University of Ghana Job Vacancy For Surveillance Coordinator

The University of Ghana invites qualified applicants for the undermentioned

POSITION: SURVEILLANCE COORDINATOR

REPORTING TO: TECHNICAL LEAD

BACKGROUND

The University of Ghana in collaboration with its consortium partners will undertake a project on AntiMicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Ghana. The project primarily focuses on improving laboratory capacity for diagnosis and surveillance of AMR in low-income countries where AMR has a disproportionate impact. 

JOB PURPOSE

Subject to receipt of funding, the project seeks to recruit a Full-time Surveillance Coordinator who will work under the supervision of the Technical Oversight Committee and closely with the other members of the Project Team to ensure effective implementation of the project activities.

The Surveillance Coordinator will lead a variety of project planning and management activities.

He/ She will be responsible for the day-to-day management and execution of the project and will report directly to the Technical Lead through the Project Manager.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

These will include but not limited to:

* Support Technical Oversight Committee (TOC) and Technical Working Groups (TWG) to draw up the framework for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance systems for Human health and Animal health.

* Support the TOC and the TWG Leads to define Terms of Reference for Reference and Sentinel Labs, including key performance indicators.

* Provide support for harmonization and standardization of SOPs for culture, identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing and reporting.

* Support the TOC and TWG Leads to review all current AMR diagnostic protocols and internal quality controls at representative healthcare facilities, including laboratory quality management systems

* Receive, plate and confirm identification of isolates received from Sentinel Sites. Confirm/perform Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests according to current CLSI/EUCAST Guidelines.

* Collect and analyse data on the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolates of clinical and public health importance using WHONET.

* Disseminate information on antimicrobial resistance trends and be able to write scientific reports on the trends of resistance.

* Coordinate training for staff at sentinel sites coupled with scheduled monitoring and evaluation, internal and external quality assurance with feedbacks provided.

* Any other duties assigned by the TOC on the AMR project.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate must possess at least a bachelor’s degree in Medical Microbiology, Epidemiology or related field plus 2 years’ of fieldwork.

* Be capable of doing Phenotypic and genotypic analysis of antimicrobial drug resistance.

* Have experience with WHONET and related software.

* Have strong verbal and written communication skills particularly over the telephone.

* Be a self-motivated person who has strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and, in a team setting.

* Be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel and Access.

* Have strong knowledge of public health practices and methodology.

* Must Possess excellent attention to details and organizational skills.

COMPETENCIES

* Strong oral and written communication skills

* Ability to use relevant computer software

* Ability to meet timelines and work on tasks that may require flexible working hours including evenings and weekends

This appointment is valid for eighteen (18) months and may be extended subject to further funding of the project and impressive performance.