Position:

CHAI is seeking a talented, highly motivated, and flexible Associate to support the development, expansion, and improvement of laboratory systems for point of care testing for EID and viral load in Senegal. The Associate, based in Dakar, will report to the HIV Labs Program Manager. This position will closely support the Program Manager in fostering relationships with the MoH, UNICEF, and other key stakeholders in Senegal. The Associate will support the Program Manager in identifying gaps and opportunities, performing necessary analyses to inform program strategies to ensure that the country has reached certain diagnostics milestones prior to the scale-up of the POC EID and HIV Viral Load programs as well as the long-term success of the project. The Associate will support the development and execution of strategies to accelerate the adoption of new and innovative EID and VL technologies/ assays, ensure results delivery, and strengthen linkage to care. Furthermore, she/he will support the promotion of MoH/partner coordination, strengthen access to essential HIV testing services such as EID, CD4, chemistry, and hematology, and VL testing, promote sustainable solutions for equipment service and maintenance challenges, and strengthen the relationship in the HIV logistics supply chain management systems for lab commodities.

The Associate will be a highly motivated individual with outstanding credentials and analytical ability. This position is required to work with government officials and partners, and must have excellent relationship building and communication skills. She/he must be able to function independently with minimal oversight and have a strong commitment to excellence with a keen eye for detail.

Responsibilities

Support the Program Manager in the scoping and detailed activity planning over the next 3 years and identify intervention areas

Identify, plan, design, and perform quantitative and qualitative analyses to drive evidence-based, data-driven decision making for program strategies

Develop tools, SOPs, and guidance documents to support the implementation of POC technologies and supportive systems

Develop and deliver compelling presentations to advance business case on CHAI interventions

Work with the MoH to ensure the country milestones are met prior to scale-up of POC diagnostics

Work with the MoH and reference labs to review, evaluate and ensure that the program (sample transport network, sites communication, result reporting system, assay quality etc.) is running effectively

Provide technical support to ensure improved data management systems, and utilization of data for program management (EID, VL testing)

Provide the technical expertise to the reference labs and other laboratories, when applicable, to continue to improve all the quality assurance programs related to HIV testing services

Work with the National Supply Chain Program to ensure a sustainable and strong model for HIV Laboratory commodities procurement and distribution line

Support the Program Manager to create effective and sustainable training programs, quality assurance and, data management to support accelerated roll-out for MoH on lab systems strengthening related issues (sample transport, technology selection)

Other tasks assigned by the Program Manager

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree, specialization in laboratory sciences preferred

At least 3 years’ work experience

Excellent problem solving, analytical and quantitative skills, and a commitment to improvement and creative thinking with a capacity to critically assess prior achievements and develop stronger solutions and processes

Exceptional interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, and an ability to build professional relationships with key stakeholders, negotiate and achieve consensus

Ability to learn on the job quickly and absorb and synthesize a broad range of information

Ability to work on complex problems without extensive support and self-motivate

Ability to react quickly to ad-hoc requests while managing an existing workload and meeting deadlines

High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

Experience working with governments and international partners in country

Fluent in English and French, proficiency in both written and verbal

Previous work experience in sub-Saharan Africa

Advantages:

Advanced degree
Experience working in management consulting, business strategy groups, investment banks, or similar fast-paced results-oriented environments

Global health, HIV, and/or infectious diseases related experience, either in a programmatic or clinical setting
Knowledge of workflow related to EID, CD4, Viral Load, POC, understanding the clinical underpinnings of these programs, and general market dynamics of their respective technology platforms and reagents

Experience working in laboratories in Senegal
Experience working and communicating with government officials at the various levels of the health system