TB/ COVID-19 Coordinator

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position:                     TB/ COVID-19 Coordinator

Band:                           Band J

Reports to:                  Technical Director

Location:                     Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Work Type:                Short Term/Temporary 

Deadline:                   Oct 3, 2023

Background

USAID Eliminate TB Project is a five-year USAID-funded project with the goal of reducing TB incidence and mortality by improving the quality, access, utilization, and sustainability of TB services. This project builds on the work of previous USAID activities (Challenge TB, HEAL TB, TB Care, and others) that have been supporting the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program (NTLP) to achieve the millennial development goals (MDG) and END TB Strategies/milestones. ETBE’s support focuses on improving access and utilization to quality and patient-centered comprehensive TB services.

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is a global health nonprofit that makes foundational changes to health systems to protect people from diseases and improve their health. MSH collaborates with local partners, from Ministries to communities, to strengthen and complement existing health systems. Since 1971, MSH has worked in more than 150 countries to help ensure sustainable, resilient, and equitable access to quality health care around the globe.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES

The TB/COVID-19 Coordinator for COVID-19 Vaccines Supply Management and Safety Monitoring will be responsible for providing technical support on the effective design and implementation of vaccine supply management and safety monitoring guides and tools. In addition, the coordinator will be responsible in coordinating different stakeholders at national and subnational levels including making sure that all government employees involved in this issue are well-trained on implementation tools.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

The TB COVID Coordinator is responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

●        Provide TB and COVID-19-related activities and facilitate its bidirectional screening, testing, and linking to care.

●        Lead the development and endorsement of the TB-COVID-19 integration Standard Operating Procedure, and implementation guide.

●        Attend and coordinate meetings with representatives of the Ministry of Health and Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA) and Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals and Supply Agency (EPSA) and Regional Health Bureaus (RHBs), USAID, GHSC-PSM and other implementing partners; with the aim of creating resource leverage, obtaining up-to-date information and on time problem solving.

●        Review existing regulatory documentation on cold chain storage, distribution, and records, capacity, investment plans, and limitations.

●        Conduct in-country and virtual interviews for detailed information on the current logistical situation of COVID-19 vaccination logistics.

●        Prepare a complete report with the results of the rapid assessment to be carried out for the capacity and storage conditions of vaccines. The report should include, but is not limited to, storage and distribution capacity calculations, process and recording of logistics information and temperatures, as well as recommendations for actions to be implemented, in the short and medium term, with a specific schedule, responsible and expected results.

●        Provide support in technical decisions and discussions around strengthening the capacity and visibility of information systems, for logistics management, inventories and temperatures.

●        Provide support in technical decisions for the logistics of inputs for mass vaccination campaigns.

●        Provide support on updating/developing Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) and Adverse Events of Special Interest (AESI) tools, provide training on these tools, avail training resources that personnel can quickly access, and ensure continuous reporting of cases

●        Provide TA on tracking proper storage, inventory levels, and stockout risk analysis to make timely supply chain decisions.

●        Support EFDA to develop Risk Management Plans (RMPs) and establish structures for proper implementation and follow-up

●        Update pharmacovigilance surveillance systems and processes for improved quality, efficiency, and transparency for safe use of COVID-19 vaccines

●        Support shock affected areas in accessing vaccination and TB integration in key affected population groups

●        Advocate/support for integrated TB-COVID programming within the HEP- specifically in promoting community-level Active TB-COVID-19 screening campaigns, Contact tracing, and community/HH management of ambulatory patients.

●        Advocate for the establishment of TB-COVID-19 performance tracking systems at different levels

●        Provide regular performance updates on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis.

Qualifications:

●        Advanced degree in pharmacy, supply chain, or related fields; advanced degree preferred.

●        Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in COVID-19 pandemic response from supply chain perspectives, safety monitoring, and cold chain management; USAID experience preferred.

●        Significant experience in the country’s public health supply chain management and regulatory systems its regulations.

●        Proven experience in providing technical assistance to public health supply chain strengthening activities as well as drug safety monitoring

●        Proven experience in cold chain processes, storage and distribution with pharmaceuticals and/or vaccines.

●        Demonstrated ability to work with partners in implementing complex programs.

●        Skilled in actively working in high-performing teams and independently delivering the expected result

●        Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

●        Fluency in English required.

●        Has a certificate of completion in COVID-19 vaccine supply management

●        Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity.

●        Availability to travel within the country, conduct field activities, and provide remote technical assistance.

Level of Effort and Location

●        This short-term position will work five days a week based at MOH’s preferred station, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Supervision

●        The short-term Coordinator will technically report to MOH, EFDA, EPSA and administratively to USAID Eliminate TB Technical Director or his designee.