Operations Manager – Training and Implementation, VectorLink Ethiopia

ABT Associates is seeking an Operations Manager for Training and Implementation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The role involves overseeing training activities, managing seasonal staff recruitment, ensuring quality in spray techniques, and monitoring project performance. The manager will also contribute to capacity-building plans and ensure safety protocols for staff. This position is integral to supporting malaria control initiatives in collaboration with PMI and USAID.
The World at Abt

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Associates. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.

We are a team of 4,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.

The Opportunity

Abt Associates supports the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and USAID to plan and implement an integrated vector control approach with the overall goal of reducing the burden of malaria. Abt has implemented indoor residual spraying (IRS) for PMI since 2011, delivering high-quality IRS programs and gathering the most comprehensive vector control entomological data in the world. Under this contract, Abt will expand entomological monitoring to guide programs focused on insecticide-treated mosquito nets, IRS, Larval Source Management (LSM) and continue to assist PMI in reducing the burden of malaria through IRS, LSM and capacity building in 23 African countries where malaria is endemic. Abt will continue to support PMI in IRS monitoring and evaluation, as well as environmental compliance.

Under the supervision of the Deputy Chief of Party, you will oversee the overall training and implementation for the project’s Vector Control TO1 operations in country.

Core Responsibilities
• Coordinates the recruitment of seasonal staff
• Oversee all training activities, including the training-of-trainer (TOT) courses, and training of all different categories of spray personnel.
• Serves as member of the Senior Management Team for the project.
• Directly supervises three of the project’s Zonal Coordinators
• Overall responsible for monitoring spray activities and performance
• Ensures that correct spray techniques are applied (enforces Directly Observed Supervision)
• Ensures quality and accuracy of primary data (enforces Data Collection Verification)
• Ensures data forms are promptly and safely delivered to data centers
• Ensures that supervision and monitoring tools are used as required
• Achieves operations-related Monitoring & Evaluation and Quality Control indicators of the project.
• Develops the operations component of the country capacity-building plan to transfer skills to local institutions.
• Supports the Deputy Chief of Party to managethe safety and security of all project staff:
• Ensures safety and security training is provided for all staff and that standards are followed and adhered to by all Abt staff and seasonal personnel;
• Ensures that appropriate equipment, transportation, and accommodations are provided to all staff and seasonal personnel;
• Fosters an environment in which all staff can comfortably discuss safety concerns with no negative consequences;
• Maintains local safety and security networks and oversee adherence to project security plans year-round;
• Performs incident inventory management duties to ensure appropriate response and recovery in the event of contamination or loss.
• Performs additional responsibilities as assigned by the Supervisor.

What We Value
• Masters Degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, or other relevant field.
• At least seven (7) years of professional experience managing operations in an international development environment, with significant experience in vector control programs.
• Significant management and supervisory experience.
• Prior experience with USAID-funded programs is highly desirable.
• Excellent writing, computer, and organizational skills.
• English language fluency.

What We Offer

We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits and professional development.

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.

About Us

The International Development Division focuses on improving the lives and economic well-being of people in lower and middle-income countries. We command technical expertise in health, agriculture, climate change, food security and governance—as well as in international evaluation. Our multi-layered health portfolio includes policy, health promotion and disease prevention, health finance, and health systems management. In partnership with government clients and local experts, our high-quality programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East are known for impact and innovation.

At Abt Associates, we are committed to creating a lasting culture of equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that in order to achieve full participation, our practices must be free of prejudice, discrimination, and bias that result in inequitable outcomes. We are actively working to advance equity for everyone, and while we still have much work to do, we know that racial and cultural diversity are an asset to our business and the communities where we live and serve. Our ongoing commitment is focused on creating business practices that advance racial and social equity, investments in community impact programs for the benefit of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), and expand upon project work related to racial equity and social justice.