprises, and investors to solve the world’s most pressing health challenges. With expertise in science, health, finance, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales innovative solutions—including vaccines, drugs, devices, diagnostics, and approaches to strengthening health systems worldwide.
Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) is a five-year USAID-funded project with the following overall objectives:
- Improve the detection of diseases of public health importance and identification of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in priority infectious diseases through an accessible, accurate, adaptable, timely, and integrated diagnostic network system;
- Improve the quality of real-time surveillance systems for pathogens of greatest public health concern, including AMR and zoonotic diseases, and;
- Generate evidence-based guidance and innovative solutions to strengthen in-country diagnostic networks and surveillance systems.
We are seeking an AMR Advisor to be based in Tanzania, to provide technical expertise for the implementation of AMR activities in Tanzania as well as coordination with other project team members and partners who undertake AMR specific diagnostic and surveillance strengthening activities. The AMR Advisor will work closely with USAID/PATH Tanzania to provide leadership on national AMR surveillance strategies and represent the IDDS project in country. This position reports to the IDDS Tanzania Team Lead. This position operates under the management and oversight of the IDDS project senior management team, led by the IDDS Project Director.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide technical assistance to strengthen Tanzania AMR detection and surveillance activities across human, animal, and environmental sectors. This may include monitoring antibiotic resistance patterns, usage and management practices.
- Support the development and review/implementation of national AMR plans (NAPs), SOPs and policies at the national, regional, and local level.
- Conduct multi-sectoral assessments of Tanzania’s AMR detection and surveillance capacity in both the public and private sector.
- Ensure IDDS’ AMR technical assistance is coordinated with other organizations working in Tanzania
- Support the development and implementation of initiatives to improve AMR detection and surveillance capacity.
- Assist in the establishment of national AMR surveillance systems that are capable of monitoring AMR trends and reporting to global surveillance systems (e.g. WHO GLASS).
- Follow established processes, methods, and best practices to guarantee the technical and programmatic quality of IDDS work in Tanzania
- Work closely with the IDDS team to define and adjust annual work plans as well as implementing those technical activities.
- Provide technical writing inputs, documentation of project activities, and support monitoring and evaluation of AMR activities to the IDDS Tanzania and headquarter team.
- Represent IDDS in Tanzania to the USAID mission (Global Health Security Advisor), the Government of Tanzania, and other stakeholders.
- Work closely with USAID and with the IDDS US-based team to define and adjust annual work plans as well as implementing technical activities.
- Work closely with Global Health Security Agenda partners, regional and country Technical Leads and other stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to project implementation.
Required Experience
- A minimum of a BSc in infectious disease epidemiology, clinical diagnostics or related discipline
- At least five years of experience in infectious disease detection or surveillance
- Technical competency in the latest diagnostic technologies, tools and approaches and antimicrobial susceptibility testing including general and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data for decision making
- Strong written, oral, and presentation skills in English
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills in facilitation and stakeholder engagement/coordination
- Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Willingness and ability to travel a minimum of 25% within Tanzania and other travel as needed
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience residing and working in Tanzania
- Familiarity with USG programs
- Experience working with the Global Health Security Agenda or MDR-TB detection
Candidates must have legal authorization to work in Tanzania.
PATH is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is valued.
PATH is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. PATH does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or orientation, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.