Ethiopia: Senior Technical Advisor to the National TB Program - Ethiopia

****International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease****

Vacancy Announcement for the following position(s):

****Senior Technical Advisor to the National TB Program****

****Location:****Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ****Available vacancies:****one

BACKGROUND:

In addition to many other aspects of its work, the TREAT TB project has a focus on capacity building. In FY 2013-14, TREAT TB will facilitate the hiring of several in-country consultants who will act as advisors for National TB Programs, focusing specifically on TB technical issues and the successful implementation of Global Fund (GF) grants. This posting is advertised for an in-country advisor for Ethiopia. The need for this long-term technical assistance is in response to the recent changes at the Global Fund with the roll out of its new funding model, and the need to accelerate TB prevention and care activities. This position will be a general TB technical advisor with a specific focus on critical areas of need for GF implementation in Ethiopia such as programmatic management of drug resistant TB (PMDT), TB/HIV, commodities and, drugs logistics management and other areas as needed.

USAID, as the lead US Government agency for international TB, has developed a technical assistance model to ensure that TB program are successfully implemented; to improve coordination between partners; to build country capacity; and to ensure that the greatest challenges in TB prevention and control are met. TREAT TB will support this model by facilitating the hiring of in-country consultants. The NTP and USAID will be responsible for the technical oversight of these consultants and their assigned work. In addition, necessary direct costs of the Union related to the human resources and finance functions of this activity will be allowable expenses within the TREAT TB budget and work plan.

INTRODUCTION:

The Senior Technical Advisor position is based in Ethiopia.

The Advisor will provide technical guidance, strategic direction, and coordination for critical focus areas of the National TB Control Program (such as PMDT, TB/HIV, commodities and drugs logistics management and community TB care), and will work closely with the NTP staff on all related NTP activities including Global Fund activities. This will include coordination with other implementing partners, Health Office staff, USAID teams, USG agencies, WHO and other donors. And also the Advisor will provide high-quality in-country Technical Assistance (TA) in the field of TB and specific technical components.

****ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:****

Under direct supervision of disease prevention and control directorate and national TB program coordinator, the senior TB/HIV and MDR-TB prevention and control program technical adviser will be in charge of the following main duties and possibilities:

(1) Assisting the National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) regarding the following core responsibilities: (i) DOTS expansion activities at all levels of the primary health care and communities; (ii) strengthening surveillance and monitoring of TB control activities.

(2) Working with NTP and other stakeholders in developing quality assurance for TB diagnosis (microscopy, Xpert, culture and DST), scaling up and monitoring the use of new WHO approved diagnosis tool (like GeneXpert).

(3) Provide technical support in developing TB-HIV collaborative activities in collaboration with the National HIV/AIDS teams.

(4) Provide technical support on preparation and implementation and review of HFs level TB, TB/HIV and MDR-TB service quality improvement packages.

(5)Provide technical support for NTP and regions in programmatic management of drug resistant tuberculosis.

(6) Assist in planning and conducting intensified TB detection activities among high risk groups including PLHIV, TB patient’s contacts, prisoners, factory workers, individuals with co-morbidities and other priority groups as needed.

(7) Working with NTP and other stakeholders on the implementation and monitoring of the Global Fund new funding model (NFM) activities through supporting smooth implementation and regular follow up of GF activities at RHB and Agencies.

(8) Work with the NTP to assist with the updating or review of the National TB Strategic Plan.

(9) Provide technical support in all aspects of TB, Leprosy and TB/HIV control to respective National TB program and Regional Health Bureaus, to achieve the planned target and participate in the national level TB, Leprosy and TB/HIV program RM, supportive supervision and give timely feedback to regional Health Bureaus.

(10) Provide strategic advises and improve analytic capacity of NTP through regular and timely in-depth analysis of epidemiologic/surveillance data.

(11) Assist the NTP in establishing TB supplies tracking system and conduct regular analysis of the TB supplies status along with the Pharmaceuticals Logistics Management Unit

(12) Provide technical assistance to the NTP in adoption/adaptation and implementation of new global strategies and new policies in close collaboration with WHO country office.

****CERTIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS.****

The consultant must have:

• At least 10 years of progressive work experience in public health and with at least 5 years directly related with TB Control Programs at National/International level in high-TB burden settings


• Extensive TB control experience in clinical and public health settings, including experience in PMDT and TB/HIV


• Demonstrable extensive experience in provision of strategic guidance to NTPs on new Global strategies, policies and guidelines


• Direct Working Experience in the WHO systems on TB Program in the African region is desirable


• Experience in the development and review of national TB strategic plans, policy guidelines and external program reviews is essential


• Good grasp of the Ethiopian Health System preferably through supporting the NTP in the past is an asset


• Minimum five years of experience in supporting the NTP with the implementation of the GF grants on the country level (PR, NTP, SR, CCM, etc)


• Experience in GF NFM concept notes preparation, review and technical assistance to the NTPs in the process


• Minimum of three years of experience providing short- or long-term TB technical assistance in resource limited settings


• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-site and multidisciplinary team-based organizational structure, including partners and other collaborators; experience with cross-cultural teams


• High degree of judgment, ingenuity and originality to interpret strategy, to analyze, develop and present work and to monitor and evaluate implementation of programs


• Strong interpersonal communication and excellent oral communication and writing skills necessary in the interaction with implementing partners, MOH and USG colleagues including the ability to exercise judgment in balancing technical, administrative, bureaucratic and political considerations.


• Demonstrated flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities and environment


• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team


• Sound analytical skills


• Strong negotiation skills


• Good knowledge of English (speaking, writing)


• Good knowledge of local languages in Ethiopia is a plus


• Ability to relocate to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Duration of contract

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary will be based on commensurate experience and earnings history.

Duty station:Federal Ministry of Health, disease prevention and control directorate and Report to Disease prevention and control directorate Director.

TO APPLY:

All applicants are encouraged to apply for this position by e-mailing a cover letter and brief CV describing their qualifications and experience to Samantha Kozicott at skozikott@theunion.org.