Background:
SoCha, LLC is preparing a submission for the Eliminating Tuberculosis in Central Asia Final Performance Evaluation (ETICA) Activity final Performance Evaluation under the USAID Central Asia RP-MEL IDIQ for upcoming work in Central Asia. The primary focus of this evaluation will be to assess whether the project is successfully meeting its goals. This assessment will involve identifying the project’s effective and ineffective components, examining challenges encountered during implementation and the strategies used to overcome them, gauging the long-term viability of the changes implemented, identifying any existing gaps that future projects may need to address, and extracting valuable lessons from the evaluation process. In summary, this evaluation aims to enhance USAID’s comprehension of its investments in the ETICA contract outcomes and the project’s contributions in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Scope of Work:
To support the work of the project, SoCha seeks an experienced TB Laboratory Specialist. TB Laboratory Specialist responsibilities will revolve around assessing and improving the laboratory services associated with TB and MDR-TB diagnosis within the project, with a focus on quality, standards, and integration with the broader healthcare system.
The TB Laboratory Specialist responsibilities include:
- Evaluate TB and MDR-TB laboratory services within the project.
- Assess diagnostic accuracy, equipment, and adherence to international standards.
- Conduct on-site observations and interviews with laboratory personnel.
- Analyze data to measure the project’s impact on TB and MDR-TB diagnosis.
- Develop recommendations for enhancing laboratory services.
- Collaborate with the evaluation team for integrated findings and recommendations.
- Undertake field visits to Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan (approximately 1 weeks per each country), to review activities, conduct site visits, and meet with stakeholders. Data collection in Turkmenistan and Kyrgyz Republic might be completed remotely (TBD).
The tasks outlined above are subject to change and are indicative, but not exhaustive for the role and other tasks may be assigned by the Project Lead or their designee.
Minimum qualifications and experience:
- Master’s degree in TB, health, public health, and/or a related field
- 5+ years of experience with TB control efforts, preferably internationally, including knowledge and implementation experience of WHO standards for TB laboratory service, rapid diagnostics, including modern molecular diagnostic instruments.
- Experience in planning and optimization of TB diagnostic networks, sample transportation and implementation of the Laboratory Management Information System (LMIS), as well as in the implementation of the Quality Management System and Drug susceptibility testing (DST) for new and repurposed drugs.
- Knowledge of health systems in Central Asia countries is highly desired.
- Experience with monitoring and evaluation of TB programs highly desired.
- Advanced English communication skills, both interpersonal and written.
- Proficiency in Russian, Uzbek, Kyrgyz or Tajik highly desirable
Location:
Remote, with some travel within Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhistan
Estimated level of effort:
30-50 days, expected to start in October 2023.
How to apply:
To lodge an application, please lodge CV via the form below:
Applications close on September 20. Application review will be on a rolling basis.
How to apply
How to apply:
To lodge an application, please lodge CV via the form below:
Applications close on September 20. Application review will be on a rolling basis.
