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 

Under the supervision of the Entomology Manager, the  Entomology Field Coordinator   will be responsible for timely and high-quality field entomological work and will assist the Entomology Insectary Technicians with managing the insectary.

Project Description

The PMI Evolve Project supports the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and USAID to plan and implement an integrated vector control strategy with the overall goal of reducing the burden of malaria while promoting equity to sustain malaria gains. Abt has implemented integrated vector control for PMI since 2011, delivering high-quality indoor residual spraying (IRS), technical assistance for insecticide-treated net (ITN) distribution and durability monitoring, and new approaches for larval source management (LSM). Additionally, Abt’s PMI-funded work manages the most comprehensive malaria vector entomological surveillance programs in 21 African countries to inform malaria vector control trends, strategies, and impact. Under the PMI Evolve Project, Abt will further its delivery of integrated vector control programs by partnering with local communities, organizations, and governments to co-design and co-implement tailored malaria vector control programs. The end goal is fighting malaria while strengthening local capacity to sustain malaria gains.

Core Responsibilities 

• Support implementation of the following set of entomological field activities:
  • Establishment of sentinel sites
  • Monitor vector density and behavior pre- and post-deployment of vector control interventions using standard mosquito sampling methods.
  • Support the implementation of human behavior data collection by adapting standard procedures to local context, providing training to data collectors, supervising collection, and leading analysis.
  • Conduct bioassays to assess and monitor the bio-efficacy of insecticides used for indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticides used in the treatment mosquito nets (ITNs).
  • Monitor vector susceptibility tests to currently in use and candidate insecticides on annual basis.
  •  Conduct intensity and synergist assays in sentinel sites selected for insecticide resistance monitoring.
• Assist with procurement requests related to the field entomological activities.
• Support, when required, the Insectary Technicians in managing the insectary operations.
• Work closely with the Entomology Database Manager and ensure proper and timely data recording and entry.
• Ensure mosquito samples are properly labelled, packaged and stored. In consultation with the Entomology Manager, select samples to be sent for further lab analysis and make sure each sample has been correctly registered and provided with a unique identification code.
• Establish routine communication and schedule with entomology lab coordinator for sample transfer to laboratory.
• Adhere to the Standard Operational Procedures for all activities.
• Participate in other field activities as required.
• Frequent visits to the field and sentinel sites for mosquito collection
• Other duties as assigned.

What We Value

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree + Nine years of relevant experience, or master’s degree + Seven years of relevant experience, or PhD + Four years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Entomology, Public Health, Environmental Health, or another relevant field.
• At least 5 years demonstrated experience in entomological field activities.
• Knowledge in computer skills (able to run programs such as Microsoft word, Excel).
• Experience with laboratory and animal rearing is an added advantage.
• Ability to coordinate field and laboratory work is desired.
• Fluency in English

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.

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.