Specialist, Global Health
Position Summary:
The Specialist Informatics provides technical expertise, project management and coordination for informatics activities within APHL Global Health Program activities for the benefit of APHL members, staff and partner organizations and Ministries of Health in countries within which APHL operates. The incumbent will work with the Global Health LIS Manager to ensure informatics activities are executed within the context of each country’s national health information technology standards and architecture. The Specialist works with in-country/field consultants, and reports to the Global Health LIS Manager, under the overall supervision of the Director of Global Health.
Duties & Responsibilities:
As part of the APHL Global Health Program, the Specialist will:
- serve as a resource in information technology and laboratory informatics for APHL members, partnering organizations and assist country governments in developing project plans to facilitate the ultimate transition and ownership of these projects by the host country government
- explore appropriate tools and solutions to ensure interoperability and data integration between laboratory information systems (LIS) and other health information systems and guide partners with data use including data visualization options.
- Document current infrastructure in PEPFAR and GHSA countries
- collaborate with other APHL staff as needed including the staff of the Informatics Program.
- Identify barriers to implementing data integration and interoperability
- Participate in and apply accepted models and processes for developing information systems and for managing information resources.
- write scopes of work and requests for proposals,
- monitor RFP bids, consultant and vendor contracts
- coordinate logistical arrangements for international shipments of material provided to PEPFAR supported countries and project country activitie
- develop contracts and budgets for APHL consultants/vendors
- lead communication efforts on program activities and administrative reporting requirements with CDC Project Officers and other partners.
- track financial activities and reports and writes corresponding reports for assigned projects
- represent the Global Health Program at meetings and conferences,
- other duties as assigned.
The position duties also include reviewing and editing technical assistance reports, writing summary reports for newsletters and other publications, organizing advisory committee meetings and participating in planning for projects. This position is responsible for maintaining communication with project sites, CDC and other partners by telephone, e-mail and direct meetings and responding to requests from APHL members for participation in project activities.
Employment Standards- Education and Experience:
- BS/BA in Computer Science or relevant technical training/experience with at least 3 years of work experience in the areas of IT business analysis, IT operations. An advanced degree may be substituted for work experience
- Experience with planning and scheduling project timelines and milestones using appropriate tools.
- Experience with tracking project milestones and deliverables
- Experience and familiarity with commercial/open source/home grown laboratory information management systems (LIMS);
- Experience with working within a Federal agency or member-based organization setting (preferred);
- Experience with global health and/or working internationally in resource constrained settings preferred
Knowledge:
Strong familiarity with project management software, such as MS Project
Familiarity with public health informatics including both laboratory and surveillance desirable
Skills:
Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint, Access database software, email systems. Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills.
Abilities:
• An ability to analyze client IT environments and their capabilities and finding appropriate solutions;
• Experience in project scope and planning
• Ability to identify and implement re-usable technology components to promote efficiencies;
• creative problem solving abilities
• Laboratory processes strongly desired
• A proven track record successfully facilitating collaboration between end users and technical staff of varying technical aptitudes;
• A self-directed individual, driven to develop long standing client relationships and partnerships;
• Attention to detail in organization, writing comprehension, word processing
• Adept at conducting research into project-related issues and products.
• Must be able to learn, understand, and apply new technologies
• A professional demeanor and can-do attitude is required as this job involves research, analysis and extensive communication with co-workers and clients in the U.S. and internationally via phone, email and in-person channels;
• Ability to communicate with a broad array of individuals from various countries and professional backgrounds
Capable of working under tight deadlines and handling multiple projects
Self-directed and highly organized, as well as a team-player;
Special Requirements:
• A demonstrated capability to manage and complete multiple tasks under tight deadlines
• Up to 35% international travel and some domestic travel may be required.
Work Environment:
Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee could be exposed to outdoor weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment may vary from light to moderate depending on the location.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a colleague to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the colleague is required to sit for long periods at a time; type using a computer keyboard; visually read information off of a computer monitor; talk, hear, and orally communicate information over the telephone. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and color vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Criteria for Evaluation:
Performance evaluation will be based on the abilities in meeting the criteria outlined herein.
Reports To:
Manager, Global Health LIS, Global Health Program
Position Description Status:
The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are illustrative ones anticipated for this position. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) reserves the right to amend or change this job description to meet the needs of its programs. This job description and any attachments do not constitute or represent a contract.
Association of Public Health Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
