Senior Malaria Advisor, DOS LEAP Global - Rwanda

Location: Rwanda Dexis is a dynamic professional services firm dedicated to partnering with government and community leaders both in the U.S. and internationally to achieve critical social outcomes in a rapidly changing world. At Dexis, you will experience a corporate culture of inclusiveness, respect, fairness, and trust. You will be given the means and mentorship needed to succeed, and your creativity will be rewarded. LEAP Program Description Global Solutions Ventures (GSV) – a joint-venture partnership between ZemiTek, LLC and Dexis Consulting Group – is implementing the Long-term Exceptional Technical Assistance Project (LEAP Global), a mechanism originally used by USAID to battle against infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases, and pandemic influenza. As of July 1, 2025, LEAP Global transitioned to the U.S. Department of State (DOS). This initiative aims to address the complex human resource challenges faced by national infectious disease programs in the USA-supported countries. The intervention of this project is to hire and embed technical expert advisors and subject matter experts within government entities. By directly embedding the technical expertise within the national programs, LEAP provides long-term, sustainable lifesaving support to empower host governments to lead and manage key aspects of their infectious disease portfolios and improve coordination between the U.S. Government and the host country. About the Position The Senior Malaria Advisor will support the Rwanda Malaria and Other Parasitic Diseases Division (MOPDD) in carrying out life-saving humanitarian assistance (LHA) in full alignment with the new Presidential Executive Order (EO) directives. The primary focus of the Advisor will be technical leadership to ensure the successful implementation of cost-effective, lifesaving direct service delivery for malaria prevention and treatment. The Senior Malaria Advisor will provide expert malaria technical guidance to the Rwanda Malaria and Other Parasitic Diseases Division (MOPDD) in the design and management of in-country programs/projects/activities and in the development of host-country policies, reflecting best practices in malaria prevention and control. The jobholder will identify programmatic bottlenecks and facilitate solutions through coordinated technical expertise in support of the cooperating country’s development objectives. The Senior Malaria Advisor will be based at the MOPDD within the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC). The Advisor will receive day-to-day direction from the MOPDD Director, who will serve as the onsite Manager/Supervisor. The Advisor will report to the U.S. DOS on a weekly and monthly basis, as described below. The Senior Malaria Advisor will also spend up to 30% of time in this position providing support to the Ebola grants portfolio at the U.S. Department of State for as long as the outbreak persists in East Africa. This includes coordination with Rwanda Centers for Disease Control, RBC, Ministry of Health (MOH), donor partners, and others as needed, to ensure the Ebola preparedness response in Rwanda is functioning well. Technical knowledge in grants and portfolio management, government and donor communications, and budget management is required. This portion of the role is strictly portfolio management; technical knowledge of outbreaks and Ebola is not required but helpful. Responsibilities Technical Leadership Provide expert malaria technical guidance to advance planning and implementation of malaria control interventions. Support the development of national malaria program strategies and work plans, and specifically provide support on implementation of National Malaria Strategic Plan. Coordinate the design, planning and implementation of malaria prevention and control activities consistent with the US government’s strategy and with the MOPPD. This will include but is not limited to vector control, case management at facility and community level, chemoprevention, support for malaria vaccine implementation, malaria in pregnancy, procurement and delivery of life-saving commodities, and associated monitoring and surveillance to ensure accountability and track progress. Together with the host country partners, provide the technical and managerial expertise to MOH health districts and local communities to strengthen institutional capacity. Keep abreast of current developments and successful interventions via regular engagement with malaria experts (domestic and international) and MOPPD officials, ensuring proven strategies and interventions are integrated in national malaria programming. Management of Program/Activity Implementation Ensure that U.S. government resources are maximized towards achievement of sustained results in malaria in line with U.S. government laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to prevent fraud, waste and abuse. Provide technical support to the DOS implementing partners and managerial support as needed during the planning, design and implementation phases to ensure the quality of interventions and programmatic targets are met. Recommend changes in strategic and/or implementation approaches, using analysis of program Advise on National Malaria Program tool review and updating. Work with partners (in country and global, as relevant) to ensure that programmatic commodities are purchased in a timely and cost-effective manner; and that absorptive capacity exists in implementation sites to receive, manage and distribute these items effectively. Participate in forecasting and quantification meetings to inform malaria commodity quantifications that will guide donor procurements. Troubleshoot bottlenecks in the ordering and delivery process. Provide expert advice and practical experience in helping the MOH, the MOPPD and other partners to monitor inputs, outputs and outcomes, and report on the program’s overall impact. If not already in existence, work with the MOPPD and other partners to develop and maintain a monitoring and evaluation plan to be implemented through existing MoH systems and existing USG supported mechanisms. Carry out monitoring and evaluation visits to implementation sites to ascertain all quantitative and qualitative data is collected properly, and programmatic quality and value for money are maintained. Coordination of Malaria Partners Ensure effective communication and coordination