Team Lead, Discovery, and Exploration of Emerging Pathogens – Viral Zoonoses (DEEP VZN) At Path

PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience forging multisector partnerships and with expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing heath challenges.

PATH Senegal is seeking for a Team Lead to work for a USAID project called Discovery and Exploration of Emerging Pathogens – Viral Zoonoses (DEEP VZN). DEEP VZN will work with partner countries and the global community to build better preparedness for future global health threats. DEEP VZN will work in targeted countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America that have both a high risk for viral spillover and the capacity to safely conduct viral discovery. Identifying and understanding unknown viral threats will help these countries—and the world—be better prepared to detect, prevent, and respond to future biological threats.

The Team Lead will provide technical and programmatic support for DEEP VZN activities in Senegal and serve as the Biosafety and Biosecurity focal point for the project in Senegal. Responsibilities will include assisting with developing and implementing partner capacity building activities to enhance capabilities for sampling, detection, characterization, and data sharing of data on potential priority zoonotic viruses. S/he will contribute to partner selection, monitoring, management, and oversight of the project in country.

S/he will support the development or enhancement of training, standard operating procedures and tools and monitor implementation. S/he will also support the assessment of laboratories and identify and implement recommendations to enable them to effectively detect and assess priority viruses. The Team Lead will be responsible for technical direction and overall management of activities in Senegal as well as coordination with other project team members and partners who lead specific activities. The Team Lead will work closely with USAID/Senegal to provide thought leadership and represent the project in country.

This position will be based in Dakar, Senegal under the supervision and direction of the Country Director with technical guidance and support from the Epidemic Preparedness and Response Program Director and Deputy Director at PATH Headquarters and in collaboration with consortium representatives. S/He will also liaise with Washington State University (WSU) as the prime of the consortium. The position will require travel within Senegal.

Responsibilities:

The Project Coordinator will have the following responsibilities:

• Leads development and implementation of project- and country-specific biosafety and biosecurity plans
• Provides technical assistance to laboratories to develop standard operating procedures and tools to facilitate testing of project samples and project activities
• Supports the development and delivery of trainings including virus detection and characterization, quality management systems, biosafety and biosecurity, and research ethics
• Supports the development and implementation of a country-specific sampling plan, including providing management across field teams and liaising with in-country partners
• Monitors compliance with sampling and testing SOPs
• Supports systems for data reporting, management, analysis, use and sharing for the project
• Works closely with national counterparts for in-country data review and analysis
• Prepares documentation to secure in-country approvals to conduct the project work
• Develops detailed country implementation plan and monitors implementation
• Supports the development and collection of indicator data to monitor project progress and quality
• Supports the tracking of project spend and progress
• Supports the development of project reports and communication materials and presentations
• Participates in client / funder and stakeholder meetings
• Other duties as assigned

Required Experience

• Master’s degree or Professional Degree in Applied Sciences, Veterinary Health, Environmental Health, Public Health, Public Administration, Public Policy, or any related field that make up One Health (i.e., human, animal and/or environmental health)
• Minimum of four years of experience working in public health, zoonotic diseases, and/or microbiology (virology preferred)
• Expertise in biosafety and biosecurity
• Excellent understanding of the landscape and stakeholders for zoonotic diseases in Senegal
• Familiarity with the U.S. government management, programs, and operations including regulatory and reporting requirements.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Fluency in English and French
• Ability to manage, organize, develop plans, and generate data to make decisions
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and analytical skills, good judgment, and creative problem-solving
• Exemplary interpersonal skills: ability to effectively collaborate with culturally diverse and interdisciplinary stakeholders
• Proficient computer skills with fluency in Microsoft Office suite of programs

Travel Requirements:

• Up to 30% national and/or international travel.

Must have legal authorization to work in Senegal.

PATH is dedicated to diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.

PATH is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. PATH does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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