Job Description

Position Title: TB Diagnostics Specialist

Job Code: TECH 31018
Job Family: Technical
Compensation Band: KK
FLSA: Exempt

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.

Overview: Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) is a five-year USAID-funded project with the following overall objectives: (1) Improve the detection of diseases of public health importance and identification of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in priority infectious diseases through an accessible, accurate, adaptable, timely, and integrated diagnostic network system; (2)Improve the quality of real-time surveillance systems for pathogens of greatest public health concern, including AMR and zoonotic diseases, and; (3) Generate evidence-based guidance and innovative solutions to strengthen in-country diagnostic networks and surveillance systems. In Bangladesh, the IDDS project will focus on activities to strengthen the TB diagnostic network in line with the Government of Bangladesh’s National Strategic Plan to achieve three key results:

  • A comprehensive TB diagnostic network with strong underlying health systems
  • Strengthened capacity of the national reference laboratory and regional/reference laboratories
  • A functional network of GeneXpert instruments

FHI 360 is seeking a TB Diagnostics Specialist (TB DS) to support the diagnostics systems capacity building work for the IDDS project. The work will focus primarily on public health systems but may also include private health and other non-governmental diagnostic facilities (laboratories and point-of-care facilities). The position will be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh and will involve frequent in-country travel. Technical responsibilities include working with the IDDS diagnostics global and regional leadership, in-country partners, ICF (project prime) and USAID to implement agreed strategies to enhance diagnostic networks (both human and animal health and point-of-care facilities) in Bangladesh.

This position reports to the IDDS Bangladesh Team Lead.

Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh

Technical Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for the implementation of technical assistance, diagnostic network and facilities strengthening and quality improvement interventions in line with the Bangladesh TB national strategic plan, STOP TB reports, country national TB action plan, other assessment reports and country workplan activities aligned with local stakeholder improvement goals.
  • Responsible for implementing in-country diagnostic network enhancement activities which may include capacity building activities for core diagnostic components such as specimen referral mechanisms, quality management systems, supply chain, management information systems, TB diagnostic SOPs and tools, qualified workforce, expansion of point-of-care diagnostic service points, and biosafety and biosecurity.
  • Support national stakeholders in developing or updating national TB diagnostic network strategic plans, SOPs and policies.
  • Monitors and reports progress with TB diagnostic network enhancement activities as per the approved country workplan.
  • Provides technical support based upon expertise with diagnostics system strengthening, methods and strategies, current best practices, and established diagnostic and operational standards while also being locally relevant and sustainable.
  • Builds capacity in local TB diagnostic stakeholders and leaders to identify and oversee enhancements in diagnostic networks.
  • Conducts assessments of TB diagnostic facilities and leads the follow-up of corrective and preventive actions and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Provides technical assistance and training to TB diagnostic facilities and the overall diagnostic network as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement programs.
  • Encourages and assists TB laboratories with preparing for accreditation through locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally accepted accreditation agencies based on country demand.
  • Will be required to coordinate and work with a diverse group of national organizations including the Government and other diagnostic network leaders, development partners, other regional and global IDDS staff and USAID.

Experience:

  • A minimum of a BSc in clinical diagnostics or an equivalent with a specialty in microbiology including a strong focus on TB.
  • At least five years of direct experience in TB diagnostic strengthening and capacity building in the country.
  • Knowledge and experience in the diagnosis of infectious diseases (including TB) and AMR including specific hands-on diagnostics experience.
  • Competent in current diagnostic methods for TB.
  • Knowledge and experience with strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards including against ISO 15189 and/or SLMTA/SLIPTA.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English [and other languages as applicable per country]
  • Experience working in Bangladesh
  • Willingness and ability to travel a minimum of 50% within Bangladesh and other travel as needed
  • Authorization to work in Bangladesh

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bangladesh national

Selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval.

Supervision
None anticipated

This job description 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 offers a competitive compensation package and is an equal opportunity employer. Interested candidates are encouraged to send their CV and cover letter to hr.bangladesh@fhi360.org as soon as possible. Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

Closing date: 10 June 2019