Consultant - Multi-drug Resistant TB

Multiple locations

Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
Location: Multiple locations
Grade: Consultancy - International Consultant - Internationally recruited Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Malaria, Tuberculosis and other infectious diseases
- Drugs, Anti-Money Laundering, Terrorism and Human Trafficking
- HQ/GTB Global TB Programme (CDS)
Closing Date: Closed

Background

Recognizing the formidable threat MDR-TB poses globally, the first ever UNGA high-level meeting on TB held in New York in September 2018 highlighted the need to address drug resistance (DR-TB) as a crisis and within the context of the global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) agenda. This was backed up with a UNGA declaration with a target of detecting and treating 1.5 million DR-TB cases which includes 115,000 children between 2018-2022. 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.

Description of duties (varying on country needs)

Consultant assignments are remunerated according to different pay bands based on the specific terms of reference

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;
Aaccelerate 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;
analyse 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 WHOâs 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 (specially 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 masterâs 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\:Knowledge of highâburden, resourceâconstrained countries and organization of national TB programmes based on practical experience. Experience in assisting countries in Global Fund proposal preparation. In depth knowledge and hands-on experience in the clinical management of drug resistant TB.

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.
For information on WHO's operations please visit\: http\://www.who.int.
WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.
Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between WHO and the Consultant.
WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.
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