Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), Ethiopia

Job Summary:

RTI International is an international, independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the human condition by turning knowledge into practice. With a worldwide staff of more than 4,000 people, RTI offers innovative research and development and a full spectrum of multidisciplinary services that meet the highest standards of professional performance.

Act to End Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) | East, shortly referred to as Act|East, is a cooperative agreement through which RTI supports national neglected tropical disease (NTD) programs to reach WHO NTD control and elimination goals through proven, cost-effective public health interventions which span the regions of Oromia, Tigray, Beneshangul-Gumuz and Gambella.

The OV Surveys & Entomology Specialist will be responsible for onchocerciasis elimination activities in RTI/ Act East supported areas. He/she will lead the field level, onchocerciasis laboratory, entomology, and programmatic activities. He/she will represent RTI as technical person and expected to work closely with ministry of health, regional health bureaus, regional laboratories and other partners working on onchocerciasis elimination program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Will be contact point for Onchocerciasis elimination activities in RTI supported areas and will coordinate Onchocerciasis survey, laboratory, and entomology activities.

• Expected to work closely with ministry of health, Ethiopian public health institute, regional laboratories, and other implementing partners.

• Lead the implementation of OV impact surveys and entomological surveillance.

• Plan and facilitate capacity building trainings on OV impact survey surveys (DBS collection, sample transport and storage, PCR/Molecular/ELISA analysis) and entomological surveillance.

• Responsible for planning and evaluating laboratory quality assurance activities.

• Provides technical assistance and transfers expertise and skills to MOH, RHBs, and regional laboratories. 

• Develop annual and semi-annual field activity plan for sample collection and analysis.

• Develop procurement plan and quantification of reagents and supplies.

• Develop protocol development and facilitation of ethical review process and ethical approval at all levels.

• Expected to facilitate and lead joint supportive supervision during sample collection and analysis with MOH and RHBs

• Represent RTI on national and regional onchocerciasis technical working group.

• Responsible for compiling reports from regional laboratories.

• Provide comprehensive and timely feedback.

• Prepare learning report on the learning agendas.

• Will be responsible for additional activities assigned by immediate supervisor

Job Requirements

Minimum Required Education & Experience:

• Master’s degree in Entomology, Biomedical science, Microbiology, Infectious disease, and related field from recognized University plus a minimum of 5 years’ experience on NTDs and Onchocerciasis elimination program is preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

• Travel up to 30% -40% of the time.

• Must have experience on Onchocerciasis Laboratory activity particularly on OV16 DBS sample collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Proven experience on Entomological activities including capacity building, river prospection and blackfly collection and analysis.

• Excellent report writing and presentation skill.

• Experience on creating Maps; QGIS/Arc GIS experience desirable.

• Willingness to travel to remote areas when required.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines under pressure.

• Proven ability to work effectively in a team-oriented setting while also taking initiative to complete assigned tasks with high quality and within tight timelines.

• High level of integrity

• Competency in English (required)

How to Apply

RTI invites eligible candidates to indicate their interest in the position no later than August 19, 2023. 

Apply through  Senior Health Program Specialist 1 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | RTI International link.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please note:

RTI International does not use agents or require any form of payment in the recruitment process.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V