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. 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.
The Local PV Associate will support Akros Research in implementation and coordination of program activities, ensuring a successful implementation of the SLL programme’s vaccine safety surveillance. The associate will actively liaise with key actors within the respective government, district and sub-district stakeholders, stakeholders participating in the immunization, and Akros Research senior management to facilitate the realization of program objectives and optimize resource flow.
Specific Responsibilities
- Develop collaborative working relationships with key stakeholders (MOH, National Regulatory Authority, WHO, and sub-national levels) to ensure that project activities are highlighted, and good relationships established.
- Work closely with the Kenyan Ministry of Health’s Division of Vaccines and Immunization and Pharmacy and Poisons Board to plan for upcoming technical activities.
- Coordinate logistics for implementation at national, county, sub-county, and health facility levels (e.g. advance requests, venue hire, branding and marking preparations, coordinate invitations when requested) and ensure all expenditures are in line with set budgets.
- Liaise with the Kenyan Ministry of Health’ s Division of Vaccines and Immunization and Pharmacy and Poisons Board to ensure all the planned activities are timely facilitated and targets are achieved
- Identify implementation issues and provide possible solutions to address them, that are timely shared with key stakeholders
- Maintain regular communication with implementation counterparts at the Division of Vaccines and Immunization and Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
- Ensure all forms and records are documented and updated.
- Liaise with Akros Research to ensure effective and efficient program delivery and provide detailed reports to project leadership.
- Work closely with other implementing partners to ensure the effective implementation of the program.
- Assist in evidence generation, data collection, data analysis and data use as needed.
- Other duties assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (required) and Master’s degree (highly preferred) in Pharmacy, public Health, Monitoring and Evaluation or any relevant field
- 3-5 years of experience with program management
- Strong experience working with Government officials within the Ministry of Health, donors, county and sub-county structures
- Previous experience with project and organizational representation to the Ministry of Health at national, country or sub-county levels is an added advantage.
- Self-starter who will thrive through exemplifying ownership and initiative
- Excellent technical writing, quantitative and critical thinking skills
- Excellent computer skills with fluency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint
- Candidate should be highly productive and internally motivated
- Candidate should work well against complex and challenging delivery schedules
- Candidate should be culturally adaptable and sensitive
- Demonstrated ability to operate with minimal instruction in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated ability to productively communicate remotely
- Kenyan nationals encouraged to apply
Location and Term
This position is contingent upon securing and maintaining program funding. It is also contingent upon donor approval.
This position is for 16 months and will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. The position is open to local candidates and may involve minimal travel.
Reporting
This position will report directly to the Akros Country Manager, with a dotted reporting line to the National Vaccine and Immunization Program and PPB.
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 careers@akros.com with “Application: Kenya PV Associate” as the email’s subject line.