icddr,b is a Bangladesh-based international health research institute that strives to solve key public health problems through high-quality scientific research and innovation. icddrb as a values-based organization encourages women and people with disabilities.

icddr,b invites applications from suitable candidates for consultancy with the Programme on Emerging Infections under the Infectious Diseases Division to support National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTRL)/ Regional Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (RTRL) of the National TB Control Programme (NTP).

Assignment / Activity: The consultants will Serve as important resources to support TB diagnostic strengthening activities, National and Regional TB Reference Laboratories (NTRL & RTRL) and the NTP to strengthen overall capacity for the provision of routine diagnostic functions as well as for stronger functioning of the overall TB diagnostic network.

Location: Anywhere in Bangladesh

Expected start date of assignment: 1^st September 2023

Duration: 01 month. Contracts may be extended, subject to satisfactory performance and fund availability.

Number of consultants: 03

Scope of work:

The consultant will work closely with the National TB Control Program (NTP), NGO partners and other stakeholders in identifying program priorities, and coordinating implementation of activities to strengthen and improve management and quality of laboratory services. Support the NTP and RTRLs to organize training on different diagnostic methods, Quality Management Systems (QMS), and Quality Assurance (QA) & assist the RTRLs to identify TA needs and support activities to strengthen quality assurance for the LPA, culture and DST (solid and liquid) and GeneXpert tests.

The consultants will report to the Senior Scientist and Head, PEI, IDD.

Major responsibilities would include the following-

Specific responsibilities include:

• Guide in developing the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the NTRL / RTRLs and implementing the activities to operationalize the TOR;
• Participate in TB diagnostic network assessment in collaboration with the NTP;
• Support the NTP and RTRL to organize training on diagnostic methods, Quality Management Systems (QMS), monitoring and supervision;
• Provide technical support to other TB laboratories as required;
• Advice the RTRL to identify TA needs and support activities to strengthen quality assurance for the LPA, culture and DST (solid and liquid) and GeneXpert tests;
• Provide support to the RTRL to establish mechanisms to supervise TB laboratories and enhance the quality and timeliness of services;
• Participate with NTP in developing and implementing an EQA program for GeneXpert;
• Assist with the development of inventories for TB laboratory equipment and assist the RTRL to ensure preventive/routine/ periodic maintenance and troubleshooting for the equipment;
• Provide inputs and advice in routine diagnostic services including Microscopy, GeneXpert tests, TB culture and Drug Sensitivity Testing (DST) for both liquid and solid as assigned;
• Support the RTRL recording of diagnostic services data and preparing monthly, quarterly and annual reports as required;
• Cooperate with the RTRL/NTP as needed in preparing requirements for laboratory reagents and consumables, materials and equipment;
• Monitor project deliverables and timeliness as they relate to the staff assigned to the RTRL and notify the ACTB Team Lead when issues arise for taking corrective actions, as needed;
• Advise the ACTB Team Lead in developing required project reports;
• Any other activities as assigned by the management from time to time

Expected deliverables:

The consultants are expected to strengthen the overall TB diagnostic networks within Bangladesh in order to provide timely and universal access to diagnostic services to all people presumptive of TB and MDR-TB and develop the capacity of reference laboratory staff by providing training on different advanced diagnostic tools.

Required qualifications and experience:

• M.Sc in Microbiology with a good academic record from reputed institute;
• Minimum 10 years experience in TB laboratory services with active involvement with NTRL / RTRL;
• Prior experience working in a USAID-supported project will be given preference.

Notes of attention:

• Only short-listed candidates shall be invited for the selection process;
• icddr,b does not charge any fee at any stage of the selection process.

Interested candidates who fulfil the requirements should submit online applications using icddr,b website: career.icddrb.org by August 07 , 2023