US MISSION IN IRAQ IS SEEKING FDA EXPERT; HEALTH

UNCLAS BAGHDAD 000399

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID PREL APER AMED AMGT IZ
SUBJECT: US MISSION IN IRAQ IS SEEKING FDA EXPERT; HEALTH
CARE ADMINISTRATION CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER


1. SUMMARY: The US Mission in Iraq is currently seeking a
food and drug safety expert and CFO health care administrator
to fill two established ministerial capacity positions. These
positions will serve as senior advisors to the Iraqi Ministry
of Health (MoH) on strategic planning and implementation of
food and drug safety guidelines and budget forecasting and
execution. The personnel are needed immediately for a one
year tour of duty. END SUMMARY.

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Need for Food and Drug Safety Expertise and
CFO Health Care Administration
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2. In light of recent security gains, engagement and capacity
building opportunities with the Government of Iraq (GoI) have
improved. This has provided new opportunities, particularly
with ministries where our engagements have been limited. The
Ministry of Health is a prime example. For that reason,
Embassy Baghdad's current personnel complement of the Health
Attache's office that includes a Health Attache, Deputy
Health Attache, Senior Program Officer and two Medical
Advisors shared with Multi National Forces-Iraq (MNF-I)needs
to be enhanced.


3. The Health Attache's Office continues to focus on areas
where Iraqi capacity is lacking. The most important current
needs are for a food and drug safety expert and chief
financial officer.


4. The FDA expert's key focus will be the importation of
foods and medicines, establishing protocols for inspections,
testing and distribution. He/she will also serve as a senior
advisor to the MoH and work to de-conflict current laws in
Kimadia, Iraq's existing drug procurement system. As the
surge continues, it is critical that a food and drug safety
expert come to Iraq to build the MoH's capacity and assist
the Iraqis with food and drug safety and medicine procurement
and distribution.


5. The Medical Financial Advisor will also report directly to
the Health Attache. He/she will work directly with the
Ministry of Health in developing and implementing budget
forecasting and execution, strategic planning for long term
financial needs of MoH and improving MoH's ability to
obligate and spend its capital budget. This is a key element
necessary to provide for a greater self sufficiency for GOI.



6. The Deputy Health Attache is expected to arrive in March.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is identifying a public
health expert to coordinate health endeavors between the
embassy, Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) and embedded
PRTS (ePRTs). This will be a 6 month TDY. Two civilian
experts are being recruited for the healthcare administration
and finance and emergency capacity and preparedness positions.
CROCKER