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 Since 2007, PATH has been working to improve health systems and services to create healthier futures for Ethiopians. PATH in Ethiopia is currently implementing various high-impact, evidence-based, sustainable programs with the aim of saving and improving the lives of the most vulnerable and underserved women and children in the country in collaboration with Ethiopia’s Federal Ministry of Health, Regional Health Bureau, community groups, and other partners.

About the post

PATH Ethiopia seeks to recruit qualified and experienced health officers/nurses/surveillance assistants for the mobile health team (MHT) and supervisors for the targeted drug administration (TDA) study which take place in the Delello farm site, Metema district. In addition to the drug administration, the MHT will be responsible for providing malaria case management in a mobile post.  The mobile health team will administer antimalarial drugs for the intervention arms in two to three rounds.

Data will be collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires with seasonal migrant agricultural workers. The interviews will be conducted in the local language (Amharic). The MHT and supervisors will receive training before the actual implementation of the study to be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills. The MHT and supervisors will be assigned to the selected farm camps in the Delello farm site, Metema district for targeted drug administration and malaria case management.

A deployment plan will be given to each team before leaving to conduct the interviews. PATH will cover the costs during data collection days including the training days. The MHT and supervisors will be responsible for arranging their accommodation during field data collection, using allowances that will be paid by PATH.

PATH will also ensure the MHT and supervisors have technical support for the use and maintenance of the devices being used for data collection, including power bank and IT support via mobile phone or in-person if practical. PATH will provide basic materials for infection prevention during the study period.

Specific duties and responsibilities of supervisors

• Prepares the working bench for the team
• Making the necessary preparations for the fieldwork
• In charge of motorbike/vehicle matters, organizing and directing the fieldwork.
• Ensures that the MHT strictly follows of the study protocol.
• Conduct supportive supervision & monitoring of the performance of teams and maintain the quality of the TDA and malaria case management.
• Become familiar with the farm camps where the teams will be worked and determine the best arrangements for keeping up team spirit, travel, meals, and accommodations.
• Contact local farm managers & authorities to inform them about the survey and gain their support and cooperation.
• Ensure all supplies, and equipment necessary for the teams under his/her supervision to complete assignments.
• Ensures the well-being and safety of team members,
• Ensures sensitization of migrant workers in farms through farm managers & local leaders
• Observe at least one team per day;
• Conduct regular review sessions with each team and advise them on any problems.

Specific duties and responsibilities of MHT

• Obtain written informed consent before administering drugs and interview.
• Before field activities ensure that the team has sufficient supplies to conduct the appropriate malaria testing and treatment and collection of blood samples according to the checklist.
• Strictly follow the standard operating procedure of the study.
• Perform malaria RDT tests for suspected malaria cases and interpret the results of the RDTs.
• Manage malaria-positive cases according to the national malaria guideline.
• Determine the positive participant’s eligibility to receive the available antimalarial drugs.
• Ensure that all antimalarial stocks are at the expected level and request new stocks where necessary on time.
• Observe the taking of the first dose of antimalarial drugs and instruct participants how to self-administer the remaining doses.
• If the participant is contraindicated for first-line antimalarial drug use the second-line otherwise refer to the nearest health facility for alternative treatment
• Refer all individuals with suspected severe malaria or other severe illness to the nearest health facility for clinical assessment and treatment.
• Ensure that all infection prevention protocols during testing, including the disposal of hazardous materials are maintained
• Report any adverse events that take place to the field supervisor, who will report to the Study Lead.
• Collect quality data using ODK software
• Send completed questionnaires to the server as soon as possible.
• Daily charging of smart mobile phones and power banks.
• Proper management of supplies provided for the survey.

No. of Positions: 33 (30 for MHT and three supervisors)  

Position Type: Contract

Duration of employment: 4 months