FIND accelerates equitable access to reliable diagnosis around the world. We are working to close critical testing gaps that leave people at risk from preventable and treatable illnesses, enable effective disease surveillance, and build sustainable, resilient health systems. In partnership with countries, WHO and other global health agencies, we are driving progress towards global health security and universal health coverage. We are a WHO Collaborating Centre for Laboratory Strengthening and Diagnostic Technology Evaluation.
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FIND, under its Global Fund support Technical Assistance project in 2022-23, conducted assessment of the TB laboratory network. FIND developed a landscape report of GeneXpert implementation and undertook various activities for improving lab quality management systems including developing Core Quality Management Systems Operations plan, updating lab SOPs, training supervisory staff for mWRD site monitoring, developing equipment management plan, developing plan for bio-medical engineering capacity strengthening, developing biosafety framework, developing B-LIMS for referral labs, etc.

Bangladesh continues to be amongst the 30 high TB and drug resistant TB burden countries in the world. The TB laboratory infrastructure of Bangladesh includes 1 National TB Reference Laboratory, 5 Regional TB Reference Laboratories, 508 GeneXpert sites,38 TrueNat sites and 1120 designated microscopy centers. National TB Program has 40 external quality assurance centers for monitoring external quality assurance activities at designated microscopy centers level. Although, National TB Program envisages an extensive and well-functioning TB diagnostic network that can cater to the increasing demand generated by initiatives.

Bangladesh has a low HIV prevalence with HIV testing and Counselling services available in 13 districts and a plan to expand the same to other districts with a focus to reach priority population. Additionally, there is a scope of utilization of existing GeneXpert machines for HIV viral load and Hep C as per program needs. This expansion and integration of testing needs adequate planning through diagnostic network analysis and optimization exercise focused towards improving access of HIV and Hep C testing while keeping cost efficiencies in mind. Further, the country has a wide X- ray capacity which can be leveraged for TB diagnosis while effectively utilizing them for non-TB lung and other illnesses. An analysis to support understanding of current capacity, access and utilization of these X-ray services can prove of value to improve disease diagnosis and patient outcomes.
The National Malaria Elimination Program under its NSP (2021-2025) plans to eliminate Malaria from the country by 2030. Malaria surveillance and radical treatment of Malaria are the main stay for achieving the said goal.

The scale-up of diagnostic services under the TB, HIV and Malaria program needs adequate planning that can be undertaken through the Diagnostic Network Optimization (DNO) exercise in Bangladesh.

• TB DNO (under the National TB Program):
• Estimate demand of TB diagnostic network and digital X-rays (immediate and future to align with National TB Program goals of TB elimination).
• Optimize the current TB diagnostic network (including sample collection sites, Xpert MTB/RIF, Xpert MTB/Ultra, Truenat, Xpert MTB/XDR, Culture & DST and LPA) andX-ray devices to improve efficiency.
• Design an optimal Sample Referral System that supports improvement of sample transportation efficiencies to lead in improving TAT for transportation for sputum specimen.

• Estimate demand of HIV diagnostic network (immediate and future to align with ASP goals for scale-up of HIV services).
• Optimize the current HIV and Hepatitis diagnostic network (including VL, Early Infant Diagnosis and HIV testing and Counselling services).

• Estimate demand for malaria testing aligning with elimination targets (this will include building future scenarios spread over 2024 to 2030 forecasting diagnostic demand).
• Analyze the baseline Malaria diagnostic network for its adequacy as per current demand and NSP goals.

Location: Sylhet(1 position), Rangpur(1 position), Dhaka(1 position), Khulna(1 position).

The Provincial Coordinator will be responsible for supporting DNO data collection, coordination with government departments, Laboratory establishments at division, regional, district and sub district level of TB, HIV and Malaria and supporting the DNO analysis.

The main responsibilities are mentioned below:

• Data collection through site-visits, and coordination with province/division and district-level National TB Program, ASP and National Malaria Elimination Program team.
• Coordinate with respective officials of National TB Program, National AIDS/STD Program, and National Malaria Elimination Program various health facilities, Laboratory establishments placed at division, district and sub-district level to collect and compile relevant data for Diagnostic network optimization activity.
• Conduct interviews with the facility staff to obtain relevant information as per defined formats and identify data gaps.
• Data quality control, source data verification, query raising and resolution, data cleaning.
• Oversee and provide necessary technical support to facilitate data collection and validation.
• Support development and review Province/Division specific documents developed under  the project.
• Support analysis of collected data and development of implementation models.
• Support implementation of project activities as per the developed implementation models.
• Report writing, analysis and action plan development.
• Communication and Coordination with various stakeholders.

• Graduate degree in Life sciences with background (e.g. epidemiology, microbiology, molecular biology, science and health-related field etc) with 5 years of experience of working in public health sector.
• Preferred is a Postgraduate degree/diploma in health or Master of Social Work(MSW).
• At least 05 years’ experience of working in public health programs at State/ Division/district level.
• Experience of DNO and similar analysis is preferred.
• Experience of working in TB/HIV/Malaria and/or other infectious diseases and understanding the challenges related to national TB/ HIV program would be preferred.
• Ability to work independently, coupled with management and organizational skills.
• Excellent time management, able to prioritize tasks and accomplish set goals efficiently.
• Basic computer applications like Word, Excel, and Power Point. Knowledge of electronic data capture and experience with CRF development.
• A team-oriented approach with strong written and oral communication skills.
• Available to travel extensively (up to 75% of the time) within Project sites on short notice.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management / line managers time to time.

The selected candidate shall be offered a Fixed Term Employment contract through third-party
agency until 30th September 2025.

Compensation offered:

The annual salary (CTC) will commensurate with the available skills and experience of the incumbent as per the selection process.

Deadline to share your application:

Please apply by 31st December 2024  via.https://finddx.intranet.digital/external/en/companies/37147673-4fa9-4747-8148-e8f7720fbd7d/jobs/e412f504-865a-49d1-a742-60715f9eb2cb