Project Assistant Intern on Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance
Scope of Work
Name of assigned staff: Intern
Country and city of work: Yaoundé, Cameroon
Point of contact: IDDS Cameroon Team Lead
Period of performance: August 15, 2022, to February 15, 2023 (Possibility of extension to be discussed) Level of effort: Full time
Context
The Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) project is a five-year United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded project, awarded in May 2018 to ICF Incorporated, LLC, with the following sub-partners: FHI 360, PATH, Abt Associates, Metabiota, African Society for Laboratory Medicine, and Gryphon Scientific. It is a global award designed to support USAID’s tuberculosis (TB), Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), and Emerging Pandemic Threats strategies and portfolios, while encouraging integration and coordination across public health diseases and between the human and animal health sectors where appropriate.
Cameroon enrolled into GLASS in August 2020 and the country needed a plan to develop a One Health robust and comprehensive system to detect and report AMR. IDDS supported the development of the national guide for AMR surveillance and initiated training programs for data collection and reporting of AMR data for surveillance sites at national level. IDDS supported the implementation of a pilot on AMR surveillance in six human and two animal sentinel sites.
We are looking for a dynamic, multi-skilled student (Master’s) or young professional with a keen interest in public health and antimicrobial resistance surveillance. The Project Assistant Intern based in Yaoundé will provide technical support to the National Coordination Center for AMR surveillance on AMR data management, analysis, interpretation, and reporting to the WHO GLASS. The intern will also support data quality review meetings for sentinel surveillance sites to review consistency and completeness of AMR data collected according to the National AMR surveillance guidelines.
This internship is unpaid, the selected intern will benefit from the experience in the following ways:
✓ Obtain key experience working with an international team and multisectoral stakeholder network
✓ Gain exposure to a wide range of public health issues
✓ Develop a solid understanding of AMR surveillance systems and One health.
✓ Benefit from internal and external training opportunities whenever possible.
✓ Participate in a national or international high-level meeting on AMR surveillance
Key Responsibilities:
S/he will be responsible for technical and operation support on AMR surveillance activities. S/he will report directly to in-country Team Lead in Cameroon with the following responsibilities:
• Support the training and mentorship of AMR sentinel surveillance site staff on AMR surveillance data analysis, reporting and utilization at the local and national levels.
• Provide technical assistance to strengthen AMR surveillance real-time reporting, data analysis, interpretation and dissemination, working closely with AMR sentinel surveillance sites and the national AMR secretariat.
• Support the development of Monthly AMR surveillance bulletins, AMR quarterly or semiannual reports that include data from human and animal health sectors.
• Work with the National Public Health Laboratory to conduct periodic AMR surveillance data quality audits, and support development and implementation of data quality improvement plans.
• Participate in relevant Government of Cameroon-led committees and stakeholder meetings in support of AMR surveillance.
• Prepare notes and reports of project technical and coordination meetings on AMR surveillance.
• Reviewing scientific and peer-reviewed literature on AMR surveillance system and synthesizing findings
• Support team with writing paper on various project topics
• Any other tasks assigned from time to time based on IDDS project needs.
Qualifications and Experience
• Medical Doctor, Veterinary Doctor, Master’s degree in Microbiology/Life Sciences/Molecular Biology/Public Health or equivalent
• Experience working with the Government/Health Department /national level or development partners, shall be given preference.
Skills and Competencies
• Excellent organization, prioritization, and time management skills
• Critical thinking and research skills.
• Able to embrace change with enthusiasm and work as part of a collaborative team
• Sound knowledge of data analysis, analytical software, and ability to make meaningful interpretations for effective supervision.
• Computer skills, including Microsoft office, spreadsheet, database, and SharePoint working experience is desirable.
• Fluent in French and English
How To Apply
Interested individuals should send their applications to SergeNeba.Amabo@icf.com, (cover letter and a CV) with Subject: INTERNSHIP_AMR SURVEILLANCE. Only successful individuals will be contacted. Application deadline: 7 August 2022
