Malaria Elimination Field Officer (STC) in Quy Nhon

Job Title: Malaria Elimination Field Officer (full time/ part time based in Quy Nhon)

I. Background:

Malaria burden is significantly declining over the years in Viet Nam. Compared to 2015, the number of confirmed malaria cases declined up to 91% in 2020. By 2020, a total of 35 provinces where there was no locally transmitted malaria in the last five years were classified as malaria elimination provinces. The five-year national strategy for malaria elimination (2021-2025) aims to address priorities in malaria endemic areas, further drive malaria burden down and prevent reintroduction of malaria transmission in targeted areas and monitor drug resistant malaria.

To orient strategic approaches to malaria elimination, the WHO’s Mekong Malaria Elimination Programme (MME), in collaboration with WHO country office in Vietnam, the National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology (NIMPE), the Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology in Quy Nhon (IMPE QN), and the Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology in Ho Chi Minh City (IMPE HCM) aims to implement the “Malaria Intensification Plan for Hard to reach Population” in Viet Nam.

The project aims to provide technical support at the provincial level by deploying WHO Field Officers in targeted hotspots areas based on the epidemiology and specific needs.

Goals:

The candidate as Malaria Elimination Field Officer will provide technical support to the IMPE Quy Nhon and implementing partners to accelerate Malaria Elimination in Viet Nam at the provincial level.

Objectives:

To coordinate activities with the National Programmes and implementing partners to ensure full implementation of the activities according to the National Strategic Plan;
To strengthen the surveillance system;
To reinforce the implementation of elimination activities, including aggressive approaches;
To ensure reporting of any issue to WHO Viet Nam.

2. Work to be performed

2.1 Coordination and programme management: contribute to a better coordination and activity planification among partners and improve programme management at the provincial level including district health centre, commune health station and village levels.

Coordinate, supervise and build capacity at the provincial, district health centre, commune health centre and village levels;
Strengthen relationship among partners and ensure optimal planning of implementing activities and programme management at the health centre and village level;
Strengthen the surveillance system by regular data collection, verification and analyses in a monthly basis (or shorter) to monitor progress of malaria interventions and highlight increased number of cases and address required interventions. Improve timeliness and accuracy of quality data reporting; - Identify high priority areas according to the malaria epidemiology; and
Closely follow up of the elimination activities, including case and foci investigation and classification

2.2 Regular supportive supervision: Supervision and close monitoring of the activities at the district health centre, commune health station and village level with a focus on the implementation of elimination activities including aggressive approaches and ensure reporting at all levels.

Assist commune health centres and village health worker in hotspots to implement the activities in a daily basis;
Technical support at the district health centre and commune health centre in implementing elimination activities: detection, investigation, response and classification of all cases and foci;
Monthly update on malaria situation and activity plan to WHO country office;
Summarize and communicate any issue which requires the attention of implementing partners to WHO Country Office and WHO MME.

3. Planned timeline: (subject to confirmation and extendibility till end of 2023)

Start date 1 July 2022
End date: 31 December 2022

4. Specific requirements 4.1 Qualifications required:

Essential: University degree from a recognized university in medical sciences, public health, international development, or any other related field.
Desired: Master's degree in health or medical sciences; or Epidemiology trainings on control of infectious diseases.

4.2 Experience required:

Essential: At least one year of experience in organizing and facilitating field activities related to any public health programme in Viet Nam; and Demonstrated experience in facilitation and coordination of malaria activities, training and activities at the health centres and community level.
Desired: Experience in disease surveillance.

5. Skills / Technical skills and knowledge: 5.1 Language requirements:

Written and spoken fluency in Vietnamese and English.

5.2 Skills:

Expertise in malaria activities at health centres and community level.
Excellent organizational and coordination abilities in malaria or health programmes.

6. Place of assignment

SSA based at the Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology in Quy Nhon

7. Medical clearance

The selected SSA holders will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

8. Travel

The SSA is expected to travel extensively to provinces in the North, Central and South region.

9. Budget

Please take note of the following when submitting application: The contractor will be responsible for paying taxes, if any.

Those who are interested can contact our focal person before/by 15 June 2022