Site Surveillance Officer (x4) at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) with funding from GAVI- Vaccine Alliance is working with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to model institutionalization and strengthening of vaccine safety surveillance in selected districts. The project, through the University, invites applications from suitably qualified, self-motivated and talented individuals to join its team in the following positions:

 

1. SITE SURVEILLANCE OFFICER (4 POSITIONS).

Location:              Districts

Responsible to:     Principal Investigator

Job Type:              Full-time

Duration:             1 Year

Job summary

Reporting to the Principal Investigator (KUHES) and Ministry of Health Vaccine Safety Oficer (MOH). The officer will provide technical support, be responsible for planning, setting up, coordinating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating vaccine site surveillance and related activities in close collaboration with all stakeholders in the implementing sites. S/he will work closely with MOH personnel at all levels of health-care system, partners and academic institutions to achieve the goals of the surveillance program. S/he will also be responsible for effective and efficient resource planning and management.

Key areas of responsibility:

The specific responsibilities will include:

• Setting up the sentinel site for the surveillance program;
• Planning, coordinating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating vaccine surveillance activities at the implementing districts in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders;
• Lead in the identification, documentation, patient charts abstraction and reporting of vaccine AESI and AEFI cases in collaboration with district teams;
• Documentation, investigation and follow-up of cases for the surveillance program;
• Work with district teams to ensure smooth data flow, access and use for action through the health systems, Pharmacy Medicine Regulatory Authority (PMRA) and communities;
• Data entry, consolidation and reviews using electronic and manual systems including the DHIS2;
• Assist with planning and facilitating meetings and trainings of health care workers and stakeholders;
• Develop, maintain and systematically file the electronic and manual records for the surveillance program;
• Work with the administration team to ensure all activities are implemented timely and within approved budget;
• Assist, administer and manage project funds where necessary;
• Produce reports and presentations for meetings, conferences, donors and ethics submissions to regulatory bodies as requested;
• Accomplish all other tasks as assigned for the projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Medicine, Nursing or MBBS.
• Registered with Medical or Nurses Council as is appropriate.

Technical and professional requirements:

• Experience working with Ministry of Health (MoH), government departments, non-governmental organizations and donor agencies;
• Clinical or nursing practice experience;
• Experience working with and in communities;
• Previous experience using, developing and field-testing research and MoH programs’ data tools;
• Capacities to work independently, in a team setting and collaborative environment;

• Experience coordinating health programs or research including facilitation of meetings or trainings;
• Good communication and presentation skills;

• Ability to focus on details and excellent writing skill;
• Familiarity with use of electronic devices such as tablets for electronic data capture.