Science Advisor – Intervention and Implementation Research for AMR mitigation in Africa

About the position

We are seeking a Science Advisor with a background in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) mitigation in One Health or specifically in human health (e.g. antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), AMR surveillance, antimicrobial use surveillance, infection, prevention and control (IPC)), or animal health (antimicrobial use, biosecurity etc.). The Science Advisor will be responsible for - together with the members of the ICARS team - the development and management of ICARS’ portfolio of projects with Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

This position will be focused on supporting activities in Africa.

In order to achieve and document results of projects, the Science Advisor will be instrumental in ensuring sound project implementation strategies, effective scoping of projects, clear setting of targets and deliverables, taking into account behavioral and economic consequences of AMR mitigation in all One Health sectors.

Furthermore, the Science Advisor must contribute professionally to the dissemination of ICARS’ vision, mission and goals. E.g. by representing ICARS at meetings with multiple stakeholders, build a global network of experts and contribute to the production of independent evidence synthesis, assessments, and reports in relation to AMR.

This is a full-time position based in Copenhagen, Denmark. This position is time-bound for three years. It has the option for extension if alternative funding opportunities are identified.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to AMR mitigation at the science-policy interface and collaborate closely with project teams in LMICS. You will be part of an inspiring team of more than 40 highly skilled experts representing more than 20 different nationalities.

The ICARS office is in a nice campus area, close to public transport and the center of Copenhagen.

Tasks and expectations

As a Science Advisor you are expected to:

• Develop and advise on research study designs for baseline studies to identify the AMS, IPC and AMR priorities in African countries across all One Health sectors
• Develop and advise on interventions and the intervention and implementation research studies that contextualize and test their impact within all One Health sectors in African countries
• Provide expert input into development and implementation of ICARS projects
• Identify external experts to develop and deliver capacity building initiatives (funded through ICARS) on quality improvement for AMS and IPC in health facilities and farms, and evaluating economic impact of AMR interventions across One Health sectors
• Successfully drive the projects and deliver on the objectives
• Contribute to e.g. process development, as well as synthesis, analysis and assimilation of data into reports and publications for ICARS
• Deliver independent evidence synthesis, assessments and reports within the AMR area
• Continuously monitor scientific research on AMR-mitigation relevant to ICARS
• Identify and contribute to grant applications for funding
• Contribute to technical reporting requirements for ICARS external donors
• Represent ICARS at formal project working groups or boards as well as at conferences, workshops and networking events
• Be the primary contact point for LMICs partners in co-development of projects with ICARS
• Build a global network of experts and partners to strengthen the knowledge of behavioral and economic implications of interventions related to AMR 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders, researchers and policy makers for efficient AMR mitigation

In order to become our new Science Advisor, you must also be ready to travel as necessary for the purposes of providing on-site support to project teams in LMICs, and to nurture, build and maintain networks of relationships with researchers, advisors and consultants for the purpose of delivering ICARS’ priorities.

Education and professional experience

• Advanced degree (MD, DVM, PhD or equivalency in work experience) in the field of research into AMR mitigation in any or multiple One Health sectors
• Minimum 5 years professional experience after graduation in advising and/or developing projects related to AMR mitigation
• Demonstrated experience in conducting intervention and implementation research including using advanced research methods
• Experience in project management including planning, resourcing, allocating budget, monitoring and reporting
• Experience in initiating and maintaining partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Knowledge on evidence compilation such as systematic reviews and meta-analysis
• Experience in cross-sector/One Health research is desirable
• Training in public health or field epidemiology is an advantage
• Demonstrated experience working with or in LMICs, particularly in Africa
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (English is the ICARS working language)
• Knowledge of Arabic, Kiswahili, French, Portuguese, Spanish, or any other African language is considered an advantage

Personal characteristics

• Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to successfully manage competing priorities
• Evidence of ability to multi-task and manage a fluctuating and at times heavy workload
• Strong diplomacy skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to synthesize information conveying key points clearly and concisely
• Ability to work across global teams
• Strategic thinker with a global perspective
• Proactive and self-motivated
• Responsible and solution-focused
• Strong interpersonal skills with evidence of having developed and maintained effective stakeholder/working relationships

Terms of employment

The employment terms and conditions will be based on the collective agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the relevant, negotiable trade union, depending on the candidate’s educational background, with anticipated classification as Special Consultant. This includes – among other benefits - a base salary, supplements depending on qualifications and a pension scheme.

As previously mentioned, the workplace is in Copenhagen, Denmark. Relocation to Denmark will be compensated with a monthly relocation supplement on top of your salary, and a relocation package will also be offered.

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact Science Director Kristina Osbjer, [email protected]

Application and recruitment process

Press “apply for the position” and submit your CV and diplomas along with a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and motivation for applying.

We expect to conduct interviews in week 8. 

We are committed to cultivating a fair and healthy environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition.