Consultant - Multi-drug Resistant TB – WHO African Regional Office r-GLC Roster (P3, P4, P5)

Consultant - Multi-drug Resistant TB – AFRO r-GLC Roster (P3, P4, P5)

Contractual Arrangement\: External consultant
Contract duration\: Multiple durations
Posting Date\: January 14, 2020 Closing Date\: February 04, 2020, 11\:59\:00 PM
Primary Location\: Multiple locations
Organization\: AFRO(UHC/CND)
Schedule\: Full-time
Position level\: P3, P4, P5
Background
About 90 000 new cases of rifampicin-resistant or multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) are estimated to emerge each year in Africa, requiring treatment with second-line TB treatment regimens. Recent improvements in diagnostics and treatment have led to an increased detection and improved cure rates among MDR/RR-TB patients in several settings. Less than one third of patients are notified (26,845), Only 19,210 had started the treatment with a cure rate of 61%.
The introduction of new diagnostic and treatment tools for the management of drug-resistant TB is making a significant contribution to enable earlier diagnosis of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), and more effective treatment in cases were therapeutic options are very limited. Yet, they do not solve many of the major challenges that continue to make the programmatic management of MDR-TB a highly complex public health intervention.
Scaling up effective response to DR-TB entails removing barriers to accessing early diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant TB through a robust programmatic management at country level. This includes the expansion of diagnostic networks that enable greater access to rapid DST, and adoption of a decentralized, mostly community-based care model as opposed to the largely centralized models that are reliant on institution-based care. In August 2018, WHO released a change in the treatment of DR- TB/ Rifampicin resistant (RR) TB which includes a better, all-oral longer regimen as well as expanding the possibilities of a shorter oral regimen under operational research conditions.
The support provided to the countries plays a key role to contribute to the progressive increase in the uptake of the new WHO DR TB recommendations and thus assist countries in transitioning towards newly recommended regimens.
The position grade is P3 to P5 depending on the complexity of the assignment and duty station.
Description of duties (varying on country needs)
• Assess the current level of the Programme implementation, evaluate current achievements and sustainability of the Programme and develop recommendations for the future activities;
• Evaluate the current status of laboratory services, diagnostics, accessibility for patients, collaboration with the supranational reference laboratory, recording and reporting;
• Review case-finding strategies and identify barriers to the timely start of DR-TB treatment, including TB in children;
• Accelerate progress in scaling up effective introduction of new TB drugs and shorter regimen by the National Tuberculosis Programmes (NTPs);
• Provide technical guidance in updating the national DR TB guidelines and/or relevant technical documents to ensure it is in line with the latest WHO DR TB policy and to develop an implementation plan for the revised guidelines;
• Assess case management and treatment strategies and approaches;
• Analyze the level of governmental support and coordination between the government and internal and external partners (donors, implementers), civilian and penitentiary systems, Multi-drug and extensively drug-resistant TB and HIV interventions, and human resource management and training;
• Identify potential contributions of different in-country technical partners to streamline efforts in providing technical support to the country;
• Assess the progress of the implementation of the National Strategic Plan, including its DR-TB component and develop recommendations for future activities; Provide training, capacity building and mentorship.
Competencies\:
Effective spoken and written communication adapted to the respective cultural setting.
Ability to adapt the principles of public health and programmatic management of DR TB to the needs of diverse populations and cultural settings.
Appreciation of a comprehensive and systems approach to TB disease control and programme management of drug resistant TB.
Functional skills and knowledge\:
Up-to-date knowledge of WHO’s policies on all aspects of the management of DR TB, including but not limited to the TB tools available to facilitate planning, implementation, monitoring and scaling-up of DR TB activities. Demonstrated ability to review, analyze and advise all aspects of DR TB at country level. Experience in teaching/training and capacity building. Experience working with the key stakeholders in TB program, preferably the national stakeholders and international donors. Good understanding of the donors (especially Global Fund) needs and processes. Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to cooperate and negotiate with technical and funding agencies, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with international and national staff at all levels. Documented experience in writing of technical reports
Education\:
Essential\: First university degree (P3 level), advanced degree in Medicine or a master’s degree in a relevant area (P4 to P5 level)
Desirable\: Attended a WHO DR-TB Consultants Course or equivalent course

Experience
Essential\: At least 5 years (P3 level), 7 years (P4 level), 10 years or more (P5 level) of professional experience in providing technical support at global and country level for strengthening programmatic management of DR TB and/or sound experience in managing and implementing MDR TB projects and/or programmes. Experience in WHO or a sound understanding of its mandate and goals in the field of communicable diseases, particularly TB, or similar experience in another international organization/institution.
Desirable\: Practical Knowledge of high‐burden, resource‐constrained countries and organization of national TB programmes. In depth knowledge and hands-on experience in the clinical management of drug resistant TB, and programmatic aspects of drug resistant TB management.
Language
French, English or Portuguese.
Remuneration
Consultant assignments are remunerated according to different pay bands based on the specific terms of reference.
Additional information
• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position.
• WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link\: http\://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
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• Roster vacancies\: The purpose of this vacancy is to develop a list of qualified candidates for inclusion in this advertised roster. All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application (whether successful or unsuccessful) upon conclusion of the selection process. Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently may be selected for consultancy assignments falling in this area of work or for similar requirements/tasks /deliverables. Inclusion in the Roster does not guarantee selection to a consultant contract. There is no commitment on either side.