between the MOPPD, RBC, MOH and other partners related to malaria prevention and control; Global Fund partners including other departments in the host country; donor agencies; and other stakeholders working on malaria control in the host country, as appropriate. Ensure malaria activities are integrated into overall U.S. DOS-supported health activities and coordinate these activities with the MOPPD, RBC, and MOH to avoid duplication of effort and programming gaps. Coordinate with other partners and support efforts to address malaria control delivery gaps and help build technical and managerial capacity within the MOPPD at the national, district and lower levels. Participate in and contribute to malaria related service delivery meetings hosted by the National Malaria Program and Ebola Preparedness Portfolio/Partners Management Manage the U.S. DOS Ebola preparedness grants portfolio in Rwanda, overseeing several multi-million USD awards. Review workplans as needed with government and implementing partners. Guide implementing partners as they build work plans and carry out activities and pass on direction from U.S. DoS clearly and on time. Engage government partners, including the MOH, RBC, and Rwanda Medical Supply (RMS), to assess funding needs and set priorities. Coordinate communication among government partners, implementing partners, and other stakeholders to keep the Ebola response coherent and well aligned. Identify and address gaps in national Ebola preparedness in partnership with government and donor counterparts. Communications Regular conference calls with MOPPD, RBC, partners, US Embassy and Washington to review progress, discuss activities and address emerging issues The Senior Malaria Advisor should provide information and avail him/herself for calls/meetings with the US Embassy as requested. The Advisor will provide monthly reports to the US Embassy/U.S. Department of State REPORTING: The Senior Advisor will provide a detailed monthly report to the U.S. Department of State, submitted by the 5th day of the following month. Additionally, the Advisor will submit a weekly progress report to the U.S. Department of State (and participate in weekly calls) to include a short paragraph about main successes for that week. The format for reporting may be adjusted with concurrence from the COR. Qualifications Advanced degree (MPH, MS, MD, or PhD) in public health or related At least 10 years of experience working on malaria programming in low- or middle-income countries, preferably with humanitarian and development sectors, with a strong focus on malaria or other vector-borne diseases, preferably in a similar setting. Familiarity with USG Up-to-date knowledge of global and national policies on all aspects of the management of Up-to-date knowledge of ongoing and emerging issues in malaria, like epidemiology, international policy, evidence development and malaria control strategies, new drugs and new diagnostics. Ability to manage a complex portfolio of laboratory network Experience in teaching/training and capacity Experience with grants management Demonstrated expertise in evidence-based malaria programming, program design, and Proven ability to collaborate effectively with host country governments, donors, implementing partners, and community-level stakeholders. Advanced knowledge of host country government systems and institutions, policies, and regulatory Excellent oral and written communication Preferred Qualifications Experience with USG-funded malaria programs (USG-funded Ebola programs a plus). Familiarity with tools and platforms for surveillance, community health worker supervision, or integrated health information systems. Strong analytical and problem-solving Experience supporting or conducting national assessments, including Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), SMART surveys, or surveillance systems. Experience with DOS-funded public health Relevant technical experience obtained in African countries is Benefits Dexis offers benefits to support employees’ health, financial security, and well-being. The benefits outlined below are for full-time, US-based positions only. These benefits include: Medical and prescription drug coverage: A choice of three UnitedHealthcare medical plans, with coverage options for employees and eligible dependents. Dental insurance: Dental coverage for employees and eligible dependents, including preventive, basic, major, and orthodontic services, subject to plan limits. Company-paid vision insurance: Vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents, with premiums paid in full by Dexis. Employer-funded health reimbursement arrangement (HRA): Employees who enroll in the Silver HRA medical plan receive an employer-funded HRA to help pay eligible in-network deductible expenses. Company-paid life and disability insurance: Basic life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, plus short-term and long-term disability coverage. Optional supplemental insurance: Voluntary supplemental life and AD&D insurance options, including life insurance options for eligible dependents. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Company-paid access to confidential counseling and legal and financial support resources for employees and their families. Health and wellness resources: Virtual care, behavioral health resources, and wellness programs available through the medical plan. Benefits assistance: Personalized support with benefit enrollment, coverage questions, claims, and finding providers through the Employee Care Center. Participation, coverage, and employee contributions are subject to applicable benefit plan terms and eligibility requirements. Dexis is on a mission to help solve today’s most pressing global political, social, and economic challenges and create a world where all people are safe and prosperous. As a Dexis employee, you will be challenged, empowered, and mentored. Our motto is “find a way or make a way” — that’s how Dexis goes “all in.” How will you? If you are passionate about this opportunity, apply now! Only those applicants who meet the above criteria will be contacted for interview. Dexis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, pregnancy, disability, age, genetic information, military service, veteran status, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, childbirth and related medical conditions, including lactation, or any other protected class under applicable law.