Technical Specialist (Blood Safety)

In South Sudan, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is a key partner to the Global Fund for the Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) and is the United Nations (UN) agency assuming the role of Principal Recipient of GFATM grants in selected countries. In its role as Principal Recipient, UNDP is responsible for the financial and programmatic management of the GFATM grant as well as for the procurement of health and non-health products in this grant. UNDP is currently managing the Global Fund Round 9 Health System Strengthening Grant, on behalf of the Ministry of Health-MoH. One of the key focus areas of the grant is to develop a system for safe transfusion of blood and blood products. Currently, the major challenges in providing safe, adequate blood and blood products to the people in need includes; lack of blood bank services, lack of standardization in all aspects of blood transfusion services (BTS), reliance on family replacement donation, lack of policies, guidelines and standard operating procedures; and inadequate number of trained human resources. In this regards, UNDP in collaboration with technical agencies like WHO aims to support the Ministry of Health to establish a functional National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS). This technical assistance to MoH aims to support with ensuring that safe blood and blood products are available in the country, review, development and implementation of National Policies on BTS as well as development of training manuals, SoPs and Strategies, facilitation of Blood Donor Mobilization strategy for mobilization of the community for voluntary non-remunerated blood donation, and mobilize support and identify areas of collaboration between the MoH Medical Services Directorate and key implementing partners in order to strengthen the support towards the NBTS. The incumbent will manage the BTS program under the guidance of the MoH and in close consultation with the GFATM coordinator, WHO and other technical partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions: To provide technical assistance to MoH with the aim of ensuring that safe blood and blood products are available in the country; Review, develop and ensure implementation of National Policies on BTS as well as training manuals, SoPs and Strategies; Facilitate the development of Blood Donor Mobilization strategy for mobilization of the community for voluntary non-remunerated blood donation; Mobilize support and identify areas of collaboration between the MoH Medical Services Directorate and key implementing partners in order to strengthen the support towards the NBTS; Support MoH in the development of relevant educational tools to promote safe blood donation. Key day to day responsibilities: Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the UNDP GF Coordinator and the Director General, Directorate of Medical Services-MoH, the Blood Safety Specialist will be responsible for the following key tasks: Provide technical support to the MOH for the establishment and management of the National Blood Transfusion Services. This includes developing policies, guidelines, manuals and standard operating procedures in order to improve the quality management systems in BTS; Lead the design and conduct of operational research activities in support of blood safety project activities. Facilitate the development of Blood Donor Mobilization strategy for mobilization of the community for voluntary non-remunerated blood donation; To translate the strategy into a work-plan of sustained blood donor mobilization activities at central and state levels to increase percentage of blood collected from voluntary non-remunerated blood donors; Taking into account the findings of operational research activities, and in conjunction with the NBTS, support the development of Educational Tools for various target groups including religious leaders, secondary school and university students; Facilitate and support the NBTS in the development and effective utilization of educational materials in the mobilization of the various target groups in support of voluntary non remunerated blood donation; Support the MoH to conduct regular mobile blood donation exercises through the mobile blood banks; Provide support and technical guidance to the NBTS in the execution of planned blood safety capacity building activities, which includes training of members of the National Blood Donor Association, secondary school teachers, university teachers and religious leaders of both the Muslim and Christian faiths; Participate in supervision of day to day NBTS activities including community mobilization and blood donation activities, processing of blood and blood products, transfusion-transmissible infection testing and serology and clinical use of blood; Provide technical guidance to the NBTS to strengthen the national blood data management system including development of standard data recording and reporting forms and capacity building of NBTS staff on data recording and timely reporting; Advise the NBTS on identification and bringing on board of Civil Society Partners in support of blood safety activities in general and voluntary blood donation activities in particular; Provide technical support to MoH in the management of the blood banks, including selection, use and maintenance of appropriate equipments; Support MoH to ensure that high quality international standards are been maintained at the static and mobile blood bank facilities; To liaise with relevant technical partners in country to ensure harmonization and effective use of resources. Impact of Results: The key impact of the post will be the achievement of project results as per the agreed project document and work plan. It will also ensure that a National Blood Safety and Blood Transfusion Policy and Strategies are developed and operational to ensure that safe blood and blood products are available in the country.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Performance management, developing people, coaching and mentoring; Team work and excellent communication skills; Analytical and strategic thinking in the area of National Blood Transfusing Services; Knowledge sharing and continuous learning. Functional Competencies: Knowledge and skills in developing strategies, policies, SoPs for NBTS; Training, facilitation and education skills; Building strategic alliances and partnerships; Results-based programme development and management; Leadership and organizational development skills. Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills; ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with counterparts.

Required Skills and Experience

Edudation: Masters Degree in Public Health; Additional qualification in transfusion medicine is an advantage Experience: At least 5 years combined experience at National and International level, in public Health, of which at least 3 years in blood transfusion safety, management of blood banks and blood donations exercises; Very good knowledge of principles and strategies of Blood Transfusion Services; Excellent writing and analytical skills; Training, facilitation and supervisory skills; Good understanding of decentralized health system and health services management, including review and development of policies, SoPs, manuals on NBTS; Proven ability to coordinate mobile blood donations activities and oversee the management of blood banks; Knowledge of practical use of computer (Ms. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and statistical software); Experience of working in a post conflict environment is an asset. Language Requirements: Excellent command of written and spoken English. knowledge of Arabic will be an added advantage

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Technical Specialist (Blood Safety)