TECHNICAL ADVISOR for Tuberculosis (TB) and Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB)

FHI 360/Philippines (www.fhi360.org) is in search of candidates for Tuberculosis (TB) and Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) Technical Advisor position to join the USAID-funded “TB Innovations and Health Systems Strengthening” project in the Philippines. The TB and DR-TB Technical Advisor will provide technical expertise to the TB Innovation and Health System Strengthening Project (TB IHSS) and work closely with the DR-TB Advisor from the FHI 360 Asia Pacific Regional Office (APRO). The TB Technical Advisor will play an essential role in developing technically sound strategies and interventions for relevant project component, while also bringing local and international experience, evidence and recommendations to the National TB Program (NTP). S/he will also provide technical expertise and guidance across all objectives and sub-objectives of the project to help implement an evidence-based strategic vision.

The position is based in Manila, Philippines. Recruitment is contingent on final USAID approval of the candidate.

Key Responsibilities:

· Design and lead technical understanding of initiatives to strengthen and improve management and quality of TB and DR-TB services, which includes coordinating directly with the National TB Program (NTP), USAID, Government of Philippines and other key stakeholders.

· Work in collaboration with technical advisors at FHI 360 APRO and in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and NTP to develop and implement work plans and strategies in the introduction of innovations in TB diagnostic technologies and treatment for TB/ DR TB and TB preventive therapy.

· Provide technical input to other technical (e.g. laboratory, demand generation) and operation (e.g. regional operations) teams within the project

· Provide technical support including capacity building to project and NTP staff focusing on achieving the targets set by the project for case finding, treatment outcomes and prevention. Serve as technical lead on implementation of activities to strengthen and improve management and quality of TB and DR-TB services, which includes coordinating directly with the National TB Program, other relevant agency of Department of Health such as Pharmaceutical Department, Food and Drug Association, USAID, WHO, Global Fund, local partners and other stakeholders.

· Work in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and NTP to implement strategies and activities that will improve operations at different TB service delivery points.

· Supervise a team of technical experts to produce high quality results.

· Ensure high standards are used to guide the technical aspects of work plans and activities

· Provide technical oversight for operations research on innovative TB prevention, screening, diagnostic, and treatment approaches.

· Monitor implementation of planned activities through periodic consultations, monthly progress review meetings, reports review, and field trips.

Minimum Requirements:

· Filipino

· Advanced degree (Medical Degree, Masters, or PhD) in medicine, public health, nursing, applied clinical research, or other relevant medical or public health field.

· Minimum 5 years of demonstrated experience in providing technical (in both clinical and programmatic aspects) support to TB and DR-TB programs at the national and regional level

· Supervisory experience working in organizations or as part of projects that address TB issues.

· Knowledge, understanding and technical expertise in the application and implementation of global TB policies, strategies and technical guidance.

· Experience in developing protocols, guidelines and tools for screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of TB and DR TB, or for other communicable or non-communicable diseases

· Experience introducing and implementing new TB policies, such as new pediatric TB drug formulations, shortened treatment regimens for MDR-TB, new TB drugs, GeneXpert and other innovative screening and diagnostic tools.

· Knowledge of and experience implementing patient-centered health care

· Demonstrated capacity to build and maintain productive working relationships within the project team members and with a wide network of partners and stakeholders

· Proven experience working with government officials, particularly with those from Department of Health at national and regional level in the Philippines is highly desirable, to support strategy development, implementation plans and decision making;

· Excellent oral and written communication skills in English