Senior Global Fund Grant Advisor to the National TB Program-Tanzania

International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease

Vacancy Announcement for the following position(s):

Senior Global Fund Grant Advisor to the National TB Program

Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Available vacancies: one

BACKGROUND:**

In addition to many other aspects of its work, the TREAT TB project has a focus on capacity building. In FY 2013-14, TREAT TB will facilitate the hiring of several in-country consultants who will act as advisors for National TB Programs, focusing specifically on the successful implementation of Global Fund (GF) grants. This posting is advertised for an in-country advisor for Tanzania. The need for this long-term technical assistance is in response to the recent changes at the Global Fund with the roll out of its new funding model, and the need to accelerate TB prevention and care activities. This position will be a general GF TB grant advisor with a specific focus on critical areas of need for GF implementation in Tanzania such as timely cash flows, tracking of key grant performance indicators, periodic preparations of progress updates and disbursement requests, commodities and drugs logistics management and other technical areas pertaining to TB prevention, care and Control as needed in line with the National TB Strategic Plan Objectives 2015 -2020.

USAID, as the lead US Government agency for international TB, has developed a technical assistance model to ensure that TB program are successfully implemented; to improve coordination between partners; to build country capacity; and to ensure that the greatest challenges in TB prevention and control are met. TREAT TB will support this model by facilitating the hiring of in-country consultants. The NTP and USAID will be responsible for the technical oversight of these consultants and their assigned work. In addition, necessary direct costs of the Union related to the human resources and finance functions of this activity will be allowable expenses within the TREAT TB budget and work plan.

INTRODUCTION:

The Senior Technical Advisor position is based in Tanzania.

The Advisor will provide grant oversight guidance and coordination of Global Fund Grant to the National TB Control Program. The staff will also work closely with NTLP technical staff on other TB control related activities (such as PMDT, TB/HIV, TB Laboratory Strengthening, Community Systems Strengthening, Trainings, commodities and drugs logistics management and community TB care). This will include coordination with other implementing partners, Health Office staff, USAID teams, USG agencies, WHO and other donors.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under direct supervision of the director for preventive services and national TB program manager, the Senior Global Fund Grant adviser will be in charge of the following main duties and possibilities:

• Working with NTP and other stakeholders on the implementation and monitoring of the Global Fund new funding model (NFM) activities through supporting smooth implementation and regular follow up of GF activities at Princila Recipient (PR), Lead Sub Recipient (LSR), Sub Recipient (SSR), GF Local Funding Agency (LFA) and Tanzania National Coordinating Mechanism (TNCM)
• Work with Head of Central Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory and other stakeholders in strengthening quality assurance for TB diagnosis (microscopy, Xpert, culture and DST), and strengthening sputum referral system for Xpert, Culture and DST at all levels and monitor the scale up and use of new WHO approved diagnostic tool
• Work with TB/HIV National Coordinator to monitor the implementation of TB-HIV collaborative activities in collaboration with the National HIV/AIDS teams.
• Work with MDR TB coordinator to implement decentralization of PMDT services, adopting the short MDR TB regimen and developing pharmacovigilance plan for new TB drugs
• Provide technical support in all aspects of TB, Leprosy and TB/HIV control to respective National TB program and Regional and Council Health Management Teams to incorporate TB control interventions in Comprehensive Council Health Plans( CCHPs) so as to ensure long tern sustainability
• Provide strategic advises and improve analytic capacity of NTP through a strengthened supportive supervision system, regular and timely in-depth analysis of epidemiologic/surveillance data.
• Assist the NTP in strengthening the TB and Leprsoy logistic system currently being rolled out in the country by the program, conduct regular analysis of the TB supplies status at National, Zonal regions and district levels along with the Pharmaceuticals Logistics Management Unit.
• Provide technical assistance to the NTP in adoption/adaptation and implementation of new global strategies and new policies in close collaboration with WHO country office.
  CERTIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
  The consultant must have:
• Minimum five years of experience in supporting the NTP with the implementation of the GF grants on the country level (PR, NTP, SR, CCM, etc)
• Experience in GF NFM concept notes preparation, review and technical assistance to the NTPs in the process
• At least 10 years of progressive work experience in public health and with at least 5 years directly related with TB Control Programs at National/International level in high-TB burden settings
• Extensive TB control experience in clinical and public health settings, including experience in PMDT and TB/HIV
• Demonstrable extensive experience in provision of strategic guidance to NTPs on new Global strategies, policies and guidelines
• Direct Working Experience in the WHO systems on TB Program in the African region is desirable
• Experience in the development and review of national TB strategic plans, policy guidelines and external program reviews is essential
• Good grasp of the Tanzanian Health System preferably through supporting the NTP in the past is an asset
• Minimum of three years of experience providing short- or long-term TB technical assistance in resource limited settings
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-site and multidisciplinary team-based organizational structure, including partners and other collaborators; experience with cross-cultural teams
• High degree of judgment, ingenuity and originality to interpret strategy, to analyze, develop and present work and to monitor and evaluate implementation of programs
• Strong interpersonal communication and excellent oral communication and writing skills necessary in the interaction with implementing partners, MOH and USG colleagues including the ability to exercise judgment in balancing technical, administrative, bureaucratic and political considerations.
• Demonstrated flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities and environment
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Sound analytical skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Good knowledge of English (speaking, writing)
• Good knowledge of local languages in Kiswahili is a plus
• Ability to relocate to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
  DURATION OF CONTRACT:
  2 years
  SALARY AND BENEFITS:
  Salary will be based on commensurate experience and earnings history.
  *Duty station:** Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Directorate of Preventive Services and Report to Director Preventive Services Department and TB Program Manager
  TO APPLY:
  All applicants are encouraged to apply for this position by e-mailing a cover letter and brief CV describing their qualifications and experience to Samantha Kozikott at skozikott@theunion.org.