Akros is a cutting-edge organization that establishes data-driven systems that improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged communities. We pride ourselves in our ground-level knowledge of the health systems where we work, and our ability to provide novel, lasting solutions implemented in developing regions.
Akros Research is supporting a program, funded by the Mastercard Foundation and in partnership with the Africa CDC, to increase vaccine uptake in Africa. This initiative, called Saving Lives and Livelihoods, includes multiple components and partners working to procure, distribute, and promote vaccine uptake in a safe manner. As a part of this consortium Akros Research will support Africa Union member states in the Eastern and Southern African regions to strengthen vaccine safety surveillance systems.
Under the overall guidance of Akros Research and the direct supervision of the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA), the Vaccine Safety and AEFI Monitoring Officer will support efforts to enhance the capacity of the existing AEFI surveillance system for effective response to vaccine AEFIs or AESIs. The incumbent will be seconded to the EFDA office in Addis Ababa.
Specific Responsibilities
- Receive adverse event (AE) reports; ensure the validity of the report(s) source and completeness of the report
- Classify the reported AE based on seriousness (serious or non-serious) and provide acknowledgement letter for serious AEs
- Conduct and/or facilitates serious case(s) investigation in collaboration with regional investigation taskforces
- Prepare investigation report and communicate to the immediate supervisor and respective bodies
- Facilitate causality assessment and present investigated cases report for causality assessment
- Prepare causality assessment report and PAC recommendation; and communicate to the immediate supervisor
- Facilitate and provide training on serious AE identification, reporting and investigation for regional investigation taskforce and healthcare professionals
- Mentor regional investigation taskforce and support capacity building on serious AE investigation
- Conduct regular supportive supervision, provide feedback and follow the improvement of the regional investigation taskforce
- Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, biannual and annual report of reported, investigated and causally assessed serious AEs on time
- Provide technical input in the development/review of pharmacovigilance directives, guidelines, SOPs, training materials and other essential tools.
- Provide technical support for the assessment of the existing AEFI surveillance system to identify gaps and develop a plan of activities to address the challenges
- Design and implement new techniques and strategies that can improve the existing AE reporting, data handling, and cases investigation system.
- Assist in the development/review and implementation of guidelines, SOPs and tools for planning and conducting vaccine pharmacovigilance activities.
- Liaise with the communication experts to ensure vaccine safety issues are taken into consideration in communication planning and key messages are prepared for the management of misinformation surrounding vaccines
- Maintain records of all reported, investigated and causally assessed serious AEs
- To undertake any other responsibilities, tasks or activities as may be assigned from immediate supervisory.
Minimum Qualifications
- Doctor of medicine (senior physicians)
- At least Five (5) years of working experience with proven clinical practice experience in a reputable health institution;
- Training and/or CPD certificate in basic and/or advanced Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) surveillance or vaccine Pharmacovigilance is an advantage
- Past exposure and experience in a reputable pharmaceutical or regulatory institution, or in pharmacovigilance field will be an added advantage.
Required Competencies
- Demonstrated ability in fieldwork and client management;
- High level of Integrity;
- Keen attention to detail;
- Written and spoken fluency in English and local language is required
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills; Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical reports in English;
- Ability to work in multicultural and stressful situation;
- Well-developed team work and collaborative abilities;
- Strong flexibility, self-motivation, organized, able to prioritize, manage time efficiently, and manage multiple tasks efficiently with minimal supervision;
- Excellent analytical skills;
- Good knowledge of assessment of ADRs/AEFIs;
- Ability to participate in field activities;
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas;
- Demonstrated ability to productively communicate remotely.
Reporting
This position will report directly to the desk head of medicine safety and post marketing surveillance and the Pharmacovigilance and clinical trial lead executive officer within EFDA, with a dotted line to the Akros Country Manager.
How to apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply early. To apply, please submit a cover letter and CV with references to [email protected] with “Application: Ethiopia Vaccine Safety and AEFI Monitoring Officer” as the email’s subject line.