Senior Technical Specialist- Food/Senior Technical Specialist - AMU/AMC/Monitoring and Evaluation Officer/Documentation & AMR Secretariat Associate

FHI 360 Nepal

Vacancy Announcement

FHI 360 is seeking a highly qualified and dynamic Nepali citizen for the various positions to work under the anticipated Second Fleming Fund Country Grant for Nepal (FFCGN2) to support surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in Nepal. The grant will be funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), under its Fleming Fund Grants Programme, and managed by Mott MacDonald, the Management Agent. This Grant for Nepal will focus on sustaining earlier investments made under the First Fleming Fund Country Grant for Nepal (FFCGN1), strengthening surveillance systems for antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antimicrobial use (AMU), and antimicrobial consumption (AMC) in the human, animal health, environment and food safety sectors through a One Health (OH) approach. This grant will align with the national AMR priorities, policy framework and with the investments made by Government of Nepal (GoN), other donors and stakeholders in this area.

1. Senior Technical Specialist- Food:

The Senior Technical Specialist-Food will be responsible for activities related to strengthening the capacity and systems for AMR Surveillance in the food sector. This position needs to work in close coordination and collaboration with Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC), Ministry of  Agriculture and Livestock Development to strengthen the capacity of the DFTQC in AMR surveillance and to further integrate the food sector into the national AMR/AMU surveillance programme. The position is based in Kathmandu with frequent field visits (30 percent or more) to different parts of Nepal.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and collaborate with stakeholders working AMR/AMU
• Provide technical assistance for assessments and develop improvement plans for DFTQC microbiology laboratories for AMR surveillance
• Support the strengthening of the microbiology laboratory at DFTQC based on needs identified to ensure adherence with standard microbiology practices
• Provide technical assistance for sample collection, transport, laboratory processing and quality management in the food sector
• Build diagnostic capacity, including through mentoring, of DFTQC staff and provide technical assistance to manage, analyse and interpret AMR data from the food sector
• Support DFTQC in the dissemination of surveillance findings from the food sector through established human health, animal health and AMR/AMU technical working groups in line with an OH approach
• Provide technical support to prepare protocols, implementation plans, laboratory standard operating procedures, training modules, and surveillance reports
• Liaise and coordinate activities with FFCGN2 programme staff, especially the Senior Technical Specialists for human health and animal health
• Support relevant stakeholders to design strategies to mitigate AMR in the food sector, such as quality control monitoring, establishment of protocols for routine food testing and data generation, reporting and interpretation to support policy making
• Contribute to FFCGN2 quarterly reports including good practices, lessons learnt and success stories

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in microbiology specialized in food microbiology or related laboratory science with five to six years of experience 
• Experience in AMR and or OH programmes and conducting microbiological analysis of food samples (e.g., meat, poultry or dairy) 
• Experience conducting microbiology quality assurance 
• Involvement in AMR/AMU, disease surveillance and other relevant health programs (strongly preferred)
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of and compliance with the ethical issues surrounding research and surveillance
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Nepali  

2. Senior Technical Specialist - AMU/AMC

The Senior Technical Specialist - AMU/AMC will be responsible for activities related to strengthening the capacity and systems for AMU/AMC surveillance in humans and animals. S/he will coordinate and collaborate with the Quality Standards and Regulatory Division (QSRD), Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), Department of Drug Administration (DDA) and Veterinary Standard Drugs Regulatory Laboratory (VSDRL), Department of Livestock Services (DLS) on AMU and AMC surveillance activities. This position is based in Kathmandu with frequent field visits (30 percent or more) to different parts of Nepal.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Technical Specialist - AMU/AMC will provide technical assistance to:

• Develop systems for AMR, AMU and AMC surveillance and data sharing
• QSRD/MOHP, DDA, VSDRL and DLS to develop protocols, guidelines, implementation plans and reports as well as disseminate findings.
• Collect, collate, review, analyse and visualize data related to AMR, AMU and AMC patterns in human and animal populations
• Conduct epidemiological investigations (e.g., source, antibiotic use, and spread of infection); this will also include active participation in such investigations and coordination and communication with farms, veterinarians, pharmacists and clinicians at health facilities
• Map, investigate and/or assess antibiotic distribution and use in humans and animals (at farms)
• Ensure the national AMU/AMC Technical Working group (TWG) functions effectively; and participate in other national-level TWGs, as needed.
• Liaise and coordinate activities with FFCGN2 programme staff, especially Senior Technical Specialists for HH and AH
• Conduct AMC and AMU surveys in HH and AH, and participate in carrying them out
• DDA to enable it to track imports, manufacture and distribution of antimicrobials and development of database for ongoing monitoring
• Prepare and submit AMC/AMU-related data and reports in accordance with national, regional and global standards and requirements, including annual report to World Organization for Animal Health
• Coordinate and collaborate with stakeholders working in AMU/AMC and AMR

