Akros Research is supporting an Africa CDC program, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, to increase vaccine uptake in Africa. This initiative, called Saving Lives and Livelihoods, includes multiple components and partners working to procure, distribute, and promote vaccine uptake in a safe manner. As a part of this consortium Akros Research is supporting Africa Union member states in the Eastern and Southern African regions to strengthen vaccine safety surveillance systems.
The PV Associate in South Sudan will support the Government of South Sudan’s Ministry of Health (PV Unit) and Akros Research in implementation and coordination of program activities, ensuring a successful implementation of a SLL programme’s vaccine safety surveillance. The Associate will actively liaise with key actors within the respective government institutions, other stakeholders participating in the vaccine delivery, and Akros Research senior management to facilitate the realization of program objectives and optimize resource flow.
Specific Responsibilities
- Develop collaborative working relationships with key stakeholders (MOH, National Regulatory Authority, WHO, and sub-national levels) to ensure that project activities are highlighted, and good relationships established.
- Coordinate logistics for implementation at provincial, district, and health facility levels (e.g., advance requests, venue hire, branding and marking preparations, coordinating invitations as needed) and ensure all expenditures align with the set budgets.
- Support the PV Unit in improving the data flow and response for vaccine Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI). This may include supporting the roll out of Vigibase, training health care workers, and other tasks as identified by the EPI Unit to enhance safety surveillance data.
- Make follow-ups as necessary with the Member State’s Ministry of Health and National Regulatory Authority to ensure all the required program data is collected.
- Identify implementation issues and help to resolve them.
- Maintain regular communication with implementation counterparts at the Ministry of Health and National Regulatory Authority.
- Ensure all forms and records are documented and updated
- Liaise with Akros Research to ensure effective and efficient program delivery and provide detailed reports to project leadership
- Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (required) or Master’s degree (highly preferred) in relevant field
- Previous work experience on a pharmacovigilance activity is highly preferred
- 3-5 years of experience with program management
- Strong experience working with Government’s Ministries of Health, donors, districts and sub-district structures and managing a dynamic team
- Self-starter who will thrive through exemplifying ownership and initiative
- Excellent technical writing, quantitative and critical thinking skills
- Excellent skills computer skills with fluency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint
- Candidate should be highly productive and internally motivated
- Candidate should work well against complex and challenging delivery schedules
- Candidate should be culturally adaptable and sensitive
- National in the Member State preferred
This position is contingent upon securing and maintaining program funding. It is also contingent upon donor approval.
Location and Term
This position is for 10 months and located in Juba,South Sudan. This position is open to local candidates and will involve minimal travel.
Reporting
This position will report directly to the Country Manager, with a dotted reporting line to the AEFI focal, South Sudan Ministry of Health.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply early. To apply, please submit a cover letter and CV with references to [email protected] with “Application: SLL Programme – South Sudan Local Associate” as the email’s subject line.
