Overview:
The COVID-19 epidemic has posed a huge challenge to healthcare delivery systems all across the world and threatens progress against HIV, TB and Malaria. In the current situation, developing countries are battling to keep healthcare services available to the most vulnerable sectors of the population while also preventing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The Global Fund has provided C19RM Funding to Pakistan to fight against COVID-19 and mitigate its impact on fight against three diseases. C19RM funds provide an opportunity to invest in building up the capabilities of health systems across a range of potential epidemic scenarios, strengthening resilience and preparing for the next pandemic. As the COVID-19 pandemic is evolving and so should C19RM investments in all thematic areas including Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
Jhpiego Pakistan, An Affiliate of Johns Hopkins University USA, is seeking a position of a “ C19RM Liaison Manager (Labs & Surveillance)” to provide technical to Public Health Lab division at National Institute of Health-Pakistan & Global Fund’s Principal & Sub-recipients to improve Lab diagnostics & disease surveillance through Next Generation Sequencing. Genome analysis executed through advanced techniques like Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) helps to understand the biological information at the molecular, cellular, and genomic levels. It is speedy, cost effective and generate significantly large amount of data compared to other techniques. It has the capability to assist public health surveillance systems to diagnose the early detection of emerging infectious diseases including SARS CoV2. This assistance will help ensure that Global Fund’s C19RM re-investment’s utilization is optimized and will further enable NIH Pakistan and other PRs to achieve both technical, strategic and financial milestones of C19RM grant and ensure funds are absorbed and are used for the purpose they are intended by redirecting funds to achieve impactful & priority improvements in Lab diagnostics & NGS.
This is a contractual position based in Islamabad with occasional travel required to provinces and is renewable based on availability of funding and scope of work.
Responsibilities:
C19RM-Liasion Manager (Labs & Surveillance) will serve as a focal point of contact for Jhpiego Pakistan and support Jhpiego’s organizational liaison with NIH Pakistan and Global Fund’s Principal & Sub-recipients (PRs & SRs) and other C19RM stakeholders.
Specific technical roles are as follows:
- Support Jhpiego, NIH and PRs & SRs through high level strategic support in C19RM project implementation related to Labs diagnostics and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
- Monitor both technical and financial progress of the project and ensure project progress is on track as per agreed scope of work, timelines and budget.
- Mitigate programmatic bottlenecks and optimise funds allocation and provide timely solutions to ongoing challenges through continued liaison with National stakeholders, PRs & SRs through regular coordination, attending progress review meetings and analysis of available data.
- Develop and maintain close liaison and coordination with MOH, CCM, NTP and other implementing entities including PRs, SRs and SSRs in country to implement C19RM grant.
- Ensure compliance with Global Fund, CDC, Jhpiego and JHU operational policies and regulations.
- Any other emerging priority of the project as advised by Technical Manager Labs & Surveillance.
Required Experience and Skills:
- Masters or Mphil in Medical Laboratory technology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology/Pathology/Biotechnology. Medical doctor (MBBS) with Master degree /fellowship in Lab related fields will be preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of hands on experience working in BSL-3 labs with at least 2-year documented experience of working in or leading Global fund projects.
- In depth understanding of C19RM grant/funding mechanism.
- In depth understanding of C19RM funding mechanism, knowledge of Next Generation Sequencing Technologies, Bioinformatics and Biosafety SOPs, guidelines, lab quality assurance standards in BSL-3 & BSL-4 labs.
- Strong donor liaison and grant management skills and ability to respond to queries in a timely manner.
- Ability to work independently in a complex environment with multiple tasks and short deadlines.
- Strong data analysis and computer skills including command on MS-Word, Excel, Outlook, and SPSS.
- Excellent presentation, verbal and written communications skills, with an ability to represent organization at National or International Venues.
- Covid vaccination certificate would be desirable as per government protocols.
Note: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The successful candidate selected for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation.
Jhpiego is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Failure to follow the instructions of applying, your application would be denied.
For further information about Jhpiego, visit our website at www.jhpiego.org.