Scientist, African Programme on Onchocerciasiss Control (APOC)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : To establish within a period of 12 years, effective and self sustainable community-directed treatment with invermectin throughout the remaining endemic areas in Africa, and where possible, to eliminate the vector and hence the disease by using environmentally safe methods in selected foci; to ensure proper data management and analysis of APOC's operational, monitoring and evaluation data for each participating country, correct interpretation of the results and utilization of this information, programme monitoring/evaluation of sustainability of countries community-directed distribution systems, to establish a reliable and user-friendly information system in APOC countries.
Description of duties: The successful candidate will: Develop and implement of simple, efficient and sustainable methods of invermectin delivery which communities and the national health services can sustain; Develop strategies and guidance materials, provide general support and training to National Task Forces and the peripheral health service personnel on APOC control approach/strategy (community-directed treatment with invermectin (CTDI); Develop and assess the monitoring indicators of project effectiveness, social impact and sustainability; Facilitate and monitor National task Forces responses, activities and performances at all levels in the implementation of sustainable CTDI; Facilitate operational research to improve sustainability of community-directed treatment with invermectin, ascertain relevance of community-directed treatment with invermectin projects as entry point for other health interventions; Develop strategies for the promotion of horizontal integration of CTDI into varied health systems in APOC countries.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Doctorate degree in a health-related field, parasitology or in a social science field; Postgraduate degree or equivalent in a public health or related field; Training in social science methods as applied in tropical disease intervention control, as well as training in international health desirable.
Skills: Sound knowledge of epidemiology and social impact of onchocerciasis and its multi-dimensional implications. Good knowledge of social science methodology as applied in onchocerciasis and other tropical diseases research control; Skills in health planning. Ability to write technical reports and make oral presentations. The following would be an asset: ability to work in an innovative, independent manner with communities in developing health policies, to maintain good working relations; Computer processing techniques and skills.
Experience: A minimum of 6 to 8 years of experience, of which 3 to 4 should be in a national or international context, in community-based programmes and activities, and in training of national or international staff in implementation and evaluation of community projects or research independently or in collaboration with others in health-related fields. Considerable experience in community and minority groups mobilization for health interventions. The following would be an asset: some years of experience in community based projects in tropical developing countries, preferably in the African Region; experience in working with UN organizations.
Languages: Excellent knowledge of English or French and working knowledge of the other language.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) USD 80629 at single rate USD 86791 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: 57.3 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
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All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.