MOBILE OUTBREAK LABORATORY PROJECT MANAGER (TEMPORARY POSITION) (BASED IN THE FIELD)

GENERAL OBJECTIVE

In the emergency setting where MSF works, the diagnosis capacity for outbreak detection is not always available at field level. There are also many deficiencies in the outbreak confirmation process in national reference laboratories to timely react; many times, due to vertical approaches (one disease targeted at a time and when negative result, there is need to restart the investigation) but also due to lack of capacities.

All these together provoke delay in the identification of the causative agent of an outbreak and could result in inadequate and/or late responses to outbreaks.

Having a mobile laboratory to support investigation teams during the alert verification process would shorten the delay to obtain diagnostic results and improve the outbreak response.

The TIC MOL project began with the implementation of a first phase (2019-2021) in Central African Republic, which allowed the technical validation of the tool (MVP-minimum Viable product). A second phase (Jan-2022-oct 2023) has focused mainly “the operationalization of the MOL tool” within the framework of MSF and the Ministry of Health of the Central African Republic.

We are now about to start a third phase (IIIa) with the objective to scale up the implementation of the tool in two new countries and define the handover/integration strategy for the MOL, out of the TIC umbrella, in Central African Republic.

We aim that MOL Phase IIIa complement the evolution of the initial model developed in CAR through the experience in other contexts that imply different climate, epidemiologic and National Health System characteristics.

The initiative will include different workstreams:

• Workstream 1> Replicating the model in another context: NIGER OCBA mission (different climate and epidemiological profile) that will allow verifications in the technical adjustments and test new clusters of diseases.
• Workstream 2> Replicating the model in another context SUDAN OCBA mission (different climate and epidemiological profile) that will allow verifications in the technical adjustments and test new clusters of diseases.
• Workstream 3> CAR continues to evolve into the next step of consolidation and handover/integration strategy (out of TIC umbrella), considering four scenarios:

1. to be kept under MSF.
2. to be taken by the Institute Pasteur (Reference Lab at Bangui).
3. to be taken by the COUSP or National Laboratory (as MoH direct capacity).
4. MSF keep capacity & transfer know-how to counterpart.

• Workstream 4> Technical improvement on Logistics for Temperature conditioning, cold chain, watsan.
• Workstream 5> Capitalization of the replication of MOL in the different countries: replicate the MOL in different countries will allow to understand what steps are required, which will ease the scale up in future phases. It implies adapt the current model to a more comprehensive one.

OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION

• Coordinate the Multi-country implementation of the TIC Mobile Outbreak Laboratory (MOL) workstreams of the phase IIIa through strong management of the project.

PLACE IN THE ORGANISATION

S(H)e will report hierarchically to the Head of Mission of the site where she/he is present according to the chronogram or rotation stablished. Functionally to the “so call” overall project committee (health advisor cell 3 & diagnostic advisor) and Medical Coordination of the country in visit.

Note: for specific administrative issues (i.e: holidays, training needs, visit schedule) the program director and overall project committee will ensure coordination with the hierarchical line for final approval.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES & ACTIVITIES

• Provide leadership to the Project Team to ensure the objectives of the TIC-MOL phase IIIa project are achieved in a high quality, sustainable, measurable, and replicable format.
• Coordinates the strategy for the five workstreams in line with the objectives of the project.
• Provides project reporting and budget

The main activities of the position will be as follows:

• Elaborate an overall strategic framework and timeline for each of the five workstreams.
• Support and oversee the five workstreams –with tasks and key deliverables for each one.
• Assure that expenses of the project are according the validated budget for TIC-MOL phase IIIa.
• Identify opportunities to optimize and capitalize the experience and results obtained, maximizing the use of resources for the project.
• Provide regular reporting on the implementation progress to the Project Committee and the OCBA TIC liaison on the progress of TIC MOL implementation, its impact, and the measures being taken for the identified gaps.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders where relevant:
  • Act as support to the mission team (TIC specific HR and Coordination)
  • Main liaison and network with stakeholders involved in TIC-MOL (international, regional, and national level).
• Supervise the Project Team and review the project chart when relevant.
• Define a clear RASCI for key activities ensuring the involvement of all project members and key stakeholders in the right moment/time.
• Make decisions on escalated issues in its scope of responsibility.
• Ensure that risks are identified, assessed, and controlled especially in areas that are not within a current MSF intervention area before and during deployments.
• Escalate issues and risks to Project Committee if project tolerance is forecast to be exceeded.
• Ensure overall assurance of the project – which it remains on target to deliver products that will achieve the expected benefits, and that the project will be completed within its agreed tolerances. Where appropriate delegate some Project Assurance activities.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

• Proved experience in the management of complex projects.
• Diploma as laboratory technician or medical profile with experience in biological diagnostic.
• Experience in grant management and reporting preferred.
• Experience in MSF emergency is an asset.
• Proven leadership, strong in teamwork.
• Highly flexible person, good in stress management
• Ability to “think out of the box” and propose solutions to complex problems.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Fluent in written and oral English and French.

CONDITIONS

• POSITION BASED ON THE FIELD (Niger, Sudan, and Central African Republic according to the chronogram or rotation established) at the Médecins Sans Frontiers-OCBA offices with possibility of traveling to participate in meetings outside of the 3 define countries
• Full time position
• Temporary position: 12 months- renewable
• Starting date: immediately
• Salary determined by experience and MSF’s salary grid and secondary benefits according to MSF-OCBA’s policies.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter:
• https://careers.msf-applications.org/job-invite/8514/
• Closing date: January 25^th, 2024, 23:59 hours CET (Central European Time).