Epidemiology and Laboratory Services Advisor

About The Job Position Summary: Odyssey Systems is currently seeking an Epidemiology and Laboratory Services Advisor for the International Technical Operational and Support Services (ITOPSS) contract mechanism, for the Centers for Global Health (CGH) mission of the CDC. This position is located in Ghana. Position is contingent on contract award Responsibilities Duties include, but not limited to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with various Ministries, departments, partners, and other related governmental agencies, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and international health organizations to identify public health issues related to the prevention and control of avian and seasonal influenza and other respiratory viruses of public health importance including the middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus, SARS-CoV2, and RSV as well as any newly emerging respiratory viruses. Monitor and measure the outcomes of these programs through evaluations of surveillance and respiratory virus mitigation activities in meeting World Health Organization and national recommendations and policies. Provide focused technical support on surveillance enhancement within ECOWAS and WHO AFRO nations. Assure optimal participation of countries in WA and CA where CDC works, in the submission of specimens through the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) network. Support intra-agency collaborations that promote the successful implementation of programmatic goals and objectives (e.g., CDC Ghana, CDC headquarters initiatives and other CDC programs). Conduct regular meetings and ad hoc communications with global, country, and local agencies to effectively facilitate the completion of programmatic and reporting goals and objectives, to include telephone, email, face-to-face meetings, and trainings. Coordinate with Noguchi Memorial Medical Research Institute to complete tasks assigned. Establish and maintain a point of contact in each MoH and/or National Lab in each West Africa and Central Africa country where CDC currently works. Assess each MOH/Lab to determine their capability and their needs, encourage them to conduct influenza and other respiratory viruses of public health importance surveillance. Develop an action plan in English, French, or both languages for each country to prioritize the support that can be offered by CDC. Strengthen MOH technical capability through direct Technical Assistance for each MOH/Lab both on laboratory and epidemiology aspects. Organize regional collaboration among countries that will be supported by CDC to increase capacity of countries through training, networking, and information sharing of influenza methodologies. Organize or conduct regional trainings, e.g., epi surveillance training and lab/polymerase chain reaction (PCR) training. Serve as Flu Advisor on Global Health Security (GHS) initiatives associated with influenza and other respiratory viruses of public health impor