TB/DR TB Program and Laboratory Advisor

TITLE: TB/DR TB Program and Laboratory Advisor

Job Family: Technical

REPORTS TO: Chief of Party

Location Dhaka, Bangladesh

Last Date of Application: 22-August - 2024

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in Health, Education, Nutrition, Environment, Economic Development, Civil Society, Gender, Youth, Research and Technology– creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for a proposed position TB/DR TB Program and Laboratory Advisor for the TB diagnostic network strengthening Project in Bangladesh.

Position Description:

The TB/DR-TB Program and Laboratory Advisor is responsible for managing technical aspects of the TB program in connection to diagnostic services. The TB/DR-TB Program and Laboratory Advisor will provide technical support to the National TB Control Program (NTP) and implementing partners on developing or updating strategies and will provide technical assistance for planning and implementing activities to improve quality and performance of TB/DRTB diagnostic services across public and private sectors. The incumbent will work under the supervision and guidance of the COP of the USAID TB Diagnostic Network Strengthening (TB DNS) activity in Bangladesh.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic technical guidance and oversight for design and implementation of activities to strengthen and improve management and quality of TB and DR TB and laboratory services.
• Work in coordination with the NTP, World Health Organization (WHO), NGO partners and other stakeholders to identify program priorities and develop implementation strategies.
• Lobby with NTP and support the diagnostic team to introduce new TB and DR TB diagnostic technologies.
• Develop and implement master trainers training programs covering new technologies.
• Together with the team support development of the annual work plan, focusing on identifying and incorporating appropriate lab-related activities consistent with project objectives and aligned with national program needs.
• Assist the project to identify, plan and provide TA to strengthen TB/DR-TB diagnostic services.
• Work with the diagnostics team to assess and provide TA support to National and Regional Reference Laboratories (RRLs) to improve their capacity and quality in providing diagnostic services for TB and DR-TB
• Work with the diagnostics team to strengthen and improve EQA and expand EQA coverage as needed
• Support the diagnostic team to introduce the DST for the BPaL/M regimen
• Assist NTP and other collaborating partners on developing training strategies and materials, and facilitate planning and conducting TOT and training.
• Advise the TB program on recommended policy changes to ensure access and equity to TB diagnostic services.
  • Provide TA to improve recording, reporting and data analysis of diagnostic services
  • Monitor implementation of planned activities through periodic consultations, monthly progress review meetings, reports review, and field trips. Provide written feedback for improving performance.
  • Monitor project deliverables and timeliness, notify the COP when issues arise, and take corrective actions, as needed.
  • Assist the COP and Technical Director in developing quarterly and annual reports, and tracking budgets and expenditures

    Minimum Requirements:

    • MBBS with master’s degree in microbiology or public health, or its international equivalent.
    • At least 10 years’ experience working with TB or other infectious disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening.
    • Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills.
    • Demonstrated experience in supervising TB program and mentoring staff and others.
    • Proven experience working with government officials, particularly the Ministry of Health is highly desirable, to support strategy development, implementation plans and decision making.
    • Ability to travel in country 25-30% of the time.
    • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; fluency in Bangla required.

      How to Apply:

      Interested candidates can apply through the FHI 360 career page https://www.fhi360.org/careers

      This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

      FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

      Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

      FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

      FHI 360 will never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never request money, goods or services during the application, recruitment or employment process. If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email CareerCenterSupport@fhi360.org.
      
      FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

      Please click here to continue searching FHI 360's Career Portal.