The Senior Technical Specialist -AMU/AMC will also contribute to quarterly reports, including identifying good practices, lessons learnt and success stories, and perform other related duties as assigned by the Project Director and/or Country Representative.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in pharmacy and three years of experience in relevant sector or bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy and five years of experience in relevant sector preferably in AMR/AMU/AMC or disease surveillance or public health programmes 
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with local partners and Government of Nepal entities and structures
• Understanding of drug distribution information systems
• Experience working on AMU survey, drug distribution and AMC surveillance with skills in data collection, analysis and interpretation and study/survey design (preferred)
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the ethical issues surrounding research and surveillance
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Nepali

3. Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

The Monitoring and Evaluation Officer will support the overall delivery of quality programme outputs and deliverables. S/he, in collaboration with the Senior Technical Specialists and Project Director, will support the review and updating of the programme’s monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan and logical framework as well plans and indicators to capture programme performance. The Officer will work closely with the Sr. Surveillance Specialist and Senior Technical Specialists to implement and monitor the program’s M&E activities, ensuring that lessons learned are integrated into programme implementation to continuously improve programme quality.  The M&E Officer is expected to develop collaborative relationships with other programme staff and surveillance site staff to monitor and improve programme activities. This position is based in Kathmandu with frequent field visits (30 percent or more) to different parts of Nepal. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the review, update and implementation of the FFCGN2 M&E plan including recording and reporting systems and tools to capture programme performance and results, routine laboratory data reporting, baseline and end line assessments and all monitoring for process and outcome evaluations
• Manage FFCGN2 programme data, recording and reporting and ensure quality of the data
• Update monthly and quarterly programme deliverable tracker; communicate status of submission of deliverables in a timely manner; and support uploading of deliverables into internal reporting systems
• Coordinate the process to prepare and submit laboratory site-specific data and reports as an integral part of the Fleming Fund quarterly grantee reporting requirements to the Senior Surveillance Specialist
• Contribute to quarterly reports, including good practices, lessons learnt, success stories, issues and challenges and updating risk register
• Work closely with the Senior Technical Specialists to support routine data verification and data quality assessments of the surveillance sites 
• Work closely with the Senior Surveillance Specialist to track and report sustainability indicators and exit plan as required by Mott MacDonald in line with the FFCGN2 sustainability assessment plan and requirements
• Lead, coordinate and support the design, development, and implementation M&E-related training and workshops
• Supervise and support the Documentation and AMR Secretariat Associate to effectively and efficiently operate the AMRCSC secretariat

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public health, statistics, demography, or related field and three years of experience in relevant field; or bachelor’s degree  in public health, statistics, demography, or related field and five years of experience in relevant field. Advanced certificate in M&E and statistics preferred
• Demonstrated experience in M&E and data analysis, interpretation and use in public health
• Knowledge of the major evaluation methodologies (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies
• Demonstrated experience in planning and managing surveys, developing and refining data collection tools, data quality assessments and oversight of regular M&E activities
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of and compliance with the ethical issues surrounding research and surveillance. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Nepali

4. Documentation & AMR Secretariat Associate:

The Documentation & AMR Secretariat Associate will provide support to the Antimicrobial Resistance Containment Multi-sectoral and Steering Committee (AMRCSC) secretariat. S/he will also be responsible for providing support to the OH, AMU, Human Health, Animal Health Technical Working Groups. S/he will work closely with relevant units to provide timely administrative and logistics support ensuring adherence to FHI 360 Nepal policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support AMRCSC meetings and document and circulate meeting minutes and updates
• Lead and coordinate the creation and updating of a document repository and provide support for data use and information dissemination
• Organise meetings of the OH, AMU, Human Health, and Animal Health Technical Working Groups, and document and circulate meeting minutes and updates
• Provide support to the programme team in documenting programme activities and arranging meetings with government and non-government stakeholders
• Develop and maintain an updated contact directory of key contacts for stakeholders from different sectors
• Maintain a calendar of key events in close collaboration with FFCGN2 staff members and the AMRCSC 
• Lead, coordinate, and support the documentation and publishing of successes, accomplishments and lessons learned documents of the programme
• Support preparation and coordination of joint monitoring visits to programme sites with AMRCSC and technical working groups
• Support preparation of fortnightly and monthly programme updates, as required
• Perform other tasks assigned by AMRCSC and NTWC Member Secretary, supervisor, Project Director and/or Country Representative

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with at least three years of work experience in programme management, documentation, communication, and coordination; Intermediate degree and at least five years of relevant experience
• Previous experience in I/NGOs and government sector, particularly on AMR, public health sector, preferred
• Sound judgment and the ability to deal pleasantly and effectively with people 
• Ability to work well with programme staff and government counterparts
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Proactive and independent approach to work with willingness to undertake additional responsibilities
• Ability to initiate and implement activities with minimal supervision and manage high volume workflow with multiple tasks 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Nepali
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the ethical issues surrounding research and surveillance. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Project Director and/or Country Representative.

How to Apply:

Interested and qualified candidates can apply through FHI 360 career at http://www.fhi360.org/careers 

Deadline for application: September 30, 2020 

Although the deadline is September 30, 2020, we are immediately starting the screening process so interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Only short-listed candidates will be invited for written test and oral interview. Any effort to influence the selection process will result in disqualification.