[ref. w97092824] Technical Advisor for Epidemiology (CSEW) (USAID/LEAP) - Uzbekistan

Who We Are:

ZemiTek, LLC is a Woman-Owned, SBA-certified 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) based in the Washington, DC metro area. We have a strong record delivering innovative and high-quality solutions. Since 2007, ZemiTek has provided technical assistance, project management, information technology (IT), knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, training and learning development, and institutional support services.

Position Description:

This initiative aims to address the complex human resource challenges faced by national infectious disease programs in USAID-supported countries.

The intervention of this project is to hire and embed technical expert advisors and subject matter experts within government entities. By directly embedding the technical expertise within the national programs, LEAP will provide long-term, sustainable mentoring and capacity building for program staff, empower host governments to lead and manage key aspects of their infectious disease portfolios, and improve coordination between USAID and the host government.

The Advisor will provide day-to-day support to enhance the capacity of CSEW in managing epidemiological activities and ensuring compliance with WHO’s 2005 International Health Regulations.

The period of performance for this position will be one (1) year, with one (1) one-year option period.

Period of Performance: One (1) year, with one (1) one-year option period.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze and prioritize recommendations from Uzbekistan’s 2022 Joint External Evaluation (JEE) related to epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of implementing the JEE recommendations on epidemiology.
• Identify opportunities and gaps in the country's capacity to determine the occurrence and distribution of infectious agents in the human, animal, and environmental sectors.
• Provide day-to-day technical support to the Director of CSEW on epidemiological issues.
• Assist in designing, implementing, and evaluating epidemiological studies and surveillance systems.
• Assist in developing epidemiological content for proposed policies, strategies, standard operating procedures, and protocols.
• Provide expertise in data collection, analysis, visualization, and interpretation of epidemiological data.
• Assist Technical Working Groups in providing epidemiological advice to the CSEW and multisectoral steering committees, including facilitating data sharing across sectors.
• Provide input to and/or conduct training sessions and workshops to build the capacity of CSEW staff in epidemiology.
• Develop training materials and resources on epidemiological methods and best practices.
• Collaborate with Secretariats, other departments, and stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to epidemiological issues.
• Participate in meetings and discussions related to epidemiology and public health.
• Prepare detailed reports on the implementation of the JEE recommendations pertaining to epidemiology and AMR.
• Document best practices and lessons learned from epidemiological projects and initiatives.
• Provide epidemiological and public health indicator-related information and data to USAID, as requested and in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines and procedures.
• Provide strategic advice to the Director of CSEW on epidemiological matters.
• Stay updated on the latest development in epidemiology, AMR, and public health.
• Advocate and promote an integrated One Health approach.
• Establish working relationships with stakeholders including other Government of Uzbekistan entities, such as the Committee for Veterinary and Livestock Development, Samarkand State Veterinary College, and the Ministry of Emergency Response.
• In consultation with USAID, provide other services related to epidemiology and public health requested by the Director of CSEW.

Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Laboratory Sciences, Public Health, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in laboratory system strengthening and public health, preferably in a post-Soviet health system.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing public health recommendations and strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge about WHO’s International Health Regulations, JEE assessments, One Health concepts, public health surveillance, animal health and agricultural systems, antimicrobial resistance, infectious disease outbreak investigations, and public health emergency response is desirable.
• Knowledge about post-Soviet health systems and working with international donors is desirable.
• Fluency in Uzbek and/or Russian
• Proficiency in English.

What We Believe:

ZemiTek is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant’s qualifications are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.

ZemiTek is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, ZemiTek will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to accommodations@zemitek.com.

ZemiTek embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion and strives to build and maintain a safe environment where we celebrate diverse backgrounds, treat everyone with respect, and value the unique lived experiences each person brings based on their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, military or veteran status, national origin, age, marital status or family status and related conditions.