ONE-HEALTH/ANIMAL HEALTH AMR SPECIALIST (GHANA)

 One-Health/Animal Health AMR Specialist

Reporting to the Project Director, the role will support and assist the Project team to deliver on Aurum’s AMR related activities in Ghana. As a One-Health/Animal Health AMR specialist, the role will  support the establishment of National AMR surveillance systems and provide technical support in data collection using a One-Health approach through the synthesis of surveillance data especially across the animal health, food production, food safety, and the environment.

Key Responsibilities

• To facilitate and support the development of systems to monitor antimicrobial consumption and use in sentinel sites and facilities with the aim of strengthening stewardship and improve clinical management of AMR.
• To provide support to sentinel sites and facilities in the development and implementation of AMR training sessions and awareness campaigns.
• Work very closely with the National, Regional, Institutional and District level AMR structures to ensure successful program implementation. S/he must have in-depth understanding of the country’s One Health Approach and AMR Action Plan.

• Assist in the development of AMR/AMU surveillance plan, enhance AMR awareness, and assist AMR related activities.
• Prepare concept notes and technical reports as required, particularly on One-Health surveillance activities.
• Support the strengthening of linkages with stakeholders from the animal, aquaculture and environment sector.
• Carry out related duties as required.

Project Implementation

• Support and assist the Project team to deliver on Aurum’s AMR programs in Ghana.
• Provide technical and managerial support for the successful implementation of AMR surveillance activities using a One-Health approach.
• Serve as the One-Health technical point person for Aurum in-country project operational team.
• Coordinating the implementation of project activities in Ghana including activities to support government of Ghana on:
  • The implementation and monitoring of the National action plan on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial use (AMU).
  • AMR surveillance, capacity development and network.
  • Raising awareness on AMR related activities and community engagement.
  • Facilitating and supporting inter-sectoral collaboration and social-behaviour change communication.
  • Participation in relevant regional and global AMR events
  • Maintaining regular communication and coordination with AMR stakeholders in Ghana partners at regional and global levels
• Develop relevant scientific conference posters, presentations and manuscripts for publication.
• Provide technical inputs to reports, events, and support site visitations.
• Support in-country operational team in the development of stage plans for project implementation in ensuring the strategic and functional integration of project outputs.
• Liaise with project consultant experts to conduct site assessments / audits to determine the baseline level of relevant laboratories prior to implementing actions (training /mentoring)
• Support the organization of all project related trainings and travels for in-country operational team and MOH team.
• Work with M&E Officer to track and provide supportive supervision and monitor site/facility level for reporting.
• Support laboratories (including 2 Public Health Reference Laboratories) to design and implement quality assurance practices to address AMR diagnostic challenges.
• Ensure effective supervision of monthly AMR data gathering, isolate collection, transportation, and data entry at sentinel sites towards reporting to Reference Lab.
• Support External Quality Assurance events conducted by the reference laboratories.
• Develop or review all relevant technical documents before submission to funder
• Assist project team in the write-up and submission of  quarterly progress reports to funder for approval.

Other Duties

• Work with Aurum Institute, Ghana to develop BD activities towards extension of the funding portfolio for AMR and laboratory focus work.
• Identify and propose digital technology solutions appropriate for incorporation into laboratory proposals to be developed by AIG.

Qualifications

• An AMR expert with Post Graduate Qualification in a discipline encompassing One-Health/Animal Health.
• Knowledge and experience in Veterinary laboratory sciences would be an asset.
• Familiarity and proficiency in animal disease management and AMR activities.
• Knowledge and experience in One-Health AMR.
• A minimum of ten years in relevant field, disease management or laboratory experience, and a minimum of one year AMR/AMU surveillance and awareness experience.
• Certified through a relevant body.
• An understanding of the complexities of the Ghana Health Sectors especially of the Animal and Environmental sectors.
• Strong aptitude for good science; able to generate and report high quality business relevant data.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills; a proactive thinker who can anticipate future issues and propose and deliver pragmatic solutions.
• Well organised with good time management skills and the ability to work to strict deadlines across multiple projects.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with an aptitude for high quality technical writing.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills. Must be able to effectively interact with a diverse group of people from different functions, of different nationalities and at different levels within the company.
• Experience with standard MS Office software, especially Word and Excel.

Closing date: 23 September 2023

Please Note:

Kindly provide current and relevant references for background checks

These appointments are subject to the preferred candidates obtaining the necessary security clearance, reference checking and competency assessment. We embrace employment equity and are committed to achievement of fair and equal representation of our workforce. Preference will be given to internal applicants and candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Aurum Institute Ghana  welcomes applications from all persons with disabilities

Whilst all applications will be carefully considered, only short-listed applicants will be interviewed. If you do not hear from us within 21 days of the closing date, this will mean that your application has been unsuccessful. All interviewed applicants will receive feedback as part of our continued drive towards people development.