Job Opportunities

ASLM Background The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) is a pan-African professional body working to advocate for the critical role and needs of laboratory medicine and networks throughout Africa. Africa is rapidly growing but faces major health challenges including epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and new priorities such as Ebola and other global health security threats. Strengthened laboratory capacity and surveillance in Africa are critical to overcoming the burden of disease and ensuring a healthy future for the continent. ASLM addresses these challenges by working collaboratively with governments, local and international organizations, implementing partners, and the private sector. Nature of Position: Full Time Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Duty Station: TBD Summary of the Position Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Director of Programs (DoP) oversees and coordinates all technical and scientific programs at ASLM. The DoP ensures that these programs align with ASLM Theory of Change and assists the organization achieve its strategic goals. Through their leadership skills, the DoP will mobilize the technical teams, working with support teams, to deliver projects on time, within budget, and according to ASLM project management standards.  Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate all ASLM projects under Programs, ensuring programmatic goals that are in line with organization’s strategic objectives are set, monitored and met
• Ensure and direct the development of regular and timely programmatic reviews, updates and timely reporting across all programs in compliance with ASLM Project Management Standards and donor requirements.
• Lead the development of implementable project workplans and budgets in line with ASLM Theory of Change, strategy and donor requirements. 
• Directly supervise all project staff to ensure effective delivery of ASLM obligations to Member States, donors and other stakeholders.  
• Build a strong team through open communication, collaborating on decision-making responsibilities and effective delegation
• Work closely with the Chief Operations Officer and other supporting departments within ASLM to ensure adequate support in logistics, finance, procurement, M&E, Communications, Audit and Compliance and administration to deliver the programmatic goals effectively and at a high standard.
• Support the Business Development Office (BDO) by coordinating technical teams that contribute to relevant proposals, work-plans, and budgets for new opportunities as required and coordinated by the BDO.
• Under the guidance of the Human Resources Department, contribute to the recruitment of ASLM staff, development and implementation of effective staff development and appraisals systems. 
• Under the guidance of the Communications Department, ensure ASLM vision, strategy, programmatic goals, outcome and impact are effectively communicated internally and externally in compliance with ASLM and donor policies.
• Promote and foster an environment in which proactive thinking and creativity are encouraged.
• Report regularly to the CEO on programmatic updates and upon request and guided by the CEO to the ASLM Board.     

Strategic Leadership

• Provide leadership and strategic design and direction to ensure programmatic integrity, technical guidance to ASLM projects and using existing and future projects, build ASLM infrastructure that lasts beyond donor funded projects.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with Member States, Donors, other implementing partners, private sector partners and other key stakeholders to maximize resources and avoid duplication of efforts.
• Participate in ASLM Senior Management and Board activities to inform and lead the implementation of ASLM’s programs towards attainment of its Theory of Change and strategy.
• Represent ASLM at key stakeholder engagements through meetings, conferences, and presentations.

Key Competencies

• Proven leadership skills and management experience, including the ability to develop effective team performance and a genuine desire to coach and mentor others.
• Self-motivated, able to balance multiple and competing priorities or deadlines, excellent organizational skills, and ability to track multiple projects and program tasks as delegated to program staff.
• Ability to make decisions with effective problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills, with the ability to engage, inspire, build credibility and build trust with diverse audiences.
• Diplomatic skills, ability to build coalitions, negotiate, and resolve conflicts effectively while preserving important relationships with partners and funders. 

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in scientific fields such as laboratory science, public health, with an undergraduate degree in a science related discipline.
• A Master’s degree in business or leadership will be an added advantage.
• At least 15 years of working experience, with at least five (5) years of these in a senior leadership role, within a similar environment
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing public health interventions within the Africa region

• Project Management certification
• Proven project management experience and managing complex, multi-faceted, multi-country, multi-donor projects resulting in measurable success and program growth
• Ability to travel internationally at least 30% of the time

How to apply:

• The application website closes on 17^th May 2024 at 5:30 PM Addis Ababa time and any application sent after the deadline will NOT be accepted. Interested applicants should apply online on ASLM website.
• If you can’t access the link, you can send your resume and application letter to Email.

ASLM BACKGROUND The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) is a Pan‐African professional body, working to advocate for the critical role and needs of laboratory medicine and networks throughout Africa. Africa is rapidly growing but is facing major health challenges including epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and new priorities such as Ebola and other global health security threats. Strengthened laboratory capacity and surveillance in Africa are critical to overcoming the burden of disease and ensuring a healthy future for the continent. ASLM addresses these challenges by working collaboratively with governments, local and international organizations, implementing partners, and the private sector. Overview The ASLM internship program is a twelve (12) month training program focused on the professional development of young medical laboratory professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership qualities and identify their career pathway in public health. Objectives of the intern internship

• Skills Enhancement: To provide a comprehensive learning experience to enhance skills in laboratory medicine, diagnostics, project management and related fields.
• Hands-on Experience: To provide hands on experience in the implementation of different laboratory strengthening initiatives across the African continent.
• Training and Capacity building: To train laboratory medicine workforce to strengthen laboratory networks in Africa.
• Knowledge and capacity Building: To contribute to knowledge, and capacity building among young laboratory professionals working in different sectors within Africa.
• Networking and Collaboration: Facilitate opportunities for interns to interact with professionals, researchers, and policymakers, fostering a collaborative environment that contributes to their professional development.
• Contribution to ASLM's Mission: Engage interns in projects and initiatives aligned with ASLM's mission, ensuring a hands-on experience that directly contributes to the improvement of diagnostic services in Africa.

