APOPO Head of Department, TB Detection

Despite all efforts to control Tuberculosis (TB), increasing the detection rate of TB patients remains one of the main challenges to combat this fast spreading disease. Many Sub-Saharan African Countries are in the list of the high TB burden Countries (WHO, 2007). In many of these countries, the TB detection rate is below 50%. Poor diagnostic services are a primary contributor to this problem.

To combat this pandemic, APOPO developed a unique diagnostic technology, based on the olfactory capacity of trained giant African Pouched rats. The method can be deployed in a fast and efficient manner to evaluate large quantities of human sputum samples for the presence of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. APOPO’s successful TB research and operations warrant the expansion of the technology. To facilitate this expansion, APOPO seeks a high-level TB expert to lead APOPO's TB program.

ROLE TITLE: Head of Department, TB Detection

ROLE PURPOSE

1. To be responsible for the development of APOPO’s TB Detection department in line with the strategic goals of the organization;
2. To represent and promote APOPO’s TB detection technology globally;
3. To expand, oversee and provide support to APOPO’s TB detection operations;
4. To oversee and ensure the quality of APOPO TB research;

EDUCATION

Relevant University degree:

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MD with specialization in TB and/or diagnostics
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MSc / PhD in Biomedical Sciences

EXPERIENCE

* > 10 years field experience in health care & development operations
* Experience in senior project management
* Experience in TB health programs and diagnostic research
* Have a wide network within the global medical and TB community

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND CORRESPONDING DELIVERABLES

1) Develop APOPO’s TB department strategy in accordance to the strategic goals

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Develop yearly, medium and long term strategies for APOPOs TB program;
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Develop APOPOs TB detection service provision business models for applicable niche markets;
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Optimize service delivery and implementation methods using TB detection rats in 2nd and 1st line screening line

2) Promote APOPO’s TB detection technology within the global medical community

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Develop a strategy for the accreditation of the technology by national and international relevant authorities;
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Develop a strategy to influence policy change toward the implementation of APOPO’s TB detection technology;
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Represent and market APOPO in the health industry by developing partnerships and attending and presenting APOPO on international health forums;

3) Ensure that the overall quality of APOPOs TB detection technology is state of the art and in accordance with best diagnostic and research practices.

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Review and revise SOPs and other operational documents as appropriate;
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Monitor ongoing research activities as well as operations;
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Advise on research strategy and oversee the design of experiments;
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Change or correct procedures that fail to comply with best practice;
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Ensure operational synergy between APOPOs TB detection programs;
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Negotiate and document the agreements with implementing partners on appropriate procedures for effective implementation of TB detection rats and QC procedures;
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Oversee and assist in the publication of APOPO TB research and programs in scientific journals;

4) Provide operational support to APOPO TB programs

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Visit APOPOs operational TB programs as required to ensure efficient implementation and quality control of the programs, and report any discrepancies or necessary operational adjustments to the CEO and program directors;
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Explore and evaluate opportunities for new programs, conduct fact finding missions and liaise with National Health Authorities and other relevant stakeholders;
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Assist in the recruitment of TB program managers or researchers;

5) Raise funds

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Explore new potential funding sources;
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Raise funds for ongoing and new TB programs;
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Attend relevant conferences and meetings where potential donors may be present;
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Establish and maintain contact with donors;
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Explore potential partnerships with research organizations and other partners;
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Be in charge of the quality of the main project proposals and progress reports to TB program donors;

6) Be an active member of the management team

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Provide bi-monthly updates for the management report;
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Participate in the management meetings on request
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Report any new and relevant scientific strategic and operational developments, competitive technologies or opportunities to the management meeting
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Report on general TB diagnostic trends and opportunities
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Report concerns about APOPOs TB programs and opportunities for improvement
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Provide input to the communications team in support of the website or general communications

How to apply:

Interested candidates please email CV and cover letter to: apopo@apopo.org