ZGSC Project Administrator Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI)

The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) Cooperative Agreement supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aims at supporting the strengthening of the Institute’s capacity to provide Leadership to the Nation on Health Security through its mandate. ZNPHI seeks to recruit suitably qualified and experienced persons to be appointed in the
underlisted positions under this project:

Job Title: ZGSC Project Administrator
Reports to: Head – Zambia National Public Health Reference Laboratory
Location: Zambia National Public Health Reference Laboratory

Job Purpose

To perform various tasks related to public health laboratory functions to detect, confirm, prevent and control priority diseases for public health security. The officers shall play critical roles in safeguarding public health by providing essential data and expertise to inform disease prevention and control interventions through early detection of outbreaks, the development of effective interventions, and the overall improvement of public health outcomes.

Specific Roles and Responsibilities

● Project Planning and Initiation: Collaborate with principal investigators, researchers, and stakeholders to define project
objectives, scope, and timelines. Develop detailed project plans, including tasks, milestones, and resource allocation.
Ensure that project goals align with organizational objectives.
● Resource Management: Allocate and manage human and financial resources for the project. Coordinate with laboratory personnel, bioinformaticians, and other team members to ensure they have the necessary resources to complete their tasks.
● Data Management: Oversee the collection, storage, and management of genomics data, ensuring data integrity and
security. Develop and implement data sharing and access policies, if applicable.
● Experimental Design: Collaborate with scientists and researchers to design experiments, including selecting
appropriate genomics techniques and assays. Ensure that experimental designs meet the project’s objectives and
scientific rigor.
● Sample and Data Tracking: Implement systems and protocols to track and document the provenance of samples,
including sample collection, storage, and analysis.

● Project Execution: Monitor the progress of the project, ensuring that it stays on schedule and within budget. Address
any issues or obstacles that arise during the project’s execution. Coordinate with different teams and collaborators to
facilitate smooth workflow.
● Communication: Act as a liaison between researchers, laboratory staff, bioinformaticians, and other project
stakeholders. Provide regular updates on project progress to team members and management. Facilitate effective
communication and collaboration among project team members.
● Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the project complies with relevant ethical and regulatory guidelines, including
obtaining necessary approvals for human or animal research.
● Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of project activities, experiments, and results. Generate
reports and documentation for internal and external stakeholders. Prepare and submit grant applications and progress
reports, if applicable.
● Risk Management: Identify potential risks and issues that may impact the project’s success and develop mitigation
plans. Monitor and manage project risks throughout the project lifecycle.

● Training and Development: Provide training and mentorship to team members and junior staff. Stay updated on
advances in genomics research and technologies.
● Carry out delegated duties effectively in order to ensure the attainment of ZNPHI objectives in its mandate
● Any other duties that may be assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications

● Full Grade 12 School Certificate with five O level credits, including English and Mathematics
● Bachelor’s degree in public administration, project management, development studies or any social science related
field

Desired experience
● Experience working in the public service or health sector in Zambia
● Strong analytical skills, oral and written communication and team building skills
● A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in project administration or management

Knowledge and Skills
● Ability to express himself or herself in writing and produce technical reports
● Good communication and collaboration skills
● Able to work with minimum supervision
● Managerial skills and good interpersonal working skills
● Good analytical skills with problem solving skills