State Lead – FIND the global alliance for diagnostics

FIND, the global alliance for diagnostics, seeks to ensure equitable access to reliable diagnosis around the world. We connect countries and communities, funders, decision makers, healthcare providers and developers to spur diagnostic innovation and make testing an integral part of sustainable, resilient health systems. We are working to save 1 million lives through accessible, quality diagnosis, and save US$1 billion in healthcare costs to patients and health systems. We are co-convener of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator diagnostics pillar, and a WHO Collaborating Centre for Laboratory Strengthening and Diagnostic Technology Evaluation. For more information, please visit www.finddx.org

Project: Technical assistance and capacity building for management of Drug Resistant TB (DR-TB) in children

Project Background

Diagnosing TB in children is particularly challenging because they are often unable to produce sputum. In addition, TB can mimic many other common childhood diseases. Further, access to quality diagnostics remains a challenge in resource-poor settings and sensitivity varies with technology. The treatment of children is also fraught with challenges as most of the second line drugs currently do not have child friendly formulations. In line with the global policy, the NTEP has prioritized this vulnerable group under the National Strategic Plan 2017–25 and efforts are being made to integrate TB case finding and management into general child health activities. Targeted interventions are required among these population groups to improve access and ensure accurate diagnosis, treatment and adherence. Partnerships between government, NGOs, private practitioners and corporates are needed to mitigate the underlying vulnerabilities. While attempts have been made to improve the diagnosis of paediatric DR-TB through upfront GeneXpert testing and capacity building on collection of samples, comprehensive management of DR-TB remains sub-optimal. This is reflected by the gap between notification and estimated number of cases (6% notified vs estimated 10% of total adult incidence)1 as well as available outcomes of notified cases

Against this background, the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) will be implementing a project focusing on paediatric DR-TB to systematically assess and address challenges in the patient care cascade hindering the effectiveness of DR-TB services including access to diagnostics and treatment as per STCI (Standards for TB Care in India), diagnostic and treatment delays, disease management practices, treatment adherence, loss to follow-up and treatment outcomes.

Project Goal To demonstrate a model which ensures access to quality services for DR-TB management among the paediatric age group.

Project objectives:

1. To conduct a gap-analysis in identified states in consultation with paediatric DR-TB experts, and consultative workshops with experts from the NTEG (paediatric TB)

2. To develop, finalize and detail the state-specific road-maps

3. To support the project states in implementation of the road maps towards streamlining of child and adolescent DR-TB patient pathways 1

4. To create a network of TB professionals and organizations across selected states, offering technical leadership and capacity building to improve child and adolescent DR[1]TB diagnostic and management practices

Location: Delhi, Maharashtra-Pune and Madhya Pradesh- Bhopal (3 positions)

Job description The State Lead will work closely with the Project Manager and team at FIND, as well as the State NTEP and other stakeholders to lead implementation of all activities under the project:

The specific activities will include but not be limited to:

• Setup and creation of project workflows at the state level

• Lead implementation, monitoring and supervision of all project activities at the state

• Lead coordination with the CoE, state, sites and training partners, oversee and provide necessary technical support to the state

• Conduct gap analysis at the state to identify bottlenecks in the paediatric DR-TB patient care cascade

• Provide technical assistance to the state for ensuring implementation of the road map developed

• Ensure process adherence and timely data reporting to the Project manager

• Advocate with State and district officials on the results and lessons from the project and drive decisions on scaling up such activities

• Any other tasks assigned time to time

Skills and experience required:

• Applicant must be an MSW/ MA Social Work/ MPH/ MBA/ MHA with minimum of 4 years of experience in project management, monitoring and evaluation.

• Preference will be given to candidates with:

o Experience of working with projects engaging public sector institutes/state health authorities

o State level experience of working with government/ health department

o Experience of working with the NTEP at the State level

• Proven ability to work in a public health setup with decision-makers

• Ability to coordinate with internal & external stake holders and on-site teams.

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate between multiple sites and ensure strict adherence to project targets and mandates

• Should have good communications skills and be proficient in basic computer applications like Word, Excel and Power Point.

• Have sound knowledge of data analysis, analytical software and ability to make meaningful interpretation for effective supervision.

• Ability and willingness to travel extensively (30%), based on the needs of the job.

• Good interpersonal skills, able to work as part of a team

Nature of Appointment:

The selected candidate shall be initially offered a Fixed Term Employment Contract till 24 March 2023.

Compensation offered: The gross remuneration budgeted for the position shall be commensurate with the qualifications, experience, and salary history, of the selected candidate.

Deadline to send your application: Please mail a motivation letter, a detailed resume and three references to HR-IN@finddx.org and by 20 April 2022

But don’t wait until the deadline! We will start screening right away and if we find the right person, we will stop searching