Akros is a cutting-edge organization that establishes data-driven systems that improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged communities. We pride ourselves in our ground-level knowledge of the health systems where we work, and our ability to provide novel, lasting solutions implemented in developing regions.

Akros Research is supporting a program, funded by the Mastercard Foundation and in partnership with the Africa CDC, to increase vaccine uptake in Africa. This initiative, called Saving Lives and Livelihoods, includes multiple components and partners working to procure, distribute, and promote vaccine uptake in a safe manner. As a part of this consortium Akros Research is supporting Africa Union member states in the Eastern and Southern African regions to strengthen vaccine safety surveillance systems.

The PV Associate will support Akros Research in implementing and coordinating program activities to ensure the successful execution of the SLL program’s vaccine safety surveillance. The Associate will actively engage with key stakeholders, including the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) unit, the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA), Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), district and sub-district stakeholders, stakeholders participating in the vaccinations, and Akros Research senior management. This collaboration will facilitate the achievement of program objectives and optimize resource allocation.

Specific Responsibilities
1. In coordination with the Zambia Country Manager, work closely with the EPI unit and ZAMRA to plan upcoming technical activities and facilitate the implementation of approved microplan activities, ensuring that targets are achieved.
2. Coordinate logistics for program implementation at the national, district, and health facility levels (e.g., advance requests, venue hire, branding and marking preparations, coordinating invitations as needed) and ensure all expenditures align with the set budgets.
3. Support ZAMRA and the EPI Unit in improving the data flow and response for vaccine Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI). This may include assisting with the integration of newly developed feedback loops into their workflows, supporting coordination with ZAMRA, and other tasks as identified by the EPI Unit to enhance safety surveillance data.
4. Support Vigimobile roll out in three provinces and help to troubleshoot barriers to AEFI reporting.
5. Contribute to SLL monthly and quarterly reports and maintain rolling minutes documents to keep team members informed of recent developments.
6. Identify implementation issues and provide timely solutions, sharing these with key stakeholders as needed.
7. Liaise with Akros Research to ensure effective and efficient program delivery and provide detailed reports to project leadership.
8. Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (required) and Master’s degree (highly preferred) in Public Health, Pharmacy or any relevant field
• 3-5 years of experience with program management
• Strong experience working with Government’s Ministries of Health, donors, districts and sub-district structures and managing a dynamic team
• Previous experience with project and organizational representation to the Ministry of Health at national or subnational levels is an added advantage.
• Experience in Monitoring and Evaluation is an added advantage
• Self-starter who will thrive through exemplifying ownership and initiative
• Excellent technical writing, quantitative and critical thinking skills
• Excellent computer skills with fluency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Candidate should work well against complex and challenging delivery schedules
• Candidate should be culturally adaptable and sensitive
• Zambian national preferred

Location and Term

This position is contingent upon securing and maintaining program funding. It is also contingent upon donor approval.

This position is for 16 months and will be based in Lusaka, Zambia. The position is open to local candidates and will involve minimal travel.

Reporting
This position will report directly to the Akros Country Manager, with a dotted reporting line to the Extended program of immunization and the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority.