Capacity Strengthening Specialist

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Capacity Strengthening Specialist

REPORT TO: Diagnostics Technical Director, FHI 360 in Bangladesh

Location Dhaka, Bangladesh

Number of Position: 1

Last Date of Application: 21st July 2024

FHI 360 is a non-profit 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.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Capacity Strengthening Specialist for the USAID Tuberculosis Diagnostics Network Strengthening (TBDNS) Activity in Bangladesh. The TBDNS Activity is collaborating with the National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) of Bangladesh, the private sector and other stakeholders to ensure functional, accessible and equitable tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic networks that swiftly detect people with TB and effectively link them to care and treatment across Bangladesh where diagnostic system and equity gaps exist.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the TBDNS Diagnostics Technical Director, the Capacity Strengthening Specialist will work closely with the TBDNS technical team to ensure Activity technical deliverables are implemented in a timely manner. S/he will be responsible for developing and implementing capacity strengthening interventions for laboratory network. 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 divisional level and will involve frequent in-country travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of TBDNS capacity strengthening interventions focused on the diagnostic network and facilities.
• Identify and advise the TBDNS Bangladesh team on priority training needs for building capacity of the TB laboratory network to expand and improve the quality of TB diagnostics including Line Probe Assay (LPA) Culture, Drug Susceptibility Testing ( DST), targeted Next Generation Sequencing , Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) , Truenat, GeneXpert and specimen collection and transportation, among others.
• Assist the TBDNA Bangladesh team in developing the annual workplan incorporating capacity strengthening interventions to be implemented.
• Develop and update the capacity strengthening (including training) plan and schedule for all TBDNS supported, per the approved workplan and in coordination with the NTP and other TB partners.
• Assist the TBDNS team in developing, adapting, and updating training manuals, tools and checklists for TB diagnostics, specimen collection and transportation, and other relevant areas.
• Support the development and adaptation of training materials online training of laboratory and facility staff, including an evaluation of training effectiveness.
• Develop a strategy for building NTP/national technical capacity with a pool of trainers to provide standard training on LPA, culture, DST, tNGS, WGS, GeneXpert, Truenta and specimen collection and transportation.
• Assist the TBDNS Bangladesh team in organizing and conducting relevant training and orientation in coordination with the NTP and other TB partners
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with counterparts at the NTP and other TB stakeholders to ensure timely implementation of planned capacity strengthening activities.
• Collect and maintain updated capacity strengthening data and supporting documents to meet Activity reporting needs.
• Design and implement a system for monitoring training outcomes and impacts and plan the dissemination of results and lessons learned through workshops, seminars, and publications.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor the utilization of knowledge and skills acquired through TBDNS capacity strengthening interventions and identify gaps for improvement.
• Conduct other work as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Requirements

• MSc in clinical diagnostics or an equivalent with a specialty in microbiology, including a strong focus on TB.
• At least six years of direct experience in strengthening the capacity of individuals and institutions on TB diagnostics and TB diagnostic network strengthening in the country.
• Demonstrated competency in current diagnostic methods for TB.
• Knowledge and experience with strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards.
• Experience working with Bangladesh NTP.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Willingness and ability to travel a minimum of 50% within Bangladesh and perform other travel as needed.
• Authorization to work in Bangladesh.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work and are subject to modification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran with respect to policies, programs, or activities.

This job posting 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 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

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