JOB DETAILS:
The Project Officer will be responsible for providing technical support, linkage and coordination of the project activities under the guidance of the Cluster Manager for Family Health and Infectious Diseases (FHID) guidance and assisting ECSA-HC to play its facilitating and coordinating role as the Principal Recipient with respect to initiatives being supported under the project to: (a)contribute to building capacity for Global Laboratory Leadership Program (GLLP) and other technical areas under the project; (b) improve countries capacities for quality improvement through participation in proficiency testing for COVID-19, TB and other priority pathogens; (c) enable regional learning and knowledge sharing on project initiatives between counterparts in the region. The GLLP will be integrated within the capacity building programs offered under the College of Health Sciences. As such, the Project Officer will also implement key activities to support the functionality of the CHS

Key Responsibilities
• Technical coordination of regional activities

• Under the guidance of the FHID Cluster Manager provide leadership and technical guidance for the implementation of regional activities under the project including GLLP training, support the Uganda SRL on the roll out of proficiency testing and other activities under the project
• Collaborate with the Uganda SRL to provide capacity building to national reference laboratories and other relevant laboratories to prepare proficiency testing materials and conduct tuberculosis (TB) laboratory network assessment and support to improve sample referrals systems;
• Work closely with the Uganda SRL to provide technical assistance on introduction of new and innovative diagnostic tools and technologies
• Coordinate the GLLP training calendar including the training session, mentorship follow up for the two countries to ensure linkage of mentors and mentees.
• Support the Cluster manager in convening coordination meetings between stakeholders including project countries, WHO, Africa CDC and other international stakeholders and experts.
• Act as liaison with other projects and programs within ECSA-HC to leverage on capacities and create synergy
• Provide capacity building, such as mentorship on data management and analysis
• Collaborate with the Uganda SRL to provide support to strengthen specimen transportation system in the project countries;
• Support the countries to utilize the findings from analyzed data and reports of routine testing b. Operational support
• Participate in developing project workplans, monitoring implementation of planned activities and evaluating of the outcome of the implementation and conduct timely reporting.
• Provide administrative and logistical and Clerical support to the project activities, Conferences, workshops, seminars, meetings including transport and travels arrangements, hotel bookings, processing of Visas and Airport Transfers for staff, official visitors and Participants;
• Prepare meeting agenda, organize project internal meetings and distribute minutes
• Assist in preparing requests for various activities as may be needed from the project coordinating with the project teams
• Prepare other reports as may be required from time to time.
• Other duties as may be assigned from time to time c. Supporting activities of the College of Health Sciences (CHS) including but not limited to the following;
• Support effective work of the Senate, Executive Committee and the 3 standing committees (Finance, Admin & Development and Academics)
• Coordinate the implementation of capacity building programmes under of the CHS including the GLLP Organize and facilitate committees’ and Senate meetings
• Follow-up on the decisions of the Senate and Committees
• Ensure the college have up-to-date operational and strategic documents and are implemented
• Facilitate other professionals wishing to establish new colleges
• Lead the process for development of college guidelines on examination, graduation, training site accreditations, etc
• Seek for potential funders for operation and structural development
• Coordinate joint resources mobilization and proposal development with constituent colleges
• Collate and synthesize key issues from the colleges for joint action for example engaging with educational and professional regulatory authorities in the countries
• Create and maintain database of specialists in the region-in collaboration with affiliate professional colleges and national authorities/associations/societies
• Synthesizing information and update college website and bring to attention of Senate or Committees chairpersons issues requiring their action
• Reporting: The Project Officer will report on a day-to-day basis to the Project Coordinator and Manager, Health Systems and Capacity Development.

Qualifications and Experience
• A degree in Medical Laboratory Technology/Microbiology/Medicine from a recognized university, with at least 5 years hands-on experience;
• Postgraduate training in microbiology, pharmacology, infectious diseases, public health/epidemiology would be ab advantage
• Demonstrable experience in:
• Undertaking microbiological techniques, TB diagnostics and DST testing using conventional and molecular assays
• Facilitating workshops and meetings at the national and regional levels.
• Developing policies, guidelines and procedures for laboratory programs.
• Conducting operational and scientific research
• Analysing data and writing publications as well as policy briefs and other knowledge products
• Knowledge and familiarity with laboratory quality systems, bio-safety, and tuberculosis diagnostics, especially the application of new diagnostic tools like molecular techniques
• Designing and/or executing capacity building programmes
• Mobilizing resources to support implementation of programmes.
• Updating and maintaining databases
• Working in developing countries or similar settings is an advantage 6. Essential Skills and

Competencies Required
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and management skills.
• Exceptional diplomatic, negotiation and decision-making skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to manage complex processes and team relationships to ensure effective collaboration by various contributors to the process, including contributors from multiple offices/units and at all levels of the organization
• Excellent research, data analysis/synthesis, and presentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Fluency in spoken and written English required
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated good judgment and ability to prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously and work proactively
• Respect for diversity
• Focuses on impact and results for the client
• Demonstrates exceptional ability to remain calm and in control even under pressure and tight deadlines.

Those who wish to apply for the Post should do so by submitting the following: a. Brief Application Letter stating why the candidate feels suitable for the Post
Detailed Curriculum Vitae.
Copies of Educational and Professional Certificates
Names of three (3) referees with their addresses including telephone, fax and email 5 Applications should reach the address below by 20th May 2022 and be addressed to;

The Director General East, Central and Southern Africa-Health Community

Plot 157 Oloirien, Njiro Road

P.O. Box 1009 Arusha, Tanzania

E-mail: vacancies@ecsahc.org  with copies to regsec@ecsahc.org ; doid@ecsahc.org ;