Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Medical Officer Wanted at Lesotho Ministry of Health

Job Summary
The MDR Medical Officer will coordinate implementation of Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB (PMDT) working with the National TB and Leprosy Programme (NTLP) to ensure coordination of MDR-TB activities. These efforts will be helpful over the long-term when the Government of Lesotho takes over management of the MDR-TB hospital.

Scope of work

1. Responsible of the managerial aspects of the programmatic management of drug-resistant TB
2. Supervise the models for delivering DR-TB treatment and care (hospital and ambulatory care / nationwide)
3. Monitor community engagement to support universal access to diagnosis, care and treatment of DR-TB
4. Coordinate with appropriate offices in the Government that all DR_TB Drugs will be properly register, imported, storage and distributed in the country.
5. Responsible of the quality control of the following reports: Six monthly report of detection of TB cases with rifampicin resistance and multidrug-resistance; Six-monthly report of enrolment of TB cases with rifampicin resistance and multidrug-resistance; Quarterly report on interim results of TB cases with rifampicin resistance and multidrug-resistance on second line TB treatment; Annual report of final outcomes of TB cases with rifampicin resistance, multidrug-resistance and extensive drug resistance on second line TB treatment.
6. With the NTLP Manager, assist in coordination of MDR-TB services between NTLP and Partners in Health (PIH) Country Office
7. Facilitate the implementation of Global Fund grants in support of PMDT and other grants focusing more on MDR services in the country
8. Take part in clinical management of DR TB patients, TA and mentoring of health staff at the MDR-TB hospital
9. Participate in the development of policy guidelines, training manuals, and mentorship guidelines, operational research proposals and data collection and dissemination tools.
10. Support the development of active Drug Safety Monitoring (aDSM) tools and protocols in preparation for the introduction of new MDR-TB drugs and regimens.
11. Share best practices and contribute to the knowledge base through participation in scientific forums and community of practice in continuum of care for TB and MDR-TB at country and regional levels
12. Participate in supervision of districts with the PIH team on a weekly basis
13. Oversee data recording and reporting of MDR-TB patients and provide feedback to NTLP and the World Health Organization (WHO).Monitor and evaluate MDR TB surveillance/surveys
14. Participate in capacity building of other health care workers through training and support supervision
15. Participate in research activities of the programme
16. Participate in health campaigns relative to TB prevention and control
17. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Medical Director, NTLP Manager
18. Collaborate with the PMDT Advisor at PIH to provide coordinated assistance to the MDR-TB program
19. Work with local partners on PMDT related issues
20. Contribute to the development and formulation of approaches and positions regarding PMDT in the framework of comprehensive TB control

1. Duration of Assignment
2. Working conditions

• Initial two year contract subject to review after two years with possibility of extension dependent on performance

• She or he has to be willing to work under challenging working environment.

• The incumbent will be working in a number of settings including clinic.

Qualifications

• Medical Doctor (preferably local) with more than 5-7 years of experience in general practice and interested in working with MDR/XDR-TB and ready to travel in and outside the country.
• Postgraduate qualifications in Community or Public Health is desirable.
• At least 5-7 years’ experience in TB and HIV health service delivery
• Technical expertise in public health, epidemiology and disease control, especially TB.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues at national level.
• Ability to design operation research studies, analyse data, effectively monitor progress and present results.

• Up-to-date knowledge of WHO policies on all aspects of the management of drug resistant TB including new drugs and regimens

Required Competencies
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following competencies:

• Communication: Regular and timely clear written and verbal communication with relevant department and strong interpersonal skills
• General Policies Procedures and Practices: Ability to comply with all national policies, guidelines, procedures and practices and to be responsible for keeping up to date with any changes.
• Ethics: Ability to practice, maintain and observe professional conduct in accordance with Lesotho Medical, Dental and Pharmaceuticals Council.
• Supervision: Supervise and monitor junior staff in health facilities in relation to TB and MDR/TB activities.

Compensation:
A competitive salary will be offered as per Kingdom of Lesotho norms for public officers and World Bank guidelines

Interested and suitability qualified candidates should forward their applications personally or electronically indicating the advertisement and position on the subject line of letter and envelope together with detailed curriculum vitae indicating work experience, current remuneration and copies of testimonials (day time telephone contacts, names and telephone contacts of 3 referees to reach the undersigned not later than April 7, 2017) to:
Procurement Manager
Procurement Unit
Ground Floor, Room G03
Ministry of Health
Corner Constitution & Linare Roads
Kingdom of Lesotho

Further information can be obtained from the following during office hours [08h00 to 16h30 local time]:
boopanentai@gmail.com, rangoananam@yahoo.co.uk and qlejota@gmail.com

Only shortlisted and successful candidates will be contacted.