Medical Entomologist/Vector Control Specialist

Background: The National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) is located in the MOH Directorate of Community and Public Health, along with other disease control programs. The NMCP has the overall responsibility of planning, implementation, reporting and monitoring of malaria activities to ensure malaria program objectives are achieved with the objective of reducing morbidity and mortality due to malaria.

Purpose: This consultancy will support and provide expertise to the implementation of integrated vector control strategy for the Ministry of Health in South Sudan. He/she will facilitate the establishment of a multi-sectoral IVM working group with clear roles in the process of development and later implementation of the IVM strategy. The consultant will be hired by Population Services International (PSI) South Sudan and fully seconded to the National Malaria Control Program, Republic of South Sudan.

Scope of Work:

• Support MOH and NMCP to put in place appropriate policies, strategies, operational guidelines and tools for Integrated Vector Management (IVM) with focus on malaria.


• To support MOH undertake a comprehensive situation analysis to establish vector control needs, current capacities and any gaps that need to be addressed. This will include establishing an entomological laboratory for the dissection and analysis of malaria vectors.


• Develop an evidence base for key vector control interventions to inform of policy recommendations, specifically the use, acceptability, effectiveness and cost effectiveness of LLINs, IRS and source reduction.


• Work with NMCP to facilitate development of evidence based national, state and county IVM action plans with particular reference to remote and inaccessible areas.


• Establish an IVM monitoring system to track key vector control indicators, particularly insecticide susceptibility, resistance development and the effect of vector control interventions on EIR and other transmission factors.


• Establish functional multi-disciplinary coordination mechanisms for integrated vector management and advocate for appropriate vector control interventions among key stakeholders.


• Facilitate trainings for State/County health personnel, in the planning and implementation of the IVM plan.


• Advise on technical content of integrated State/County OEC plans, including integrating participation of NGOs, FBOs, community and private sector


• Plan IEC campaigns as part of integrated State/County IEC plans, in the identified areas and to promote participation of NGO's, FBO's community and private sector participation in this work.


• To promote preparedness for tackling malaria outbreaks and ensuring rapid response.


• To spearhead vector control activities through overseeing use of LLIN's, IRS and source reduction in the States


• To consolidate and analyses reports & data received from the partners and States on monthly and annual basis and provide corrective feedback to vector control officers based on these reports.


• To coordinate with the National medical entomology and vector control officers for ensuring corrective action based on analyses of reports


• Identify and conduct key operational research including insecticides efficacy studies


• Become familiar with computerized Health Management Information System and train key staff on use of the system


• Any other work assigned by the NMCP Program Manager or Director General

Experience:

• Postgraduate qualification in medical entomology or other field of vector control from a recognized university


• At least 5 years experience in malaria vector control


• Highly effective management skills to assure timely, well-coordinated implementation


• Monitoring and Evaluation experience


• Person should have skill in operation of computer & various software systems.


• Should be willing to undertake extensive travel and field visits.


• Fluent spoken and written English required.

Deadline:

Applications should be sent to Cherie Carter at ccarter@psi.org no later than 30 March, 2012
Medical Entomologist/Vector Control Specialist