Surveillance Advisor

University of Zimbabwe - Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC) 

Vacant Position – Laboratory Surveillance Advisor (x 1) 

The University of Zimbabwe - Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC) is seeking a suitably trained, competent, talented, multi-task and qualified Laboratory Surveillance Advisor based at UZ-CTRC in Harare. UZ-CTRC was established in 1994 and has conducted high impact observational studies, implementation studies and Phase I-IV clinical trials in HIV, TB, COVID -19 and associated co-morbidities funded by National Institute of Allery and Infectious Diseases, AIDS Malignancy Consortium, Bill, and Melinda Gates Foundation among others. UZ-CTRC has served as a centre of excellence in the prevention and control of HIV and AIDS and have contributed to global understanding of HIV epidemiology and pathogenesis, global and Zimbabwean health policy, by providing scientific evidence through our highly equipped and resourced network of laboratories that operate in strict compliance with International best practices guided by GCLP and ISO 15189 standard.

UZ-CTRC is implementing a US Center for Disease Control and Prevention-US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (CDC-PEPFAR) funded Laboratory Systems Strengthening (LSS) program in Zimbabwe from 2023 to 2026 supporting the Ministry of Health and Childcare (MOHCC). The LSS program will enhance access to high quality testing towards achievement of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals.

Purpose of the Position

To provide technical advice and support to the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) laboratory network’s infectious diseases surveillance systems (HIV, TB, influenza, emerging dangerous pathogens and public health laboratory networks) in the context of IDSR and IHR. Under the overall guidance and supervision of Senior Program Manager, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care Laboratory Surveillance Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) activities in the country, particularly the HIV drug resistance, biorepository and other laboratory related surveillance activities, supporting the strengthening of laboratory networks, developing documentation on laboratory quality management systems and biosecurity/biosafety.

 Education (Qualifications):

• Essential: Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or equivalent with post graduate training in microbiology or related science.
• Desirable: Master’ level degree in public health or epidemiology Experience:
• Essential: At least 10 years’ experience of practical and operational application and management of laboratory services,
• Experience in planning and implementing laboratory trainings at national and regional levels.
• Desirable: Experience in disease surveillance prevention and control at national and/or international level. Experience of working with the Ministry of Health and Child Care would be an asset.
• Experience in evaluating novel diagnostics assays for emergency use authorization during outbreak response. Skills:
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, Power Point, etc)

 Functional Skills and Knowledge

 Demonstrated knowledge and skills in:

• Surveillance and monitoring systems
• Epidemiological or statistical data collection, assessment, analysis, and evaluation in a public health context
• Epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response, with emphasis on all-hazard approach, event-based and indicator-based surveillance, descriptive epidemiology, and principles of public health in communicable disease surveillance and response Strong knowledge of:

• Infectious diseases, including HIV, TB, influenza, and emerging dangerous pathogens.
• Infectious disease control from a public health perspective Competency and knowledge in:
• Biosafety standards, methodology, and techniques, including molecular biology, virology, bacteriology, and biosafety.
• Quality Assurance Systems for laboratories Demonstrated abilities:
• Work under pressure to make decisions, elaborate strategies, and organize priorities under tight deadlines.
• Coordinate activities and undertake multiple tasks.
• Strong analytical skills and good judgment including use of advanced Data analysis software such as R, Stata.
• Knowledge of PowerBI.
• Sense of prioritization and attention to detail
• Discretion and tact in handling and preserving confidential information.
• Liaise with people at all levels and proactively search for information.
• Self-motivated, flexible, able to innovate, and professional commitment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to negotiate and convince officials with tact and diplomacy.
• Write clearly and concisely, with strong presentation skills.
• Work in a multi-disciplinary environment.

 Responsibilities

• Support the development of norms, standards, polices, plans, guidelines, and other laboratory tools for laboratory performance in the frameworks of disease surveillance and response.
• Support the expansion of national laboratory networks (TB, HIV, diarrhoeal diseases, influenza laboratory network, emerging dangerous pathogen network and national reference public health laboratory networks) for disease surveillance and response.
• Support the implementation of the laboratory component of country plans on antimicrobial resistance such as the CADRE HIV drug resistance survey.
• Coordinate laboratory training courses and meetings in liaison with public health laboratory networks and prevention, detection, preparedness, and response activities.
• Strengthen laboratory quality management systems through documentation of best practices and trainings.
• Support strengthening of the national sample biorepository as part of laboratory surveillance.
• Coordinate support to the MOHCC in strengthening biosafety and biosecurity including proper handling of specimens with the aim of improving country capacity and capability in bio-risk reduction and containment of highly infectious pathogens.
• Promote collaboration between public and animal health laboratories in the framework of the One Health Concept in collaboration with other partners.
• Provide technical assistance to MOHCC for genomic sequencing and detection of emerging pathogens of public health significance.
• Conduct real-time surveillance data analyses (including genomic sequencing data) for epidemic forecasting and detection in liaison with the Directorate of Laboratory Services.
• Participate in regular laboratory site visits and meetings to assess and evaluate the implementation of surveillance activities, identify gaps, and recommend corrective actions based on key performance indicators.
• Support analysis and dissemination of scientific information and knowledge based on surveillance data.
• Oversee updating and maintaining the related reporting and information systems, documenting the response and laboratory strengthening activities, as and when required.
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the supervisors.