Specialist, Global Health (PEPFAR)

Overview

The Specialist, Global Health manages and implements APHL activities related to laboratory systems strengthening in support of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and Global Health Security (GHS) initiatives. This position coordinates with applicable partners, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other funders (both at HQ and country levels), and the Managers and Director of the Global Health Program to identify technical assistance needs for country project activities. The Specialist works closely with designated APHL country leads to enlist qualified APHL member and staff experts, organizes project teams, monitor overall project performance, and assesses project outcomes. The position duties include supporting the implementation of project work plans, monitoring consultant and vendor contracts, and coordinating logistical arrangements for both travel and international procurements provided to supported countries. The position duties also include writing summary reports for newsletters and other publications and participating in planning for projects. This position is responsible for maintaining communication with project sites, funders, and other partners by telephone, e-mail, and direct meetings and responding to requests from APHL members for participation in project activities.

Responsibilities:

• Provides program management and administrative support to assigned country programs.
• In consultation with the Funder(s) and country lead, assist in coordinating project activities among the ministry of health staff, country laboratory staff, APHL country teams, other partner organizations, and international agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Support implementation of key laboratory system strengthening activities in assigned countries, including (but not limited to): orientation and training on clinical and disease surveillance testing services; manage quality assurance program activities; leads development of project activities and training programs; presents training on laboratory testing methods, quality management systems and laboratory management.
• Supports collaborative efforts with APHL Communications and Marketing to ensure Global Health Program work is featured to targeted audiences.
• Represents APHL interests during in-country visits, assessments, meetings, trainings, and workshops.
• Manages APHL member participation in Global Health projects.
• Develops contracts and budgets for APHL consultants/vendors.
• Manages logistical arrangements for country activities.
• Oversees laboratory procurement activities for assigned countries.
• Develops original content to be published related to assigned projects and member opportunities. Writes articles for APHL publications.
• Supports communication efforts and administrative reporting for assigned programmatic activities, particularly as it relates to funding requirements.
• Supports the tracking of financial activities and writes corresponding reports for assigned projects.
• Represents the Global Health Program at meetings and conferences and presents on funded activities, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:

• The Specialist is responsible for providing professional support for programs or internal functional activities and typically performs analysis, research, writing, and project coordination, usually under the direction of a Manager or Director.
• Work at this level requires that the Specialist understand the concepts, practices, and procedures of laboratory diagnostics and program management and can apply them to work that may be difficult in nature.
• Specialists work under supervision and have limited latitude and decision-making authority; but they have sufficient knowledge and experience that they can carry projects out fairly independently once a plan is in place.
• A Specialist may have frequent contact with outside organizations or internal customers that may involve project coordination, information sharing, or resolution of problems.
• The Incumbent at this level typically has a specialty gained through a college degree or equivalent education, two to five years of relevant on-the-job experience, or advanced technical training or experience. An advanced degree may be substituted for work experience.
• On occasion, extensive practical experience may be substituted for formal education, particularly if the technical specialty is unusually complex or when long experience has greater value to the organization than conceptual understanding.
• Proficiency in English is required; competency in a language other than English is an advantage.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of: Global HIV/AIDS issues, PEPFAR regulations and reporting, GHSA, diagnosis of infectious diseases, and project management. Microsoft Office, Word Perfect, PowerPoint, Access database software, and email systems.

Skills: Skill in the use of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint, Access database software, and email systems. Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.

Abilities: Ability to establish working relationships with diverse groups; ability to work independently; organize work projects and complete tasks within assigned timeframes.

Special Requirements: Demonstrated capability to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines. International and domestic travel required (up to 30%).  

APHL Weeks:

APHL Week is a Conference/Convention that is held at the APHL Home Office Bethesda, MD. This event is mandatory for all employees to attend. Travel and lodging will be reimbursed by APHL.

Please Note: Reimbursement for travel and lodging may not be possible for employees that are local to the APHL Home Office.

Position Description Status:

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are illustrative ones anticipated for this position. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) reserves the right to amend or change this job description to meet the needs of its programs. This job description and any attachments do not constitute or represent a contract.

Work Environment:

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a colleague to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

During the job, the colleague may need to sit for extended periods, use a computer keyboard to type, read information visually, and communicate orally through a computer monitor.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement:

APHL is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.