Position Description:

The TB/DR-TB Program and Laboratory Advisor is responsible for managing technical aspects of the TB program in connection to diagnostic services. The TB/DR-TB Program and Laboratory Advisor will provide technical support to the National TB Control Program (NTP) and implementing partners on developing or updating strategies and will provide technical assistance for planning and implementing activities to improve quality and performance of TB/DRTB diagnostic services across public and private sectors. The incumbent will work under the supervision and guidance of the COP of the USAID TB Diagnostic Network Strengthening (TB DNS) activity in Bangladesh.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic technical guidance and oversight for design and implementation of activities to strengthen and improve management and quality of TB and DR TB and laboratory services.
• Work in coordination with the NTP, World Health Organization (WHO), NGO partners and other stakeholders to identify program priorities and develop implementation strategies.
• Lobby with NTP and support the diagnostic team to introduce new TB and DR TB diagnostic technologies.
• Develop and implement master trainers training programs covering new technologies.
• Together with the team support development of the annual work plan, focusing on identifying and incorporating appropriate lab-related activities consistent with project objectives and aligned with national program needs.
• Assist the project to identify, plan and provide TA to strengthen TB/DR-TB diagnostic services.
• Work with the diagnostics team to assess and provide TA support to National and Regional Reference Laboratories (RRLs) to improve their capacity and quality in providing diagnostic services for TB and DR-TB

• Work with the diagnostics team to strengthen and improve EQA and expand EQA coverage as needed
• Support the diagnostic team to introduce the DST for the BPaL/M regimen
• Assist NTP and other collaborating partners on developing training strategies and materials, and facilitate planning and conducting TOT and training.
• Advise the TB program on recommended policy changes to ensure access and equity to TB diagnostic services.

• Provide TA to improve recording, reporting and data analysis of diagnostic services
• Monitor implementation of planned activities through periodic consultations, monthly progress review meetings, reports review, and field trips. Provide written feedback for improving performance.
• Monitor project deliverables and timeliness, notify the COP when issues arise, and take corrective actions, as needed.
• Assist the COP and Technical Director in developing quarterly and annual reports, and tracking budgets and expenditures

Minimum Requirements:

• MBBS with master’s degree in microbiology or public health, or its international equivalent.
• At least 10 years’ experience working with TB or other infectious disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening.
• Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising TB program and mentoring staff and others.
• Proven experience working with government officials, particularly the Ministry of Health is highly desirable, to support strategy development, implementation plans and decision making.
• Ability to travel in country 25-30% of the time.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; fluency in Bangla required.