Senior Cholera Training Expert for Utility development at VEi Zambia

Introduction

Zambia, in 2024, experienced its biggest Cholera outbreak since 1977 (start of recording of Cholera outbreaks) during the 2023/2024 rainy season.  Cholera outbreaks are not just a public health issue; it is rooted in inadequate water and sanitation provision. The 11 water utilities in Zambia are part of the first line response to a cholera outbreak. As part of the ongoing collaboration between VEI and the Zambian utilities, organizational gaps were identified. A nation-wide cholera preparedness training with the 11 Zambian water utilities aims at contributing to the closure of some of these gaps  

The training will contribute to the development and testing of emergency plans, improve coordination with local government, health departments and NGOs and identify the gaps in response capacity.

The work consists of two phases:

1. Development of training material and first validation and implementation of the training (mid august-september)
2. Wider roll out of the training to all 11 utilities of Zambia (october - december)

Depending on the applications and preference of the partners, 1 or 2 profiles will be selected either covering of of these phases or both. 
Please express you interest in either 1 or both of the phases.

 

The cholera training is to be developed and implemented in close coordination with local and internation stakeholders. The cholera training expert will do that together with a core team consisting of:

• VEi Resident project manager
• Senior cholera training expert (this vacancy)
• Junior staff member to faciltite the cholera training expert
• VEi short term expert to co create the simulation training to be rolled out to the 11 utilities.

 

 

Qualifications and experience:

The cholera training expert is expected to have the following qualifications:

• Qualification in public health and epidemiology
• Experience with training and group work
• At least 5 years of experience in public health in Africa, focussing on cholera
• Regional / local experience in Zambia (and/or its regional peers)

 

Skills:

• Strong organizer, facilitator and collaborator
• Self-starter, taking initiatives

 

Practical:

• Available from mid/late August to end of September (development phase) and October to early December (roll out phase)
• The total assignment is expected to take about 12 weeks spread out over this period
• Physical presence in Zambia during this period is required, especially in september to cooperate with the VEi short term expert and during the training roll out from October to December.

 

Tasks:

• Organize, prepare and conduct the 3 trainings in Lusaka (with the various stakeholders).
• Prepare the crisis simulation training (training materials, training logistics and local stakeholder participation).
• Conduct the trainings with the 11 utilities, at their premises and with various local stakeholders.
• Organize own travel arrangements (together with VEI) for the roll-out in the various utilities.
• Provide tailored feedback to each utility based on the training and supervise the development of a cholera response plan/protocol (drafted before the training in the utility and updated/adjusted based on the training experience). The utilities need to draft their own plan/protocol, the facilitator supervises.

 

Timeline

The total amount of work for the cholera training expert is estimated at 12 weeks (spread out of over a 4 month period), starting latest from September – December 

 

More background can be found in the TOR below.

 

For this assignment please indicate if you are interested in phase 1, phase 2 or both phases of the assignment.

Regional experts are strongly encouraged to apply.

Still, if you interested in the position, and believe you have a very strong profile for this assignment, please respond as soon as possible, but at the latest before Monday 11th of August 1PM via drrs@rvo.nl.  Please send your CV, a short motivation, and mention your availability (potential start date and length of time period) in your message. We will be assessing the CVs as soon as they come in.

We look forward to your application.

We strongly encourage a diverse set of candidates to apply, as we are committed to fostering gender diversity and inclusion in DRRS. Moreover, we stimulate national experts to become part of our database and to apply for vacancies. Please visit our website and become part of our network.

At RVO we are fully committed to creating a safe and respectful work environment. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment (PSEAH). All deployees/experts must adhere to the Code of Conduct, which outlines ethical standards and behaviors expected within our organization. Successful candidates will be required to uphold these principles and participate in mandatory PSEAH and CoC training as part of their onboarding process.