Areas of learning Participants will gain first-hand experience of working within the ASLM system and work in the following technical areas:

• Laboratory Networks and Systems Strengthening
• Anti-Microbial Resistance
• Pathogen Genomics and Bioinformatics
• Policy, Standards and Regulations
• Quality Management Systems
• Training and capacity building
• Business Development
• Operations
• Communications
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Audit and Compliance

Eligibility for the program Applicants should:

• Be citizens of an African Union Member State
• Possess a first degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or related degree
• Have graduated in the last ten (10) years or less
• Should not be engaged in full time employment during the internship period
• Be of good professional standing

Logistics of internship program

• Duty Station: Interns will be based in their home countries
• Duration: This is a twelve months program
• Cost: ASLM interns are not paid but will receive a total stipend of USD 300.00 per month to cover learning materials, data and communication costs
• Travel: ASLM will cover work related travel expenses and insurance
• Medical insurance: Interns are responsible for costs arising from accidents or illness incurred during the internship

How to apply:  Applicants must provide the following required information

1. A personal statement (maximum 500 words) providing evidence of the candidate’s commitment to laboratory systems strengthening in their country and the continent
2. Reference letters from three (3) referees and include their contact details
3. Certified copies of educational certificates
4. Updated resume

Submit application package to aslminternship@aslm.org by Friday 10 May 2024 at 5pm CAT

ASLM Background The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) is a Pan‐African professional body, working to advocate for the critical role and needs of laboratory medicine and networks throughout Africa. Africa is rapidly growing but faces major health challenges including epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and new priorities such as Ebola and other global health security threats. Strengthened laboratory capacity and surveillance in Africa are critical to overcoming the burden of disease and ensuring a healthy future for the continent. ASLM addresses these challenges by working collaboratively with governments, local and international organizations, implementing partners, and the private sector.  Duty station:  TBD Overview ASLM is seeking highly skilled Policy Expert to join our team in combatting Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). AMR poses a significant threat to global public health, and this position plays a crucial role in our mission to combat the rise of drug-resistant pathogens. The Policy Expert will be responsible for coordinating various activities within ASLM AMR scope and enable collaboration and efficient delivery of various AMR interventions in policy, planning and advocacy. Key Responsibilities: 

• Collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, agricultural sectors, and the public to promote awareness and action on AMR issues.
• Assisting in the creation of comprehensive AMR policies that align with global health strategies and address the unique challenges of different regions.
• Sharing research findings and policy recommendations through publications, conferences, and other platforms to influence AMR-related practices and policies.
• Tracking the effectiveness of AMR policies and interventions, and making recommendations for improvements based on data-driven insights.
• Advocating for increased funding, resources, and political commitment to combat AMR at national and international levels.
• Developing educational materials and training programs to build capacity among healthcare workers and policymakers on AMR prevention and control strategies.

Qualifications:

• Master’s in public health, epidemiology, medicine, or global health
• PhD in Global health, public health, epidemiology or health economics is an advantage.
• In-Depth Knowledge of AMR: Should have a solid understanding of the scientific, social, and economic aspects of antimicrobial resistance.
• Policy Analysis and Development: Proficiency in analyzing existing policies related to AMR and contributing to the development of effective policies at national and international levels.
• One Health Approach: Familiarity with the One Health approach in implementation of health care interventions
• Research and analytical Skills: Ability to conduct rigorous research on AMR-related topics. This includes analyzing data, evaluating evidence, and staying up-to-date with scientific advancements.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Collaboration with experts from various fields, such as microbiology, epidemiology, veterinary medicine, and public health. AMR is a multifaceted issue, and effective policies require input from diverse stakeholders.
• Communication and Advocacy: Strong communication skills to convey complex information to policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public. Advocacy for AMR awareness and policy implementation is essential.

How to apply:

• Interested applicants should apply online on ASLM website.
• If you can’t access the link, you can send your resume and application letter to Email.

 

Regulatory and Certification Framework for Institutions handling High Risk Pathogens 

Introduction The Africa Centers for Disease Control (Africa CDC) launched the Biosafety and Security Initiative in April 2019 to strengthen the biosecurity and biosafety systems of African Union Member States to enable them to comply with international standards for Biosafety and Biosecurity. Biosafety aims to prevent the unintentional or accidental release of pathogens and toxins to personnel handling the pathogens, the general population, and the environment, while biosecurity aims to prevent the deliberate theft or diversion of high-risk biological agents or toxins for use for harmful purposes including bioterrorism or biological weapons proliferation. Hence, high containment facilities play a critical role in ensuring protection of the workers, the communities, and the environment. Africa CDC, in collaboration with Member States developed a Regulatory and Certification Framework for Institutions Handling High Risk Pathogens. The Framework sets the requirements for facilities handling High Consequence Agents and Toxins (HCATs) with respect to the design, commissioning, routine operation safe and secure biocontainment laboratories. Applications are open for Institutions handing high risk pathogens to apply for certification assessments. For applications to be considered

• Complete the Application Form for enrolment and submit to africacdcbsbs@gmail.com
• All forms should be submitted through the designated officer/person from the Ministry of health
• You application must be accompanied by the following documents
  • The Self-Assessment Report (not more than 12 months old from time of application)
  • Risk Assessment report (not more than 12 months from time of application)
  • Biosafety and Biosecurity Manual (up to date)
  • The Floor Plan
  • Biorisk Management Plan
  • Contingency Plan

How to apply Download the following documents and submit the application form along with the requested documents to africacdcbsbs@gmail.com

• ​Application Form
• Regulatory and Certification Framework

*Please disregard the section below 'Attach Resume' field and the 'submit button' beneath it.