Principal Investigator (01) REF/CDC/Principal Investigator-12-22.

Main purpose of the job

Amref Health Africa is seeking a qualified Principal Investigator to provide strategic leadership of the anticipated CDC-funded activity titled Transitioning and Integrating Laboratory Services for High- Quality HIV Diagnosis, Care, Treatment, and Monitoring to the Ministry of Health (MOH) to Sustain Achievement of the 95-95-95 Goals in Zambia under PEPFAR.

The Principal Investigator (PI) will provide strategic leadership of the project by overseeing the project implementation in all its aspects: technical, administrative and financial, monitoring and evaluation and reporting. S/he will provide technical assistance and expertise, ensure technical integrity and coherence and ensure collaboration with government, CDC, partners and other stakeholders. S/he will coordinate with government and other stakeholders to ensure that activities complement on-going initiatives and adhere to MoH strategies, policies and guidelines and CDC standards.

Duties and Responsibilities.

• To provide leadership, strategic direction and oversee financial management.
• Will be the primary focal point for management of the CDC Cooperative Agreement; and responsible for liaising between CDC and Amref Health Africa regarding all Cooperative Agreement matters.
• Provide strategic leadership, technical and managerial direction for the successful implementation of the project at the national and Country levels;
• Serve as the team lead for the project and ensure strong communication and coordination with and between all team members to effectively achieve project deliverables and targets
• Provide overall leadership and ensure adherence to technical standards, best practices and donor guidelines;
• Support the Programme Manager, business official to ensure timely and quality completion of all program technical and financial deliverables and reports in accordance with CDC guidelines;
• Serve as the primary point of contact and collaboration for CDC/PEPFAR, government partners and other key stakeholders;
• Promote sustainability of project activities with effective networking, linkages to other programs, and capacity building of project staff;
• Review project reports and work plans in line with the set targets in coordination with the project Manager and Senior Technical Advisor.
• Represent Amref and build and maintain a productive relationship with CDC, Ministry of Health and other stakeholders

Required Qualifications

Education Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health or a related field.

Experience Required

• At least Ten (10) years’ experience in progressive leadership positions managing large-scale programs involving HIV/AIDS, Laboratory systems and Services, coupled with networking, capacity building, collaboration with NGOs and Government, and provision of Technical Assistance to the Ministry of Health on Laboratory systems and services.
• In-depth knowledge and experience of Zambia’s health system and demonstrate expertise in laboratory system strengthening and Services.
• Experience working on CDC/PEPFAR, USAID, and/or other donor-funded HIV/AIDS, prevention, care, treatment and support projects, as well as Lab systems and services projects/programs.
• Familiarity with Zambia HIV/AIDS/TB policies and health systems strengthening, WHO standards.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (written and spoken)
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, donor and governments including Ministry of Health.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a multicultural team.
• Able to work under pressure and on multiple tasks.
• Dynamic, self- motivated and able to demonstrate initiative.
• Willingness to travel extensively within Zambia.