Consultant, Tuberculosis Diagnostic Network Assessment

Consultancy for Vietnam Tuberculosis Diagnostic Network Assessment (TB DNA)

Location: Vietnam

Please submit a cover letter with your resume describing your interest in this position and how you meet the requirements. Application materials must be submitted in English and applicants must have legal authorization to work in Vietnam to be considered and confirm this in their cover letter. PATH offers a highly dynamic work environment and provides competitive compensation and benefits based on experience. Salary and benefit package are paid in VND.

PATH is a global organization that works to accelerate health equity by bringing together public institutions, businesses, social enterprises, and investors to solve the world’s most pressing health challenges. With expertise in science, health, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales solutions—including vaccines, drugs, devices, diagnostics, and innovative approaches to strengthening health systems worldwide. Working in Vietnam since the early 1980s, PATH established a permanent office in Hanoi in 1997 and an office in Ho Chi Minh City in 2014.

Background:

USAID has supported the development of the TB-NET (Tuberculosis Diagnostic Network) Tool to provide a means to evaluate the capacity and functionality of a country’s tuberculosis TB diagnostic network. The tool, endorsed by the Global Laboratory Initiative (GLI), has been used in Nigeria, Uganda, and India and undergone updates after each assessment.

The Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) Project has been tasked to further develop and adapt the TB-NET Tool to a) ensure that key components and capabilities are included in response to various country contexts and settings; b) update the electronic version of the tool to ensure ease of use in the field and ability to analyze the data in real-time and, c) develop different versions of the tool to accommodate varying levels of need, capacity, and resources to carry out TB diagnostic network assessments.

IDDS is committed to review and propose a new version of the TB-NET tool. This includes all core capacities, additional data collection tools and checklists, and development of additional supporting documentation. Developing this version entails refining the current tool based on lessons learned from implementation of the tool in different settings, best practices, updated World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, and other organization recommendations and guidelines.

To develop the different versions, IDDS will coordinate inputs from TB diagnostic and clinical experts through consultative meetings and through written reviews of draft versions of the tool.

PATH is currently recruiting for [External assessors] to [participate in Vietnam Tuberculosis Diagnostic Network Assessment]

Consultant Responsibilities:

The consultant will actively be part of Vietnam TB DNA by:

• Providing technical expertise and support during the verification visit preparation phase by reviewing data, documents, and analysis for the assessment of one or more of the following areas:
  
  • The capacity of diagnostic laboratories (GeneXpert and Chest X-Ray) related to Double X Strategy in Vietnam TB program
  • The supply chains supporting Double X Strategy and the entire diagnostic cascade
  • Identify gaps and areas to improve public-private mix for TB diagnosis and treatment
  • The capacity of diagnostic data management system that supports diagnostic laboratories (GeneXpert and Chest X-Ray) related to Double X Strategy, supply chains, and public-private mix
  • The access to the quality assured diagnostics, current practices of specimen/patient referral system, and results reporting

• Participating in the verification visit desk review, site visits, and data analysis of one or more of the above assessment areas outlined in part a

• Drafting the verification visit key findings and recommendations

• Assisting the IDDS international external assessors to finalize the overall Vietnam TB DNA report

Expected Timeline:

Approximately 10 working days during the period of July 1st through August 30st, 2020. This includes 03 days travel to a province in Vietnam during the above period.

Key Deliverables:

• Vietnam TB Diagnostic Network Assessment findings, recommendations in core capacities, and final report

Required skills and experience:

• A minimum of [5] years’ experience in [laboratory, clinical (or laboratory-clinical interface), and/or program of Tuberculosis (preferable), or other infectious diseases].
• [Education] (or equivalent) in [public heath, laboratory science] or similar.
• [Fluent in Vietnamese and English]

Must have legal authorization to work in Vietnam

PATH is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is valued.

PATH is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment.

PATH does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or orientation, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

HOW TO APPLY:

All applications are made online. For a full job description and to apply online, please access via this link https://bit.ly/2MGlu3B or visit PATH website (www.path.org) then go to (Careers/Search Job Listings/PATH’s Consultant Opportunities). Deadline for applications: July 24, 2020.