Akros is a cutting-edge organization that establishes data-driven systems that improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged communities. We pride ourselves in our ground-level knowledge of the health systems where we work, and our ability to provide novel, lasting solutions implemented in developing regions.

Akros Research is supporting a program, funded by the Mastercard Foundation and in partnership with the Africa CDC. This initiative, called Saving Lives and Livelihoods, includes multiple components and partners working to procure, distribute, and promote vaccine uptake in a safe manner. As a part of this consortium Akros Research will support Africa Union member states in the Eastern and Southern African regions to strengthen vaccine safety surveillance systems.

The Pharmacovigilance Associate will support Akros Research in implementation and coordination of program activities, ensuring a successful implementation of the SLL programme’s vaccine safety surveillance. The associate will actively liaise with key actors within the respective government, district and sub-district stakeholders, stakeholders participating in the immunization, and Akros Research senior management to facilitate the realization of program objectives and optimize resource flow.

Specific Responsibilities

1. In coordination with the Ethiopia Country Manager, work closely with the EFDA to plan upcoming technical activities and facilitate the implementation of approved micro plan activities, ensuring that targets are achieved.
2. Coordinate logistics for program implementation at the national, district, and health facility levels (e.g., advance requests, venue hire, branding and marking preparations, coordinating invitations as needed) and ensure all expenditures align with the set budgets.
3. Identify implementation issues and provide possible solutions to address them, that are timely shared with key stakeholders
4. Maintain regular communication with implementation counterparts at the Ministry of Health and EFDA.
5. Ensure all forms and records are documented and updated.
6. Liaise with Akros Research to ensure effective and efficient program delivery and provide detailed reports to project leadership.
7. Work closely with other Akros in country employees to ensure the effective implementation of the program.
8. Assist in evidence generation, data collection, data analysis and data use as needed.
9. Other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (required) and Master’s degree (highly preferred) in Pharmacy, public Health, Monitoring and Evaluation or any relevant field, Project management or business administration;
• 3-5 years of experience with program management;
• Strong experience working with Government’s Ministries of Health, national regulatory, donors, districts and sub-district structures and managing a dynamic team;
• Previous experience with project or organizational representation to the national regulatory/Ministry of Health at national or subnational levels is an added advantage;
• Past exposure and experience in a national regulatory institution, or in pharmacovigilance field will be an added advantage;
• Self-starter who will thrive through exemplifying ownership and initiative
• Excellent technical writing, quantitative and critical thinking skills
• Excellent data analysis skills
• Excellent computer skills with fluency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Candidate should be highly productive and internally motivated
• Candidate should work well against complex and challenging delivery schedules
• Candidate should be culturally adaptable and sensitive
• Demonstrated ability to operate with minimal instruction in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to productively communicate remotely

Location and Term

This position is contingent upon securing and maintaining program funding. It is also contingent upon donor approval.

This position is for 15 months and will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The position is open to local candidates and may involve minimal travel.

Reporting

This position will report directly to the Akros Country Manager, with a dotted reporting line to the Pharmacovigilance Coordinator, at the EFDA.