Medical Entomologist , Bujumbura , Burundi

Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates was ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms in 2012 and also named one of the top 40 international development innovators. The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in nearly 40 countries.

The International Health Division (IHD) is committed to the improvement of health and healthcare delivery around the world. Serving both the public and private sectors, our efforts include health policy research and evaluation, health promotion and disease prevention, health finance, and health systems management. Our impact is felt in policies that ensure healthcare access for women, children, and individuals with special needs, in strengthening health infrastructures, and HIV/AIDS solutions.

Background:

The USAID-funded Africa IRS (“Indoor Residual Spraying”) Project supports the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), as well as USAID Missions and Bureaus with malaria programs outside the PMI focus countries, in planning and implementing IRS programs with the overall goal of reducing the burden of malaria in Africa by enhancing USAID’s ability to implement IRS programs on the ground through cost-effective commodities procurement and logistics systems, access to technical expertise, and implementation of IRS in countries affected by malaria.

Objective:

Abt Associates seeks a Medical Entomologist for the AIRS project in Burundi. Under the supervision of the AIRS Technical Coordinator for Burundi, based in Bethesda, MD (USA) and administrative coordination of Burundi’s National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) management, the Medical Entomologist will provide leadership and management oversight to the NMCP’s Vector Control Unit and the insectary in Burundi.

Specific duties and responsibilities include the following:

• Work with the NMCP’s vector control unit on running the insectary in Gihanga; Help maintain a mosquito colony from a Kisumu strain and an animal house to feed the mosquito colony. Ensure the colony has enough mosquitoes to run all susceptibility tests and different experiments on adult mosquitoes as required by the NMCP. Where necessary, maintain a population of local field- collected mosquitoes for various tests as required. • Train entomology technicians from the NMCP on maintaining mosquito colonies in an insectary, different sampling techniques for mosquitoes (both adult and larvae) in sentinel sites, train technicians on identification, storing and transport of mosquito samples from the field to the insectary, ensuring the transfer of technical skills to local institutions. • In collaboration with NMCP: 1. Help to maintain and expand sentinel sites for the enhanced entomological monitoring in different provinces. Lead the field collection of entomological data on vector bionomics, mosquito behavior,and insecticide resistance at the identified sentinel sites. 2. Test the impact of vector control interventions, such as the efficacy and durability of long lasting insecticide treated nets and indoor residual spraying, and help establish a strong monitoring and evaluation system in order to establish the entomological and epidemiological impact of vector control interventions on malaria transmission. 3. Work on strategic planning for entomology and vector control and any other vector control policy documents. • Work on the annual budget, and manage the budget in collaboration with other Abt Associates partners in Burundi. • Conduct weekly phone calls with the Technical Coordinator and AIRS Burundi team on the insectary and field entomological activities. • Write a Progress Report and Final Report in English on all the field entomological activities, recommendations for the NMCP insectary, sentinel sites, and vector control in Burundi. • Work with the NMCP and AIRS on procurement of local and international entomology supplies and clearing the goods at arrival in country. Maintain an inventory list for AIRS Burundi. Serve as Abt’s representative in-country for donor meetings as needed.

Qualifications:

• Masters degree (minimum), Doctorate degree (desirable), in Medical Entomology. • 7 to 10 years of relevant professional work experience with a Masters Degree, or 4 to 6 years with a Doctorate, including significant amounts of experience directly related to establishing an insectary and mosquito colony. • Experience in training entomology technicians on entomological monitoring and field activities. • Strong management and planning skills of an insectary and sentinel sites. • Experience working with National Malaria Control Programs • Experience with USAID and donor projects is highly desirable. • Fluency in French required and proficiency in English. • Demonstrates leadership and team work and produces high quality work in a timely, cost effective manner and has excellent writing skills. • Knowledge of the Burundian Health System would be an advantage.

The position is a one (1) year post. Abt Associates would like the selected candidate to commence work by August 2013 and complete work by August 2014.

How to apply:

Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the Abt Associates website here