Guinea Worm Technical Assistant

The Carter Center Guinea Worm Eradication Program (GWEP) is looking for short-term consultants for Guinea worm endemic countries in Sub Saharan Africa. Consultants will help strengthen GWEP’s capacity to provide closer oversight regarding the implementation of surveillance, detection and containment of cases, and all other interventions in the highest endemic areas of Southern Sudan, Mali and Ethiopia.

Often known as the "fiery serpent," Guinea worm disease (dracunculiasis) has existed since ancient times, but an international coalition led by The Carter Center is now close to eradicating it. With its access to world leaders, the Center is mobilizing government officials and garnering support for the Guinea worm disease eradication effort, while working at the village level to empower and educate communities to take simple measures to prevent the disease from recurring.

"Hopefully Guinea worm will be the first parasitic disease ever eradicated. If and when that happens, we will have done it without a drug and without a vaccine to treat or prevent the disease. If we can do that, it will be one of the greatest achievements in public health." —Dr. Ernesto Ruiz-Tiben, Director, Guinea Worm Eradication Program

Duties would include but are not limited to:

1. Improving the organization of program and personnel so that all cases are identified and contained and all interventions are applied in all endemic villages.

2. Training Field Officers and zonal coordinators on how to establish an effective dialogue with endemic communities to explain what GWD is, how it is transmitted, how it can be prevented and how to engage active participation of local community to stop transmission.

3. Assessing the sensitivity of the surveillance system in endemic villages/localities.

4. Evaluating the frequency, quality, and penetration of health education messages and social mobilization events about Guinea worm disease and its prevention.

5. Maintaining communications with the Director and The Carter Center RTA of the status of the program, obstacles overcome, obstacles to progress that remain, and recommendations to overcome those obstacles.

6. Managing the funds provided for support of Guinea worm activities.

7. Developing an annual plan of action and budget for the needs of the area of assignment and develop a plan for the use of resources in consonance with the seasonal needs of the program.

Qualifications: BA/BS, MPH (preferred); ; French highly desired; overseas experience implementing health programs preferably in Africa.

Contact Email: guineaworm09@gmail.com

Contact Person: Dana M Lee MPH

Link to organization's application form:

Other Information:

Application guidelines: Please send cv with cover letter via e-mail noting your First and Last name in subject line to: guineaworm09@gmail.com, Attn: (Mrs.) Dana Lee. Note: start dates and terms vary per assignment.

Dana M. Lee, MPH
Consultant
The Carter Center Health Programs
770-488-4506 phone / 770-488-4532 fax