DR-TB Diagnostics Specialist (DR-TB DS)
- Career Category: Capacity development, Exec. / Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, Rural development
- Schedule:Full-time
- Salary: N/A
FHI 360 is seeking a DR-TB Diagnostics Specialist (DR-TB DS) to support the capacity building of diagnostics systems work for the IDDS project. The DR-TB DS will support all DR-TB diagnostic activities, including GeneXpert, Truenat, and phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST). He/she will be assigned to support other TB diagnostics-related activities as needed. The position will be based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and may involve in-country travel. Technical responsibilities include working with the IDDS diagnostics global and regional leadership, in-country partners, consultants, ICF (project prime), and USAID to implement agreed strategies to enhance DR-TB diagnostic networks in Cambodia. This position reports to the IDDS Cambodia TB Coordinator.
- Responsible for the implementation of technical assistance, diagnostic network and facilities strengthening, and quality improvement interventions in line with the Cambodia TB national strategic plan, country national TB action plan, other assessment reports, and the country workplan activities.
- Responsible for providing technical assistance to the NTRL and National Center for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control (CENAT), in collaboration with the implementing partner.
- Provides technical support to support a functional real-time TB diagnostic digital information system to allow monitoring and analysis of routine results and standard performance quality indicators.
- Review adherence to diagnostic algorithms, best practices, national and international standards in National TB Reference Laboratory (NTRL) and other laboratories.
- Responsible for implementing in-country DR-TB diagnostic network enhancement activities, including capacity-building activities for core diagnostic components such as digital information systems and innovative diagnostic solutions (i.e., Truenat and 10 color optics GeneXpert).
- Monitors and reports progress with TB diagnostic network enhancement activities as per the approved country workplan.
- Provides technical support based upon expertise with diagnostics system strengthening, methods, strategies, current best practices, and established diagnostic and operational standards while being locally relevant and sustainable.
- Builds capacity among local TB diagnostic stakeholders and leaders to identify and oversee enhancements in DR-TB diagnostic networks.
- Support the development of a forecasting tool to assist NTRLs for TB phenotypic Culture and DST laboratories to estimate the requirement of laboratory consumables
- Provides technical assistance and training as part of overall laboratory capacity building and continuous improvement programs.
- Assist CENAT for supervision and monitoring of the DST, evaluate the outcome of the implementation, and conduct timely reporting
- Coordinate and work with a diverse group of national organizations, including the Government and other diagnostic network leaders, development partners, regional and global IDDS staff, and USAID.
- Master's degree 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 TB diagnostic strengthening and capacity building in the country.
- Knowledge and experience in the diagnosis of infectious diseases, with a focus on TB, including specific hands-on diagnostics experience.
- Competent in current diagnostic methods for TB and DR-TB and knowledge of WHO-recommended diagnostic tools and technologies
- Fluency in written and spoken English and Khmer.
- Experience working in Cambodia.
- Willingness and ability to travel a minimum of 20% within Cambodia and other travel as needed.
- Authorization to work in Cambodia and/or Cambodian national
