Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance Team Lead

International Health and Development
Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance Team Lead
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – TBD Kinshasa or Goma

Job Description:

Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) is a five-year United States Agency for International Development-funded project with the following overall objectives: (1) 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; (2) improve the quality of real-time surveillance systems for pathogens of greatest public health concern, including AMR and zoonotic diseases, and; (3) generate evidence-based guidance and innovative solutions to strengthen in-country diagnostic networks and surveillance systems. ICF is seeking a Team Lead to be responsible for technical direction and overall management of activities in DRC as well as coordination with other project team members and partners who lead specific activities. The Team Lead will work closely with USAID/DRC to provide thought leadership and represent the project in country. This position reports to the IDDS Country Programs Lead based in Rockville, Maryland, USA with management oversight of the IDDS project senior management team, led by the IDDS Project Director.

Responsibilities:

Represent IDDS in DRC to the USAID Mission Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) Advisor, the Government of DRC and other stakeholders.

Provide technical leadership and assistance in diagnostic network strategies and surveillance systems strengthening including the following responsibilities:

Oversee IDDS diagnostic specialists to identify, implement, monitor and report activities to:

Enhance access and availability of quality and timely diagnostics for the detection of epidemic-prone diseases

Enhance national diagnostic systems including specimen referral networks, equipment functionality, supply chain and others

Ensure IDDS’ activities are aligned with country priorities and are well-coordinated with other partners and stakeholders working in DRC.

Work closely with Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), TB program, and other agreed-upon initiatives that are in the scope for IDDS.

Lead the project team in DRC – providing the vision, coordination, resource management, and oversight of technical and administrative staff required to accomplish workplan activities and meet project objectives.

Utilize evidence- based methods and best practices to implement workplan activities.

Follow established processes to guarantee the technical and programmatic quality of IDDS work in DRC and overall responsiveness of the technical team. This can include making necessary adjustments to operations to fit the requirements when necessary or recommended by USAID.

Ensure that any departures in work scope or budget or any legal, regulatory or ethical concerns are promptly reported to IDDS leadership in the U.S.

Work closely with USAID and the IDDS U.S.-based team to define and adjust annual work plans as well as implementing technical activities.

Works collaboratively and coordinates with regional and/or other country Technical Leads as well as team partners on the implementation of activities.

Ensure country financial and technical reporting requirements are met.

Required Qualifications:

Minimum Master’s degree or higher in public health, international development, or related field with a focus on infectious disease detection and surveillance or epidemiology

Minimum 10 years of experience managing health systems strengthening programs

Familiarity with U.S. government management, programs, and operations including regulatory and reporting requirements

Technical competency in infectious disease(s) and diagnostic network strengthening

Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data for decision making

Fluency in written and spoken English and French

Strong English written, oral, and presentation skills

Demonstrated interpersonal skills in facilitation and stakeholder engagement/coordination

Experience working in Africa

Willingness and ability to travel a minimum of 25% within DRC and other travel as needed

Authorization to work in DRC

Preferred Qualifications :

Congolese nationality

Experience working with the GHSA

Experience working in DRC

Familiarity with infectious diseases surveillance

*APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN ENGLISH

Selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval.

Working at ICF

Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to benefit people, businesses, and governments around the globe. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth. If you’re seeking to make a difference in the world, visit http://www.icf.com/careers to find your next career. ICF—together for tomorrow.DR Congo Remote Office (CB99)

How to Apply ?

Resume and cover letter required. Applicants must apply through the ICF Careers portal to be considered: https://icf.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ICFExternal_Career_Site/job/Gombe-Kinshasa-Congo-The-Democratic-Republic/Infectious-Disease-Detection-and-Surveillance-Team-Lead–Democratic-Republic-of-Congo–DRC-_R2000530?src=JB-10400