International Health and Development

Senior TB Diagnostics Advisor

Kinshasa, DRC 

Job Description:

Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) is a five-year USAID-funded project with the following overall objectives: (1) Improve the detection of diseases of public health importance, including Tuberculosis, and identification of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in priority infectious diseases through an accessible, accurate, adaptable, timely, and integrated diagnostic network system; (2)Improve the quality of real-time surveillance systems for pathogens of greatest public health concern, including AMR and zoonotic diseases, and; (3) Generate evidence-based guidance and innovative solutions to strengthen in-country diagnostic networks and surveillance systems.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the IDDS project will focus on activities to strengthen the TB diagnostic network in line with the Government of DRC’s National Strategic Plan and USAID’s FY 2021 Tuberculosis (TB) Roadmap. ICF is seeking Senior TB Diagnostics Advisors to be responsible for implementing the agreed-upon work plan in coordination with the National TB Control Program (PNLT), USAID Mission in Kinshasa and other stakeholders. The work will focus on improving diagnostic service delivery in provincial TB laboratories and supporting introduction of new diagnostic tools and techniques. The Senior TB Diagnostics Advisors will report to the TB Team Lead for DRC based in Kinshasa. 

Responsibilities:

• Implement tuberculosis-focused technical assistance, diagnostic network and facilities strengthening, and quality improvement interventions in line with national priorities.
• Support development, update and execution of laboratory strategic plans, SOPs and policies.
• Conducts assessments of diagnostic facilities and the follow-up of corrective and preventive actions and initiatives.
• Monitors and reports progress with diagnostic network enhancement activities as per the approved country workplan.
• Work collaboratively and coordinate with other technical staff as well as project partners on development and implementation of the project workplans.
• Build capacity in local TB diagnostic stakeholders (including private health facilities) and leaders to identify and oversee enhancements in diagnostic networks.
• Provide technical assistance and training to TB diagnostic facilities and the overall diagnostic network as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement programs including childhood tuberculosis diagnostic strategies enhancement
• Support strategies to ensure functional TB diagnostic equipment including systems to maintain laboratory equipment, securing maintenance contracts, and establishing a cadre of trained biomedical engineers.
• Build capacity of target laboratories to perform more TB diagnostic tests (culture, WHO recommended rapid molecular tests, drug sensitivity tests, and line probe assay including resistance to second line drugs).
• Develop and implement innovative, linked and comprehensive package of interventions enabling functional rapid molecular testing.
• Work closely with the IDDS team to define and adjust annual work plans as well as implementing technical activities
• Coordinate and work with a diverse group of national organizations including the Government and other diagnostic network leaders, development partners, other regional and global IDDS staff and USAID.
• Follow established processes to guarantee the technical and programmatic quality of IDDS work in DRC 

Required Experiences and Skills:

• A minimum of a BSc in clinical diagnostics, laboratory science, or an equivalent.
• At least five years of experience in TB-focused diagnostic strengthening and capacity building in the country or in a comparable setting; 2 years’ experience required for candidates holding master’s degrees or higher.
• Technical competency in the diagnosis of infectious diseases (TB preferable) including specific hands-on diagnostics experience.
• Competent in current diagnostic methods for tuberculosis including point-of-care tests.
• Fluency in written and spoken French; basic understanding of spoken English required.
• Strong interpersonal skills in facilitation and stakeholder engagement/coordination
• Willingness and ability to travel a minimum of 25% within DRC and other travel as needed.
• Authorization to work in DRC 

Preferred:

• Familiarity with project management principles and best practices.
• Familiarity with Global Laboratory Initiative standards
• Familiarity with USG programs
• Familiarity with pediatric tuberculosis 

Working at ICF

Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to benefit people, businesses, and governments around the globe. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth. If you’re seeking to make a difference in the world, visit http://www.icf.com/careers to find your next career. ICF—together for tomorrow.

DR Congo (CB84)

Working at ICF

Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to benefit people, businesses, and governments around the globe. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth.

DR Congo (CB84)