Public Health Institute TB Diagnostic Network Advisor Jobs in Kenya

Public Health Institute TB Diagnostic Network Advisor Jobs in Kenya

Background:

USAID is a leader in the global fight against tuberculosis (TB) and supports anti-TB efforts in high burden TB countries. STAR Fellowship is a key component of the USAID Administrator's TB Accelerator initiative that aims to reach the UN General Assembly TB Declaration targets as well as to build the capacity and commitment of the host governments to ensure TB self-reliance through evidence-based TB programs.

The USAID investment for TB in Kenya aims to increase TB case notification, case detection and treatment outcomes through health system strengthening with the goal of ending the TB epidemic in Kenya. USAID TB investment leverages U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) supported TB/HIV activities, Global Fund (GF) TB grants, and the Kenya government funding supporting health care staff and infrastructure.

Introduction:

The TB Diagnostic Network Advisor’s (Advisor) main goal is to focus on strengthening the diagnostic network to more accurately and efficiently detect TB and DR-TB. The Advisor will provide state-of-the-art technical expertise to support the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) in implementing the National TB Strategic Plans (NSPs).

The Advisor supports the NTP’s diagnostic network to improve quality and expansion of diagnostic testing. They will address strategic priorities and work closely with the National TB Reference Laboratory (NTRL). They will support the implementation of the National TB Laboratory strategic plan and the GeneXpert (Xpert MTB Rif machines) roll-out plan and collaborate with the National Sample Transport implementing partner.

Essential Duties and Outcomes:

Provide technical support on TB diagnostic network issues.

Provide technical support on laboratory data management and quality assurance of diagnostic testing.

Support MOH/Global Fund to introduce WHO recommended diagnostic technologies (e.g. GeneXpert and line probe assay) to detect drug susceptible and drug resistant TB.

Support the development, review, and implementation of the National TB laboratory strategic plan.

Provide support and technical guidance to build the capacity of national, county and sub county staff in management of laboratory services.

Participate in and provide technical advice during technical laboratory working groups and meetings with other partners.

Provide in-country day-to-day technical support to the NTP in monitoring the implementation of the lab component of the National Strategic Plan, the National TB Laboratory Strategic Plan, and the Global Fund grant implementation.

Mentor the National TB Reference Laboratory (NTRL) Laboratory Technical Officers, to promote an environment of technical quality and innovation.

Maintain close communication, coordination and collaboration with the National TB Program and technical partners including facilitating NTP and lab technical working group meetings.

Work in close coordination with the HIV program to integrate appropriate activities and support the development of shared services.

In coordination with NTP team, contribute to the development and implementation of the annual work plan and outlined project activities.

Monitor the project performance according to the annual M&E workplan.

In collaboration with relevant NTP department(s), monitor the utilization and functionality of GeneXpert and other TB diagnostic platforms.

Identify areas for cross-cutting collaboration on TB diagnostic network issues with other stakeholders.

Identify knowledge and capacity gaps among staff on TB diagnostic networks and systems at national, county and sub county levels.

Base on the knowledge and capacity gaps identified, initiate and guide the

development and implementation of new technologies.

Work with NTP and technical partner staff to document and disseminate performance of TB diagnostics through articles, presentations, and posters to promote project work.

Participate in regular NTP activities geared towards TB diagnostic network activities, including Lab technical working groups (TWGs) meetings, support supervision, surveys, and technical assistance to counties.

Prepare periodic performance reports as required by NTP and USAID staff.

Submit monitoring and evaluation and bi-annual progress reports to USAID staff.

Participate in regular conference calls with USAID staff.

In collaboration with the NTP manager, facilitate the coordination of stakeholder forums for other partners who are supporting TB and TB/HIV laboratory strengthening activities.

Demonstrate proficiency across the core global health competencies defined as development practice, cross cultural awareness, communication, capacity strengthening, ethics of public health, health equity, gender equality and global burden of disease that is necessary for persons practicing in global health.

Apply TB and laboratory science knowledge to strengthen program

Apply and distinguish international standards within technical/content area to support programming

Cultivate leadership skills based on the STAR GH mentorship curriculum to effectively facilitate capacity building and knowledge sharing activities amongst staff and peers.

Expand access to knowledge and resources through networking and collaborative practice within global health.

Requirements

Minimum 7 years of relevant technical experience with master's degree or a minimum 9 years of relevant technical experience with bachelor's degree.

A minimum of 5 years of relevant TB laboratory and TB control experience.

Experience in strengthening laboratory networks preferably in a limited resource setting.

Knowledge of mycobacteriology laboratory work preferably in Africa.

Experience in conducting trainings and capacity building.

Ability to manage a complex portfolio of laboratory network strengthening.

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a cross-cultural work environment.

Excellent written and oral communications in English.

Good computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office programs.

Excellent organizational, planning, negotiating and problem-solving skills.

Demonstrated facilitation skills.

Kenyan or East African citizenship required.

Additional Skills

Experience with rapid scale up of GeneXpert and or other rapid TB diagnostics desired.

Experience working with MGIT DST and molecular

Line Probe Assays desired.

Experience with USAID and/or PEPFAR projects is an advantage.

Knowledge of local culture is a plus.

How to Apply

All applicants are required to apply for this position through STAR’s online recruitment system at https://www.ghstar.org/, which allows you to store your CV/resume and separate cover letter describing your qualifications and experience, interest and familiarity with issues relating to this position, and how this position relates to your career goals is required for each application.

All online applications must be submitted by 9th September 2019 by 5:00 pm Eastern time.

For more information and job application details, see; Public Health Institute TB Diagnostic Network Advisor Jobs in Kenya

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