DNA- Technical Activity Coordinator

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

Position:                                          Diagnostic Network Assessment Technical Activity Coordinator

Period of Performance:               December 1, 2021 to April 30, 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 a full time consultant to coordinate the activity in Ethiopia. The activity is expected to last 6 months.

Objectives

§  This position is required to coordinate the whole process of the TB DNA activities and effectively deliver the project expectations

Description of Technical Assistance (TA) services to be provided

The SOW is to support the TB DNA in Ethiopia to implement the following main program activities: 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:

·       Political, legal, regulatory, and financial framework

·       Structure and organization of the diagnostic network, its coverage, and testing algorithm

·       Biosafety system and practice

·       Equipment, supplies, and workforce management

·       The capacity of diagnostic laboratories for Mycobacteriology testing

·       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 for people living with HIV

·       Capacity of diagnostic data management system that supports screening and diagnostic laboratories

·       Access to the quality assured diagnostics, current practices of specimen/patient referral system, and results reporting

2.      Participating in the selection and formation of teams and development of terms of reference (ToR) for the in-country assessment team for verification visits

3.      Sharing TB-Net tools and other applicable working documents with the assessment teams

4.      Coordinating the self-assessment and staging process

5.      Organizing, scheduling, and communicating the on-site verification plan and logistics preparation

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

7.      Drafting the verification visit key findings and recommendations

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

9.      Facilitating result dissemination activities

10.   Supporting the specimen referral and networking interventions including the spatial analysis initiative with the USAID Eliminate TB Project laboratory team

Qualifications

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

●      At least 8 years work experience in a medical diagnostic laboratory specifically in TB diagnostics

●      At least 10 years progressive increase in responsibilities including team leadership

●      Demonstrated experience and solid understanding of the Ethiopian laboratory system

●      Experience with laboratory information systems is an important advantage

●      Operational research experience is an advantage

●      Previous experience with USAID-funded project is an advantage

●      Excellent verbal and written skills in English