Country: United States of America
Closing date: 20 Jun 2016
Global Health Fellows Program
Technical Advisor IV: Uniquely Skilled Senior Anti-Microbial Resistance Technical Advisor
Infectious Diseases Division, Office of Health, Infectious Diseases and Nutrition, Bureau for Global Health, United States Agency for International Development
Location: Arlington, VA
Assignment: Two year fellowship
GHFP-II-P5-201
The Global Health Fellows Program (**GHFP-II**) is a five year cooperative agreement implemented and managed by the Public Health Institute in partnership with Global Health Corps, GlobeMed, Management Systems International and PYXERA Global. GHFP-II is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
GHFP-II’s goal is to improve the effectiveness of USAID health programs by addressing the Agency’s immediate and emerging human capacity needs. The program seeks to accomplish this goal first through the recruitment, placement and support of diverse health professionals at the junior, mid and senior levels. These program participants include fellows, interns, corporate volunteers and Foreign Service National professionals. The program then provides substantial performance management and career development support to participants, including annual work planning assistance, and ensures that professional development opportunities are available.
Looking to the future, GHFP-II also seeks to establish a pool of highly-qualified global health professionals that will ensure the Agency’s ongoing technical leadership and effectiveness. This objective is supported by an extensive outreach program that brings global health opportunities and specialized career advice to a diverse range of interested individuals, with a particular focus on those underrepresented in the field of global health.
BACKGROUND:
Anti-microbial Resistance (AMR) is an enormous global public health issue that must be addressed urgently with the best evidence and approaches available. President Obama issued an Executive Order in September 2014 on “COMBATING ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT BACTERIA.” It expressed the importance of this issue to the President and promoted new and next generation antibiotic development and appropriate use. WHO presented a draft global action plan on AMR that was to be adopted at the May 2015 World Health Assembly. The G7 declared to support this global action plan at the 2014 Brussels Summit.
INTRODUCTION:
The Uniquely Skilled Senior Anti-microbial Resistance (AMR) Technical Advisor (USSTA) (AMR USSTA) will serve in the Bureau for Global Health, Health, Infectious Diseases, and Nutrition Office, Infectious Diseases Division (GH/HIDN/ID) supporting the USAID-funded Infectious Diseases program.
The AMR USSTA will aim to increase the quality of the technical and strategic capacity across USAID’s entire Infectious Diseases portfolio including TB, Malaria, NTDs, HIV, and other relevant disease areas. S/he will coordinate across the disease areas within USAID and across the United States Government (USG) agencies. In addition, participation in and presentation at major meetings, development of strategies and approaches across the disease areas and projects, as well as development of special technical and research projects to address the most important AMR issues at the global, regional and country level. S/he will advise policymakers on critical issues and raise awareness of potential threats. S/he will work closely with the Division Chief and receive day-to-day guidance from the Director, HIDN as his/her onsite manager.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The AMR USSTA will be responsible for the following:1. Developing the strategic direction for USAID/GH AMR activities (47%)
- Providing senior level strategic and programming guidance to all the disease areas on AMR-related issues including assisting with the preparation and/or review of existing disease strategies and approaches within USAID, across the USG and with other donors and partners.
- Developing coordination mechanisms for USAID to address AMR issues holistically.
- Participating in coordination mechanisms among donors and partners on AMR-related issues.
- Assessing current medical and public health literature, clinical and international guidelines and providing recommendations to USAID regarding the application of this information into USAID’s technical and strategic approaches.
- Developing action plans for high level AMR meetings and events within the USG and with other partners.
- Analyzing and making recommendations on key AMR technical documents.
- Working with the Global Fund to develop appropriate cross-cutting AMR-related activities.
- Analyzing and recommending potential technical partners and implementation mechanisms to implement AMR-related activities.
- Preparing and presenting technical presentations at global, regional and country level meetings and workshops, as appropriate.
- Contributing to the routine work of the GH Bureau, including preparation of portfolio reviews and reports; reviewing of mission/bureau documents such as annual reports and operational plans; and preparation of responses to Questions and Answers and other requests for information.
2. Providing technical assistance on AMR to USAID country level programs (46%)
- Providing technical advice to select countries interested in developing an AMR-specific approach within their portfolio or improving their existing activities.
- Participating in USG country level coordination visits to support countries in their assessment and implementation of AMR-related activities.
- Analyzing country level information on AMR and developing appropriate interventions to address the issues. Participating in joint country program reviews organized by partners on AMR-related issues.
International and domestic travel approximately 35%.
TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (7%)
- Staying up to date with current literature, reports and international guidelines and standards in TB.
- Participating in periodic AMR-related international working groups and professional meetings.
- Preparing and submitting AMR-related papers to professional journals and meetings.
- Participating in professional continuing education within the purview of GHFP-II.
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:
- Medical Degree required.
- Minimum of 20 years’ experience in international infectious diseases; with at least 8 years of experience with an international or resource challenged environment.
- Experience and/or knowledge of USG policies, regulations and procedures desirable.
- Experience and/or in-depth knowledge of WHO’s infectious disease and AMR programs and policies.
- Extensive experience in developing and implementing infectious disease research.
- Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and in teams.
- Ability to travel internationally.
- US citizenship or US permanent residency required.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary based on commensurate experience and earnings history. The Public Health Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including professional development programs.
How to apply:
All applicants are required to apply for this position through GHFP-II’s online recruitment system at
https://www.ghfp.net/recruitment/, which allows you to store your CV, profile and bio data form in our database. A separate cover letter describing your qualifications and experience, interest and familiarity with issues relating to this position, and how this position relates to your career goals is required for each application. All online applications must be submitted by June 20, 2016 by 5:00 pm Eastern time.
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