ITN Operation Manager - Ethiopia PMI Evolve at Abt Associates

Abt Associates

Position: ITN Operation Manager - Ethiopia PMI Evolve

Application Deadline: August, 03/2023

The Opportunity

As the ITN Operations Manager, you will provide technical, organizational, and logistics management for the PMI Evolve Project’s integrated vector control operations, with a primary focus on ITN logistics and distribution. During the peak IRS season, you may be called up to support planning, operational site preparation, implementation or supervision of IRS activities. During the slow time of ITN implementation, you might also be requested to support the implementation of larval source management and or testing and evaluating additional new malaria vector control approaches as approved by national governments and the World Health Organization.   

Project Description

The PMI Evolve Project supports the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and USAID to plan and implement an integrated vector control strategy with the overall goal of reducing the burden of malaria while promoting equity to sustain malaria gains. Abt has implemented integrated vector control for PMI since 2011, delivering high-quality indoor residual spraying (IRS), technical assistance for insecticide-treated net (ITN) distribution and durability monitoring, and new approaches for larval source management (LSM). Additionally, Abt’s PMI-funded work manages the most comprehensive malaria vector entomological surveillance programs in 21 African countries to inform malaria vector control trends, strategies, and impacts. Under the PMI Evolve Project, Abt will further its delivery of integrated vector control programs by partnering with local communities, organizations, and governments to co-design and co-implement tailored malaria vector control programs. The end goal is fighting malaria while strengthening local capacity to sustain malaria gains. 

Ethiopia is among the largest, fastest-paced, and most complex Evolve country programs. The team is responsible for planning, implementation, and monitoring of three large-scale vector control interventions (IRS, ITN distribution, and LSM) simultaneously in different regions and districts across the country every year while maintaining expansive geographical coverage of entomological monitoring for traditional and invasive malaria vectors, working with multiple local and international collaborators, and taking on frequent ad hoc assignments such as operational research, capacity strengthening, etc. 

Core Responsibilities

• Leading the co-design and co-implementation of PMI-funded malaria vector control activities in the country in close coordination with the national government, district ministries of health, and community members. This position is responsible for ensuring the project’s ITNs strategies and activities are targeted, integrated, and equitable. 

• Directly supervises and mentors ITN logistics coordinator and other ITN technical staff who might be hired on a need basis; works closely and effectively with PMI Evolve Ento Coordinators and EC Assistants. 

• Manages the overall planning and implementation of all ITNs activities, including: 

• Developing annual activity targets, quantifications, and schedules, 

• Lead household registrations and manage relations with community members, 

• Organizing annual macro-planning meetings with NMCP and other stakeholders, 

• Organizing annual micro-planning meetings with NMCP, Regional Health Bureaus, targeted districts and other local stakeholders, 

• Recommending and coordinating ITN product selection with all involved stakeholders – national, technical, and local – based on the latest knowledge, data, and trends 

• Leading targeting, registrations, and technical approach for ITN mass campaigns 

• Recommending and coordinating channels and approaches for continuous distribution 

• Quantifying ITNs, personnel, transportation needs, and all other supplies for distributions 

• Organizing planning meetings, community mobilization, and technical training. 

• Leading all ITN field activities and updating the PMI Evolve Global Support Team. 

• Coordinating with project M&E staff to design and manage robust ITN monitoring activities. 

• Oversees the management of warehouses, supply chains, and stores for ITNs. 

• Ensuring adherence to USAID/PMI BMP for ITNs, IRS and LSM 

• Oversees logistics for all project activities, including IRS/LSM campaigns, routine and/or mass ITN distributions, and other events such as training, workshops and meetings, etc. 

• Ensuring that all the project’s stock management records are up-to-date and accurate. 

• Oversees information, education, and communication (IEC) activities, community mobilization, and troubleshooting for all ITN activities. 

• Achieves ITNs related Monitoring & Evaluation indicators of the project. 

• Contributes to the development and delivery of the country's capacity-strengthening plan to transfer integrated vector control skills to local institutions. 

• Ensures that GESI initiatives increase the participation of women at all levels and in all aspects of project activities, and ensures all actors involved in vector control and monitoring activities are safe, supported, and respected. 

• Supports other vector control and/or operational research activities, as assigned, or temporarily assumes additional responsibilities in support of another IVC operations manager assigned to a priority task. 

What We Value

• Bachelor’s Degree +12 years of relevant experience, or master’s degree +10 years of relevant experience, or PhD+ 8 years of relevant experience 

• Master’s Degree in Public Health, Business Administration, or other relevant field. 

• At least 7 of professional experience managing project operations for an international development or global health project, with significant experience in malaria vector control programs. 

• Demonstrated professional experience managing ITN distribution, IRS, and/or LSM is highly desirable. 

• At least four (4) years working in close partnership with government stakeholders, local community leaders, and partner organizations with an emphasis on capacity strengthening and skills transfer. 

• Significant experience in the logistics and management of public health commodities. 

• Significant management and supervisory experience. 

• Prior experience at USAID-funded programs, and basic knowledge of Federal and AID Acquisition Regulations (FARs and AIDARs), are highly desirable. 

• Excellent writing, computer, and organizational skills. 

• Fluency in designing and deploying digital tools is highly desirable. 

• English language fluency. 

What We Offer

We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your well-being centers around comprehensive benefits and professional development. 

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 

How to Apply

Register using THIS LINK

Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.