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

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 beresponsible 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

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Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or related field required.
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Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Business Administration or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.
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•At least 15 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

STEP 1
Complete the pre-screening form using the link below
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwTgbFputHyZSa8AIUe7QdpipZ7neWOYOOSimZl2LZNzGsog/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 15 September 2024. Applicants should clearly indicate the position title in the email subject line