Trachoma Focal Person Job At Crown Agents|Ajira Mpya July 2020|Job In Dodoma

1. Introduction

Accelerating the Su­stainable Control and Elimination of NTDs (ASCEND) is a £200 million invest­ment from the UK government’s Department for International Development (DFID), to advance the impact and su­stainability of national programs tackling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). To be implemented between September 2019 to March 2022, ASCEND comprises of two lots – one focusing on South Asia, East­ and Southern Africa (lot 1) and the other on West­ and Central Africa (lot 2). ASCEND lot 1 is implemented by a consortium of technical partners led by Crown Agents, including Abt Associates, Oriole Global Health and the Royal Tropical Inst­itute. Central to ASCEND 1’s approach is a close collaboration with National Governments and other implementing partners, to enhance national approaches to NTD control and elimination. ASCEND’s goal is to contribute to the global goal of reducing the burden of targeted NTDs so that they are no longer a public health problem.

In Tanzania, ASCEND will focus on three NTDS; Lymphatic Filariasis, Schistosomiasis and Trachoma anchored on the following broad areas of intervention:

(i) *Treatment and prevention of disability, including mass drug administration (MDA), diagnosis and treatment, surgeries, morbidity management.*

(ii) Increasing the integration of aspects of NTD programs within the health systems.

(iii) *Strengthening national health systems, integrating efforts to strengthen the relevant building blocks of the health system.*

(iv) *Data for targeting and monitoring, including impact assessment and alignment of NTDs with national and international MEL systems and processes.*

(v) *Cross-sectoral collaboration, in particular within the health and WASH/BCC sectors.*

DFID has contracted Crown Agents together with its consortium partners to act as Fund Manager for ASCEND in Tanzania. Therefore, Crown Agents will work with the Ministry of Health community development gender elderly and children to support the immediate procurement of services from the identified organisations that will further the above-stated objectives of ASCEND in the country.

2. Scope of work

The Trachoma Focal Person will be seconded to the Ministry of Health Community Development Gender Elderly and Children He/she will work closely with the NTD Program Manager and the ASCEND Country Lead.

The Officer will be responsible for the following:

1. Overseeing all Trachoma ASCEND related activities including; Organization and supervision of TT camps, Training of TT surgeons & Case finders, preparation and submission of required Trachoma related activities reports to ASCEND
2. Assist the NTDCP Program Manager on all matters pertaining to the elimination of Trachoma as per WHO and GOT guidelines
3. Participate in NTD Program planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring.
4. Build capacity of relevant personnel at national, District and Community levels
5. Assist in the development of research proposals and participate in research studies
6. Work closely with the NTD Procurement/Logistics Specialist and ASCEND Country Lead to prepare a list of supplies and equipment required for field activities and ensure timely procurement.
7. Development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all program activities
8. Work with the MEL officer to ensure high Trachoma quality data
9. Assist in the preparation of Program briefs, presentations and other summary materials for NTD Program Manager and ASCEND Country Lead.
10. Closely work with the MoHCDGEC, NTDs Partners and other relevant Trachoma locally and international
11. Assist in mobilising resources for the Trachoma and NTDCP in general to ensure funding of existing programs
12. Provide technical support and training (capacity building) of district teams in the areas of planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of Trachoma program, especially those related to TT surgeries
13. Other NTDs activities assigned by the Programme Manager and/or ASCEND Country Lead

3. Key Requirements

Education & Related Experience:

1. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Medicine, Public Health, Nursing or Social Sciences. Master’s degree in Public Health, Biological Sciences or community ophthalmology is an added advantage
2. At least 5 years’ experience in NTD Program implementation.
3. Ability to organise surgical camps, experience organising TT surgery camps is an added advantage
4. Understanding of Tanzania health system and experience working with CHMTs and rural communities to implement public health interventions.
5. Community mobilisation skills with a focus on marginalised communities
6. Experience working with hard to reach communities

Added advantages:

1. Demonstrated knowledge of protection, prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation and the field of safeguarding

4. Skills (Special Training or competences)

1. Ability to build strong working relationships to enable effective management of community-based programs and collaborative partnerships.
2. Ability to deliver group-training sessions and build strong Program implementation and management.
3. WHO SAFE strategy to eliminate Trachoma
4. Ability to work in hard-to-reach areas with marginalised and disadvantaged groups.
5. Ability to interact with staff at all levels in a fast-paced environment, sometimes under pressure, be proactive, resourceful and efficient, with a high level of professionalism.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Kiswahili.
7. Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
8. Demonstrated experience in Microsoft Office, including Word, Power Point, and Excel.
9. Working experience with DfID funded will be an added advantage.