Technical Advisor, Vector Control & Prevention - Malaria & NTDs
Clinton Health Access Initiative
- Ciudad de Panamá
- Permanente
- Tiempo completo
CHAI’s Malaria & Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) team supports governments to strengthen programs targeting malaria, dengue, and other NTDs. We help scale up prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance, with the goal of reducing illness and death from vector-borne diseases. Our work focuses on building strong, sustainable national systems for effective and evidence-based interventions.LAC ProgramIn Latin America and the Caribbean, CHAI partners with Ministries of Health to design and implement effective strategies for malaria elimination and dengue control. We help strengthen surveillance, case management, vector control, and supply chains. Given the rising burden of dengue, we also support countries to adopt innovative tools - such as Wolbachia-based interventions – by helping to create enabling regulatory, financial, and operational environments. Our work emphasizes data-driven planning, local capacity building, and the introduction of new technologies that can accelerate progress.Overview of the RoleCHAI is seeking a highly motivated individual to oversee its vector control and prevention work in the region. The candidate will work closely with CHAI’s country and regional teams to provide strategic and technical support to governments across Central America in eliminating malaria and reducing the burden of dengue. The role includes supporting the optimization of vector control interventions and the introduction and scale-up of tools such as Wolbachia and spatial emanators, where appropriate. The individual will also coordinate efforts with key regional actors, including PAHO, IDB, CDC, COMISCA, and academic partners.The ideal candidate will be able to translate complex scientific knowledge into practical programmatic recommendations, manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, and adapt quickly to shifting priorities. Strong organizational and project management skills are essential, as is the ability to work independently. The candidate must demonstrate humility, a passion for impact, and a commitment to excellence. Excellent communication skills, patience, and cultural sensitivity are critical, given the technical complexity of the work and the diversity of stakeholders involved.This position reports to the Senior Regional Malaria Manager and the Global Director of Vector Control & Prevention. It is based in Panama City, Panama, and requires frequent travel across the region, including to remote areas with limited infrastructure and health services.Responsibilities
- Serve as a trusted adviser to national malaria and dengue programs in the region on issues related to vector control and entomology
- Ensure the technical quality of all CHAI Vector Control and Prevention work in the LAC region
- Co-manage regional Vector Control and Prevention associates, including training and mentoring them, supporting them to deliver high quality vector control assistance to countries, and maintaining a motivated and well-functioning team
- Support national programs in developing vector control strategic plans, policies, technical guidelines, manuals, operational plans, standard operating procedures, data collection systems and associated training materials, ensuring that they align with global, regional and local best practices and are built on past lessons learned as well as new evidence and research
- Support countries with introducing and scaling new vector control technologies like Wolbachia or spatial emanators, including supporting development of regional regulatory pathways, national operational plans, and country capacity to implement such tools and monitor their impact.
- Assist national and sub-national government partners with evidence-based decision-making by analyzing entomological and vector control data, interpreting and communicating results
- Compile lessons learned from Vector Control and Prevention projects in the region and disseminate insights across countries through clear presentations, reports, and publications
- Collaborate with regional stakeholders, including PAHO, the Inter-American Development Bank, COMISCA and academic partners
- Support CHAI and national disease programs with identifying and developing funding proposals to cover resource gaps in vector control, entomology, and prevention.
- Coordinate work with other CHAI colleagues, including the Senior Malaria & NTDs Regional Manager, regional team, and country teams, as well as global team and staff from other regions.
- Master’s degree with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, or bachelor’s degree with at least 9 years of relevant experience in projects related to infectious disease prevention or entomology. Acceptable fields of study include public health, entomology, epidemiology, biology, medicine and other health-related disciplines. Having a PhD would influence the required years of experience.
- Experience working remotely with a decentralized team
- Outstanding problem-solving and analytical skills
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
- Ability to remain effective, calm, and flexible in high-pressure situations
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships in challenging environments
- Excellent written and oral communications skills, including report writing and presentations
- Strong capacity for diplomatic engagement with policymakers and other partners
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment
- Strong project and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize in dynamic settings
- Willingness to work in higher-risk, developing settings for extended periods of time
- Able to travel within the region up to 60% of the time
- Knowledge of major global infectious disease issues, preferably malaria and dengue
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Fluency (reading, writing, and speaking) in French
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