Covid 19 Testing Technical Officer-Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) is on a mission to create a world where no mother, child, or family is devastated by HIV and AIDS, and we are making an impact. We are a proven leader in the global fight to end HIV and AIDS, and an advocate for every child to live a full and healthy life into adulthood. For more than 30 years, EGPAF has been a leader in meeting urgent needs in pediatric HIV and AIDS in the world’s most affected regions. We carry out our values of passion, innovation, teamwork, leadership, integrity, excellence and equity every day, while maximizing our impact in the communities we serve. Join us on our fight for an AIDS-free generation!

As a global, multinational and multicultural organization, EGPAF believes that diversity in the workplace enriches our work and enhances our impact and effectiveness. We believe that employees have the right to work in a climate of mutual respect and integrity that promotes dignity and respect for all, and that enables them to reach their full potential. The Foundation is committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B), and we strongly encourage those with the following identities to apply: BIPOC (black, indigenous, and other people of color), women and non-binary, LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender), individuals with disabilities, and other members of historically underrepresented groups.

EGPAF is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to country law requirements, EGPAF complies with US laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the Foundation has facilities.

The Foundation does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. If you are asked to pay a fee at any stage of recruitment, please contact [email protected]

Job summary

The emergence of the COVID-19 global pandemic has posed new challenges to already strained health systems worldwide. Governments have had to start prevention, containment and mitigation measures rapidly even as new information on the virus becomes available. The UNITAID COVID 19 project will work with the national and sub-national government COVID 19 response structures to accelerate end-to-end access to novel solutions for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic through testing, isolation, care and treatment approaches adapted to the needs of low- and middle-income countries such as Zimbabwe to strengthen the health system to respond to COVID-19. The technical officer will be based in Harare and will work with MoHCC and partners on novel COVID-19 testing solutions and approaches to improve access to COVID-19 identification and management.

Under the supervision of the Project Country Lead, in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), local partners and the UNITAID COVID-19 Project, the COVID-19 Testing Technical Officer will undertake the following activities to strengthen access to COVID 19 testing and case management in Harare in relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Responsibilities

Work with MoHCC and provide specialized advice and expertise in reviewing existing MoHCC Covid 19 testing solutions, guidelines and incorporate COVID-19 related measures considering the internationally recommended standards; Develop/Adopt nationally-adapted algorithm to improve identification of patients with SARS-COV-2 or COVID-19; Develop integrated approaches to provide COVID-19 testing through existing routine services, including HIV, TB, and MNCH platforms; Conduct a baseline review and mapping of COVID-19 testing sites to identify existing testing points across project sites; In partnership with national and subnational MoHCC health authorities design and implement hub and spoke model of testing, facilitate rapid roll out of testing and reporting of results as part of building an optimized diagnostics network; Adoption of training materials for SARS-COV-2 rapid antigen testing in close collaboration with laboratory partners (Leveraging on existing work by MoHCC, WHO, Africa-CDC & ASLM); Adopt or refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) tools for sample collection, sample referral, testing algorithms, and patient referral; Technically support development of job aides, training materials, information sheets on COVID-19 related testing, infection prevention and control and quality assurance services; Conduct a baseline capacity gap analysis to inform training needs in collaboration with MoHCC and other stakeholders; Conduct training of trainers on the tools and guidelines in close collaboration with MoHCC, clinical and laboratory implementing partners (IPs) and other agencies; Conduct training of health care workers (HCWs) on SARS-COV-2 rapid antigen testing across in all approved health facilities; Work in collaboration with the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory (NMRL) on COVID-19 testing quality assurance; Implement innovative digital tools for the mentorship and supervision of health care workers; Collaborate with supply chain management partners to provide site level or last mile data for appropriate forecasting and inform resource allocation; Participate in/Organize SARS-COV-2 rapid testing campaign (Know your status SARS-COV-2) based on the formative assessment and key health promotion messages.

Qualifications

Specialists Diploma in Laboratory Sciences or Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences; 5 years of laboratory work experience and 2+ years of experience in infection prevention and control in health sector preferably hospitals; Documented evidence of COVID-19 laboratory training as part of continuing professional development and documented evidence of Biosafety & Biosecurity training; Registration with Medical Laboratory and Clinical Scientists Council of Zimbabwe; Ability to translate and adapt international guidelines into local context. In-depth understanding of the country’s health system; Demonstrated ability to work with senior MoHCC officials at national and subnational levels; Basic computer literacy in using (Word, Excel, Power point, Internet etc.); Ability to travel to different sites within the District based on need

Bonus points if you have:

Post-graduate Degree in Public Health, Clinical Epidemiology or Medical Microbiology; Training or experience in molecular laboratory techniques