Africa Regional Technical Advisor - OV & LF Surveys at Sightsavers

Sightsavers is an international organisation that changes lives for the long term. We work in more than 30 countries to eliminate avoidable blindness and support people with visual impairments to live independently.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Titles: Africa Regional Technical Advisor - OV & LF Surveys

Location: Abuja (FCT)
Employment Type: Full-time
Req ID: 1374

About The Role

• Sightsavers’ work in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) aims to reduce health disparities and disease burdens by building sustainable, locally owned health programmes.
• As a Country Coordinating Partner on the RLM Fund expansion project, a $500M initiative running from 2024 to 2030, Sightsavers supports efforts to eliminate NTDs in Africa. This project, backed by the UAE and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, requires extensive technical and programme management support to conduct necessary surveys.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for onchocerciasis surveys to various staff.
• Review and produce tools for standardised onchocerciasis survey processes.
• Develop strategies and frameworks for LF technical activities.
• Provide technical support for LF elimination strategies and frameworks.
• Share best practices in LF programme implementation across projects.
• Align Sightsavers survey tools with latest WHO advice.
• Lead in-country training for LF and OV survey data collection.
• Ensure linkage between field and laboratory survey data.
• Coordinate technical advice in multi-funded LF and OV surveys.
• Support countries in analysing and reporting LF and OV data.
• Ensure early identification of LF and OV procurement needs.

Job Holder Requirements
Essential:

• A detailed understanding of the transmission, pathogenesis and epidemiology of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis
• Experience planning and implementing onchocerciasis serological and entomological surveys
• Demonstrable experience and/or qualifications in LF programmes implementation including LF MDA and survey planning and implementation
• Experience of pre-TAS/EMS planning and implementation
• Experience of school base and community based TAS implementation
• Ability to plan and implement LF and OV mapping and remapping
• Experience of delivering training and/or health interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Willingness and availability to travel for field visits, attending meetings, workshops and conferences, subject to an appropriate risk assessment being in place

Desirable:

• Experience on using ESPEN portal for monitoring LF and OV surveys.
• Skills or qualifications in statistical analysis and or/infectious disease modelling
• Skills or qualifications in infectious disease epidemiology
• Teaching qualifications
• Understanding of research governance and ethical principles particularly in relation to research with vulnerable people
• Knowledge of NTDs and health systems.

Skills and Experience:

• You will provide technical support for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis surveys, develop strategies, and ensure alignment with WHO guidelines.
• Your role includes training, coordinating with partners, and supporting data analysis and procurement. Strong experience in global health initiatives and stakeholder management is essential.

Application Closing Date
5th September, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online