DNA- Local Verification Assessor

Project Name:                                 TB Diagnostic Network Assessment (TB DNA) – Ethiopia

Position:                                          Diagnostic Network Assessment Local Verification Assessor

Number:                                          15

Period of Performance:                 March 1, 2022 to  March 31, 2022

Technical Supervisor:                    Senior Laboratory Advisor

Background: 

USAID has supported the development of the TB-NET (Tuberculosis Diagnostic Network) Tool to provide a means to evaluate the capacity and functionality of a country’s tuberculosis TB diagnostic network. The tool, endorsed by the Global Laboratory Initiative (GLI), has been used in Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Vietnam, Zimbabwe and India and undergone updates after each assessment.

The Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) Project has been tasked to further develop and adapt the TB-NET Tool to a) ensure that key components and capabilities are included in response to various country contexts and settings; b) update the electronic version of the tool to ensure ease of use in the field and ability to analyze the data in real-time and, c) develop different versions of the tool to accommodate varying levels of need, capacity, and resources to carry out TB diagnostic network assessments (TB DNA).

IDDS is committed to review and propose a new version of the TB-NET tool. This includes all core capacities, additional data collection tools and checklists, and development of additional supporting documentation. Developing this version entails refining the current tool based on lessons learned from implementation of the tool in different settings, best practices, updated World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, and other organization recommendations and guidelines.

To develop the different versions, IDDS will coordinate inputs from TB diagnostic and clinical experts through consultative meetings and through written reviews of draft versions of the tool.

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) has been selected to work with IDDS to implement a TB DNA in Ethiopia. In order to accomplish this project successfully, MSH is seeking local consultants to carry out verification visits. This component of the activity is expected to last two weeks.

Objectives

Prepare for and carry out assigned TB Diagnostic Network Assessment (TB DNA) verification visits and share findings and recommendations

Description of activities:  

The consultant will actively be part of Ethiopia TB DNA by:

1.      Providing technical expertise and support during the verification visit preparation phase by reviewing data, documents, and analysis for the assessment of one or more of the following areas:

●      The capacity of TB diagnostic laboratories for bacteriological confirmation and drug susceptibility testing (Microscopy, Culture, PCR, CB-NAAT, LPA)

●      Linkage of community screening and referral mechanisms to diagnostic facilities

●      Linkage of traditional medicine practitioners to diagnostic facilities

●      Linkage of diagnostic facilities to clinicians

●      Identify gaps and areas to improve TB diagnosis and treatment for people living with HIV

●      The capacity of diagnostic data management system that supports screening and diagnostic laboratories

●      The access to the quality assured diagnostics, current practices of specimen/patient referral system, and results reporting

2.      Participating in the verification visit desk review, site visits, and data analysis of one or more of the above assessment areas outlined in Part 1

3.      Drafting the verification visit key findings and recommendations

4.      Assisting the IDDS international external assessors to finalize the overall Ethiopia TB DNA report

Qualifications

●      At least Master’s degree in medical laboratory sciences or equivalent

●      At least 7 years work experience in a medical diagnostic laboratory specifically in TB diagnostics

●      Experience with and understanding of TB diagnostic technologies and systems

●      Experienced with audit activities

●      Meets deadlines with attention to detail and quality

●      Excellent verbal and written skills in English