Job Description

The Technical Advisor: Diagnostic Network & Specimen Transportation Systems will have
overall responsibility for coordinating the national integrated specimen transportation system
(IST) activities, ensuring the project's operations run smoothly with a high degree of fidelity
on a daily basis. This includes provision of program oversight, planning, designing,
coordination, and monitoring of sound program activities in line with program goals, MOHCC
strategic plan, and CDC-PEPFAR country operational plans. The position will report to the
project's Principal Investigator (PI) and will supervise technical, operations, finance, and M&E
teams under the IST project. The position is based in Harare, Zimbabwe, and will require
regular travel to other provinces and districts to ensure continued implementation fidelity and
achievement of set targets.

Duties and Responsibilities

Major Responsibilities:
1. Lead the overall strategic planning, implementation, and management of the IST
program. This will include development of strategic plans, annual and quarterly work
plans, and the overall management of the IST project in line with CDC-PEPFAR
guidance and within set timelines to achieve objectives.
2. Oversee the development, monitoring and implementation of the program budget and
work plans in line with CDC-PEPFAR guidance to achieve program targets. Support
the budgetary control of annual budget to ensure best use and management of financial
resources.
3. Close collaboration with the National IST Coordinator to ensure smooth function of
IST in all 63 districts of the country and will be the point person for IST at BRTI. This
position will provide laboratory technical subject matter input and perspective on an
on-going basis to the IST system.
4. Provide theoretical and practical programme management inputs to ensure the overall
outputs of the project is of a high quality, appropriate, relevant, consistent and reliable.
5. Proper function, in line with best practice, of all specimen referral networks with a focus
on the pre-analytical and post-analytical phases of the testing value chains. This will
include implementing the requirements for specimen quality across the entire cascade
of the specimen chain of custody.
6. Ensure quality control and timeliness of all deliverables, provide overall technical and
management leadership under the award; adjust programs and operations in response
to CDC-PEPFAR and Ministry of Health technical direction.
7. Provide laboratory specific technical assistance for IST implementation at national
level including development, and rollout standard operating procedures required for
standardized and effective functioning of IST for high quality specimen transportation.
8. Availability of resources required for specimen and results transportation, motorbike
service and maintenance to ensure uninterrupted provision of service as well as efficient
and accountable fuelling of the bikes.
9. Spearhead strategy development and utilize managerial tools and frameworks to
improve the ability of the team to achieve project goals successfully and sustainably.
10. The technical advisor will be BRTI’s key point of contact and principal liaison with
stakeholders including CDC-PEPFAR, MOHCC, other Development and
Implementing Partners to raise the program’s profile, exchange information and
establish professional relationships. The technical advisor will represent BRTI with
partners and key stakeholders, at conferences, workshops, meetings, and maintain
positive relationships with funders, Ministry of Health, other partners and local
authorities. The technical advisor will establish effective communication and
coordination with personnel from Ministry of Health Directorate of Lab Services and
AIDS and TB Units. The technical advisor will champion high-level buy-in from
stakeholders including at national, provincial and district levels.
11. Facilitate timely and efficient preparation and submission of all program reports
(programmatic and financial), best practices, and evidence to CDC, MOHCC, other
stakeholders, and regional and international platforms as may be required. Reports shall
include Monthly Reports, Quarterly Reports, PEPFAR MER reports as well as
Projected, Annual Expenditure Reporting (PET and ER) and ad-hoc reports as required
under the Award.
12. Planning and implementation of all needed performance measures along the chain of
custody of specimens and results, including TAT, rejections, and other logistical
metrics. This will be achieved through development of strong M&E mechanisms,
program monitoring tools and efficient systems to ensure high quality implementation.
13. In collaboration with the finance and operations team, Regional IST Coordinators, and
Human Resources (HR) Manager, the position will also oversee and ensure
accountability for payment of bikers’ fees, licenses and insurance of bikes, purchase of
biker’s uniforms, fuel, and distribution of new bikes. The position will also be
responsible for monitoring the sample transport network and biker’s schedules to ensure
accountability through GPS tracking, use of ODK systems, LIMS and the electronic
specimen and results tracking system.
14. Facilitating on-site or field program reviews and data quality assessments, meetings,
discussions with staff, partners and key stakeholders to ensure effective
implementation.
15. Actively participate in National Technical Working Groups (TWG) including the Viral
Load/EID TWG, the PMTCT TWG, AHD TWG, HIV DR TWG and contribute to
country strategic plans.
16. Maintain oversight of high-risk areas in IST, including but not limited to procurement,
missed specimen pick-ups, monitoring and evaluation, and rider wellness, safety and
security.
17. Supporting the development and delivery of innovative services and alternative ways
of working to ensure continuous improvements in service delivery.
18. Contribute to any cross-program workforce development initiatives as and when
required.

Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications and Experience:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or related field required.
• Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Medical Laboratory Sciences,
Business Administration or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.
• At least 10 years related professional experience.
• At least 3 years’ experience in senior level management position, managing US
Government (USG), Global Fund or other donor-funded projects.
• Technical experience leading or supporting national laboratory specimen referral and
transportation systems across a tiered referral network in resource constrained settings.
• Technical experience in laboratory systems strengthening in medium to low-income
settings.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, required to work
effectively within a team environment, engage Donors and BRTI leadership as well as
manage personnel at all levels including at district level.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative partnerships with MOHCC officials, other
implementing partners and funding partners.
• Working knowledge of and/or experience with USG-funded program management,
policies, regulations, and procedures is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated working knowledge, training and/or experience in USG/Global Fund
grant writing, budgeting, and development of annual workplans is an added advantage.
• Knowledge and experience in USG and/or Global Fund program and/or other donor-funded projects financial reporting is an added advantage.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working
relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to
management systems.
• A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse
workplace.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills.

How to Apply

Application Process

STEP 1

Complete the pre-screening form using the link below

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeP5npDvfG9H0JAxM2VqpsTXlZY4e
CztMxb1yoZidETMHQrLw/viewform?usp=sharing

STEP 2
A cover letter with an up-to-date detailed CV and at least 3 contactable professional and character references (Including HR) should be forwarded to [email protected] not later than 29 November 2024. Applicants should clearly indicate the position title in the email subject line.

Please note only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

BRTI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.