ATSB Officer

PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience forging multisector partnerships, and with expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing health challenges.

PATH is a partner to the National Malaria Elimination Centre (NMEC) in the effort to control and eliminate malaria in Zambia. PATH is partnering with the NMEC to implement a Phase III large-scale trial of a promising new tool for malaria vector control, the attractive targeted sugar bait (ATSB). The trial is operating in Western Province in the districts of Kaoma, Nkeyema, and Luampa from 2021-2023. The ATSB intervention involves installing bait stations on exterior walls of household structures. A mass installation campaign approach is used to install all of the bait stations at once. The bait stations are installed for 6 months at a time, after which they are removed and transported to Lusaka for incineration. After installation, the bait stations must be routinely monitored on a monthly basis and inspected for damage. This monitoring will be performed by community-based ATSB Monitoring Assistants. ATSB monitoring will be completed using a brief data collection form on a tablet, and monitoring data will feed into a dashboard for routine review.

PATH seeks to recruit a team of ATSB Officers for the ATSB study. Reporting to the Trial Manager, the ATSB Officers will be responsible for all aspects of implementing the ATSB intervention in 40 study clusters. This includes managing transport, storage, mass campaign installation, monthly monitoring, mass campaign removal, and disposal of the bait stations.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the use of agreed upon standard operating procedures for all aspects of ATSB transport, storage, installation, monitoring, replacement, removal, and disposal.
• Review the ATSB implementation work plan on a weekly basis and ensure activities are implemented in a timely manner according to this plan.
• Plan and oversee mass installation and replacement/removal campaigns.
• Lead ATSB stock management and tracking according to best practices.
• Provide community-based ATSB Monitoring Assistants with training and support around ATSB installation, replacement, and disposal. Make sure they have continuous supply for replacement, ways of safely storing ATSBs until disposal, and pick-up of ATSBs for safe disposal.
• Review activity data dashboards for ATSB monitoring on a weekly basis and develop action plans to ensure that monitoring visits are happening according to protocol and SOPs.
• Investigate and trouble-shoot problems with ATSB installation, storage, removal, and replacement.
• React rapidly and efficiently to problems, communicate with team members to identify solutions, and ensure solutions are implemented in a timely manner.

Required Experience

• Prior demonstrated experience working in logistics and/or stock management. Experience with logistics or stock management for mass distribution health campaigns strongly preferred (e.g. campaigns to distribute malaria bednets, mass drug administration, indoor residual spray campaigns, immunization campaigns, etc).
• Familiarity with stock management systems and best practices. Experience with stock management systems and best practices for health commodities preferred (e.g. medicines, insecticides, malaria bednets, etc).
• Familiarity with reviewing and interpreting data in spreadsheets, tables, and charts/graphs.
• Experience working with district health office staff and in health facility catchment area community based activities in Kaoma, Luampa or Nkeyema an added advantage.
• Ability to think and act proactively by anticipating challenges and problems and developing strategies to prevent or mitigate challenges.
• Advanced computer skills including use Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge and behaviours that support equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.

Must have legal authorization to work in Zambia.

PATH is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is valued.

PATH is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. PATH does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or orientation, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.