Project HOPE is an international NGO of more than 500 engaged employees and hundreds of volunteers who work in more than 25 countries, responding to the world’s most pressing global health challenges Project HOPE seeks experienced professionals to support an anticipated immunization project in Ethiopia.

This investment is implemented by Project HOPE to support the Federal Ministry of Health’s (FMOH)/Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) effort to eradicate polio and other vaccine preventable diseases by improving the speed and reliability of polio sample transportation from health facilities to national laboratory. The project aims to help stop transmission of wild or vaccine-derived poliovirus and prevent outbreaks by contributing to faster detection of the virus and notification of test results which is aligned with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) strategy 2022-2026. This project will be implemented in selected regions namely Amhara, Oromia, SNNP, Benishangul Gumuz, Afar and Somali regions by integrating with the existing Emergency Polio and other immunization project. 

Code of Conduct 

It is our shared responsibility and obligation to treat each other with respect, take affirmative steps to prevent matters involving Sexual Exploitation & Abuse and Trafficking in Persons, and to disclose all potential and actual violations of our Code of Conduct, which may include Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption, Discrimination or Harassment. Together, we can reinforce a culture of respect, integrity, accountability, and transparency.

REPORTS TO:  Senior Program Manager, Emergency Polio and other immunization project

DUTY STATION: Addis Ababa with frequent visit at the intervention areas

MINIMUM HOURS OF WORK: 40 Hours per Week

CONTRACT DURATION: 12 Months

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as a focal point for Polio Sample Transport project and coordinate the activity at all levels.

• Provide technical support for tracking the real-time movement of Polio specimens from health facilities to reference laboratories.

• Conduct regular/periodic visits at regional health bureaus and districts to review AFP surveillance data and train district PHEM officers  

• Conduct quarterly meetings, progress update, calls with regional health bureau and district PHEM officers to review their performance and provide corrective actions

• Provide logistics support for health facilities, districts, and regional health bureaus to facilitate polio sample transportation

• Coordinate with partners to design/deploy/improve system(s) that lead to samples of good quality arriving in a timely manner at national laboratory center

• Lead the development of digital data tools and dashboards for real-time sample tracking, turnaround of test results, and data visibility

• Develop monitoring and feedback mechanism for the polio sample transportation from health facilities to central laboratory.

• Compile lessons learned and good practices to contribute towards more sustainable and integrated disease surveillance systems along with faster and more reliable outbreak detection

• Participate in the National Surveillance/Laboratory Technical Working Group, specifically on development of polio sample transportation and referral systems.

• Work closely and ensure the activity integration with the emergency polio project in IDPs and surrounding communities          

• Work closely the VPD surveillance team and polio laboratory team with in PHEM directorate/ EPHI  

Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• BSC in medical laboratory or public health background with Masters in degree in public health, surveillance Medical Laboratory Science, or similar field with a minimum of 5 years of professional experience of which 3 years on immunization, specimen handling and surveillance programs.

• Previous experience working projects, program and local and international organization is required.

• Strong technical knowledge and experience in packing, handling and transportation of biological products/laboratory specimen, laboratory information systems management, laboratory commodity logistics and supply chain management

• Detailed knowledge of vaccine preventable disease eradication/elimination initiatives (e.g., polio, measles).

• Practical experience in organizing, leading, and monitoring AFP surveillance and sample transportation 

• Ability to work with regional/ local government polio laboratory institutions, surveillance /PHEM implementing partners in the formulation strategic implementation / monitoring of polio eradication activities

• Excellent interpersonal and team skills–demonstrated ability to interact professionally with local language and understand the local culture

• Specific training in biological specimen handling and transportation is an added advantage.

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks concurrently, and meet deadlines with attention to detail and quality.

• Excellent detail oriented written, interpersonal communication skills

• Excellent computer literacy 

• Willingness to travel to the intervention areas including hard to reach districts and health facilities

How to Apply

Apply using This Link

Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply

Due to the large number of inquiries, we receive, only candidates who have met the required experience & qualifications for this position will be considered. No phone calls please.

However, since we are active around the world in the field of public health, we may wish to retain your CV in our database for other/future opportunities, unless you direct us otherwise.

Thank you very much for your interest in Project HOPE.

EEO Statement

Project HOPE provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, or status as a veteran. Project HOPE complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Project HOPE expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, or status as a veteran. Improper interference with the ability of Project HOPE employees to perform their expected job duties is not tolerated.