THE PROGRAM
The “Amagara Yacu – our health” project is a 36-month initiative funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and implemented by a consortium of organizations composed of the French and Burundian Red Cross (Lead Partner) , the Mérieux Foundation and Amref Health Africa. It aims to contribute to improving the quality of primary health care and epidemiological surveillance in Burundi, taking into account gender inequalities that hinder the right to health and access to care. Based on the strategic framework, public policies and needs identified by the national authorities, the project aims to strengthen health personnel, support the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) and the National Reference Laboratory (LNR), to build the capacity of community health actors on maternal and child health, gender inequalities and nutrition and to ensure the self-sufficiency and safety of the blood transfusion system by supporting the National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS). In addition, this initiative contributes to responding in a holistic way to the needs of the population to limit mortality in Burundi and ensure that issues related to gender, malnutrition and maternal and child health are integrated.
The project specifically aims to support the implementation of a national health personnel management strategy: 1- by building the capacities of midwives and nurses based in the provinces of Ngozi and Muramvya through continuous training of quality in e-learning on maternal and child health, family planning and nutrition developed with the INSP (OS3-R2). 2- by increasing the capacities of Community Health networks in Muramvya Province so that they can tackle gender inequalities and respond to the needs and challenges of maternal and child health, family planning and gender-based violence identified in their localities (SO4). Moreover,
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Amref Health Africa believes in the power of capacity building, a belief that is widely shared across the world. Development actors around the world are focusing on how best to maximize limited resources – financial, human, etc. At Amref, this mission has been ours for a long time! We have developed, tested and scaled capacity development approaches – such as distance learning through digital, institutional capacity building, coaching and mentoring – that have led to improvements in the quality of the delivery of health services. We now want to apply these approaches and the lessons we learned in Burundi to strengthen primary health care services.
This is why we are looking for a Blood Transfusion Services Manager to provide technical support to the National Blood Transfusion Center of Burundi (CNTS) and to the Regional Blood Transfusion Center (CRTS) of Ngozi.
Concretely, under the responsibility of the Program Coordinator – Amagara Yacu, this position of Blood Transfusion Services Manager has the following mission:
- Supervise the implementation of activities, develop and maintain strategic partnerships, develop and supervise the improvement of the national blood transfusion system by strengthening the capacities of the National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS) and the Regional Blood Transfusion Center (CRTS of Ngozi).
- Provide technical support to the CNTS and the CRTS of Burundi in the realization of blood transfusion services coordinated at the national level and in the realization of a national policy for the collection of blood from voluntary donors.
- Provide technical and operational support to the CNTS and CRTS for the screening of all blood donations against transfusion-transmitted infections and to perform blood grouping and compatibility tests for all blood donations.
- Assist in the development of standards, guidelines and procedures for national blood transfusion services and blood donation programs, and for the rational use of blood to avoid unnecessary blood transfusions. You will provide support to the CNTS in the preparation of a blood safety strategy for the extension of services to underserved areas.
- Provide technical support for the rehabilitation of selected blood transfusion units and blood banks, including equipment, blood safety supplies and materials for quality assurance and product testing.
- Support and facilitate the development and strengthening of health personnel within blood transfusion centers and blood banks, including management levels, control of quality and access to blood products, their availability and rational use.
- Support the establishment of effective internal and external quality assurance programs for blood banks and blood transfusion units.
- Provide technical support to develop an effective blood donor recruitment program, including staff training and the design and delivery of a community-level awareness campaign and national advocacy.
- Assist in developing training modules, coordinate, facilitate and organize national training courses for National Blood Bank and Blood Transfusion Unit staff.
NB : Carry out any other relevant tasks required by the Program Coordinator. In addition, this job description may change according to the needs and priorities of the project.
YOUR EXPERIENCE
We are looking for a laboratory science professional who will leverage innovative approaches to provide technical support to CNTS and CRTS.
- You have strong teamwork, networking, problem-solving, interpersonal, facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to coordinate small groups of people towards a common goal.
- You demonstrate the ability to nurture and cultivate relationships and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders such as civil society, government ministries and officials, donors, community institutions.
- You have the ability to demonstrate leadership, communicate effectively, resolve conflict and promote a team approach to build staff commitment to project success.
- You have the ability to work with government and CSOs on public health and development issues.
- You have at least five (5) years of practical and operational application and management of blood transfusion services at national, regional and international levels, related experience in blood supply management, blood safety management blood and/or related health programs, and experience in technical assistance or coordination of laboratory services.
- You already have work experience in Burundi (additional advantage).
- You hold a university degree in medical laboratory sciences, life sciences or equivalent and an advanced university degree (master’s level or higher) in hematology, immune-hematology, or equivalent from an accredited institution / recognized (additional benefit).
ABOUT AMREF HEALTH AFRICA:
Amref Health Africa is the largest international health development organization based in Africa. Working with and for African communities, health systems and governments, Amref Health Africa’s vision is to make a lasting difference to health in Africa. Amref is committed to improving the health of people in Africa by partnering with communities, empowering them and strengthening health systems. To learn more about Amref Health Africa: www.amref.org . Amref is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Female candidates are strongly encouraged.
SALARY :
Based on internal salary scales.
You will benefit from a comprehensive and competitive benefits package and the opportunity to work in a diverse and international team.
CONTRACT LENGTH :
CDD 1 year (renewable) with a trial period of 3 months. Desired starting date: September 2023.
How to apply
Composition of the dossier (in English and French, PDF format):
- A cover and motivation letter
- An up-to-date CV
- Three reference contacts
Applications must be sent before 08/15/2023 by email, with the subject “ AY – Application Responsible for Blood Transfusion Service ” to the following addresses:
