The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low-and middle-income countries, while strengthening the capabilities of governments and the private sector in those countries to create and sustain high-quality health systems that can succeed without our assistance. For more information, please visit: http://www.clintonhealthaccess.org

CHAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and is committed to providing an environment of fairness, and mutual respect where all applicants have access to equal employment opportunities. CHAI values diversity and inclusion, and recognizes that our mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse experience, backgrounds, and culture.

CHAI’s Laboratory Services Program in Rwanda was launched in 2019 to support the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) through the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) in laboratory systems strengthening. The program works closely with the NRL to assess and improve the laboratory network through diagnostic network optimization, improved and decentralized sample transportation system, capacity building and overall quality management system improvement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CHAI’s laboratory services program worked hand in hand with the Government to develop, update and implement the national testing strategy that has guided the country’s response to the pandemic. Following the introduction of rapid antigen tests (RDTs), CHAI was also involved in commodity quantification, selection, and validation to ensure the country has access to quality and affordable testing commodities. Through this program, CHAI continues to work closely with RBC-NRL to implement quality and sustainable laboratory systems with the ultimate goal to improve patient care and the wellbeing of Rwandans through access to reliable and quality diagnostic testing.

Position Overview:

CHAI is looking for an Associate to work under its Laboratory Services Program and support the RBC-NRL with the development and implementation of effective and sustainable laboratory strategies that will strengthen diagnostic, sample transportation and quality management systems across the laboratory network. The Associate will support capacity building initiatives, data analysis and overall scoping, implementation, and monitoring of NRL priorities and new initiatives. The Associate will report to the Program Manager for Laboratory Services in CHAI Rwanda.

CHAI seeks a highly motivated action-oriented individual with outstanding credentials, analytical ability, and excellent communication skills in order to provide critical analytical and strategic support to the program. The candidate must be self-driven, adaptable and have high level of comfort with fast-paced work and a strong commitment to excellence. They must be self-assured, a fast learner, resilient, and a strong team player. They must be able to function independently and flexibly as well as build strong relationships with government officials and partners. CHAI places great value on relevant personal qualities: resourcefulness, responsibility, tenacity, independence, energy, and work ethic.

This position has an expected end date of December 31, 2022.

• Closely collaborate with leadership to develop clear operational plans for execution
• Build and maintain trust-based relationships with the government and other stakeholders
• Support the program in the development, coordination and implementation of trainings, conferences, and meetings
• Assist the development of programmatic reports by creating content, analyzing data, and synthesizing project activities
• Provide technical and capacity building assistance to the government staff
• Identify areas where support is needed, plan for and design the necessary programmatic support
• Support the Program Manager to identify and bridge gaps pertaining effective implementation of the program’s priorities
• Perform moderate to highly complex analyses and present findings in a clear, concise manner
• Attend policy meetings and prepare presentations for the Ministry and partners
• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts
• Organize review meetings and prepare materials to present the progress of the project at all stages
• Attend to other duties as requested by the management team

• Master’s in laboratory sciences, biotechnology, epidemiology or other related field
• 3-5 years of experience working with health programs
• Strong strategic development skills, ability to identify and pursue high impact strategies
• Analytical (quantitative and qualitative) skills
• Exceptional diplomatic and interpersonal skills and ability, builds and maintains stakeholder relationships at most levels, and can represent team/CHAI effectively.
• Demonstrated effective and professional communication (written and verbal)
• Ability to identify key gaps and recommend practical, realistic interventions for improvement
• Practical project management skills in planning, executing, and monitoring, with minimal oversight
• Ability to absorb and synthesize a broad range of information, including technical information, and prepare compelling presentations and reports
• Highly entrepreneurial with strong self-motivation
• Ability to be effective in high pressure situations, multicultural environment, manage multiple tasks simultaneously and set priorities
• Ability to work independently and proactively manage projects with minimal supervision
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• High level of confidentiality and knowledge of research ethics
• Performs routine tasks independently and ensures data integrity related to own job duties

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