Senior Technical Specialist: DR-TB - Pretoria at The Aurum Institute

Work Description

• The Technical Advisor: DR-TB is responsible for providing guidance and expertise on best clinical and operational practice on DR-TB; in order to optimize the capacity of Districts to provide comprehensive DR-TB services.

Technical Work Responsibilities

• Assist National TB Programme (NTP) to develop strategic and operational plans, manuals and guidelines for DR-TB while ensuring that these are in line with WHO recommendations and NTP plans
• Liaise with Internal/External Customers/Stakeholders
• Apply knowledge and expertise in Clinical Management of DR-TB
• Provide technical support to Technical TB team placed at provincial health directorate for the implementation of the National TB Strategic Plan
• Lead training on the revised DR-TB guidelines and support early adoption of new     diagnostics and treatment regimen and maintain an inventory of successful strategies and approaches.
• Lead on site training and mentorship to clinicians on patient monitoring and aDSM.
• Technically support NTP in development of technical guidelines, SOPs, training curriculum and other relevant documents
• Provide expert guidance for rapid scale-up of shorter-term regimens in line with National DR-TB guidelines.
• Support in strengthening M and E- Contribute technically in program designing, planning and review process for national program. Carryout rapid/situation assessment as necessary for program development
• Strengthen active TB drug safety monitoring (aDSM)
• Participate in relevant technical working groups and other fora on progress toward improving access and quality of care for DR-TB clients.
• Support in TB-HIV collaboration
• Project Management
• Compile Grant/Fund applications/proposals
• Compile Quality Programme, Funder and other Reports
• Provide training and mentoring

Duties:

• Improved Stakeholder satisfaction
• Attending Stakeholder Meetings as required
• Maintain open communication and feedback channels
• Analysis of the state of DR-TB Clinical Care in the Province; including but not limited to:
  • Numbers of MDR-TB Patients
  • Forecast of the need for the DR-TB Regimens
  • The capacity of the Province to deliver DR-TB Care in terms of (among others):
  • Human Resources
  • Referrals and Linkages
  • Laboratory services
  • Pharmacy and other Supplies
  • Any other Information which may be require
  • Accurate representation/reporting of DR-TB Clinical Care in the Province
• Improved Patient satisfaction
• Determination of the state of Clinical (and other) Management of DR-TB Patients in select DOH Facilities; through File and Facility Audits
• To obtain a Province-wide understanding of the management of DR-TB
• DR-TB Training Programme for DOH Clinicians and for Managers
• DR-TB Mentorship and Clinical Support Programme
• Training, mentoring and offering Clinical Support to Doctors, Nurses, Managers and others involved in the DR-TB Programme
• Health Systems Strengthening
• Development of Clinical Referral Guidelines
• Development of Referral Pathways
• Algorithms and procedures for effective triage and management of Patients with complex medical problems
• Enhance access to training and mentoring in specialized Clinical Care
• Enhance access to Clinical Training Resources to enhance skills in provision of Specialized Clinical Care
• Enhance access to Specialized Drugs and Commodities
• Enhance access to Laboratory support for provision of Specialized Care
• Creation of Mentoring and Shadowing Programmes
• Enhance access to Specialist Input in complicated Patient Management, e.g. HCW Help-lines
• Maintain individual competency
• Keeping abreast of International developments and debates on MDR-TB
• Form and maintain close working relationships with various Subject Matter Specialists within Aurum and other Organizations
• Evaluate the impact of the DR-TB Programme implementation on Key Patients and Programme Outcomes at specific Sites
• Engage with South African Government (SAG) DOH to plan for timely and full transition of all aspects of the MDR-TB Clinical Management services to the SAG DOH by the end of the Project period
• Accurately reported on Patient and Programme Outcomes
• Translate the contents of the Grant Workplan into practical activities
• Planning and execution of DR-TB technical support in the province
• Involvement in the following:
  • Writing of Grant/Fund applications/proposals
  • Drawing/revision of Programme Documents such as Working Practice Guidelines, Toolkits and other Documents
• Conducting all activities in accordance with established protocols and standard procedures
• Writing and timeous submission of quality Programme, Funder and other Reports
• Share DR-TB prevention, care and treatment expertise (through training and mentoring) of Aurum Staff as may be required 
• Form part of Aurum panel conducting Subject Matter Training as may be required
• Comply with all safety policies, practices and procedures according to prescribed procedures and legislation
• Report all unsafe activities to Senior Management/Human Resources
• Adhere and maintain Decision making authority as allocated to the position

Requirements

Education

• Medical Degree (MBChB)or equivalent
• Valid registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner

Advantageous

• Master’ degree in Public Health
• Postgraduate degree or diploma in Health Management
• Postgraduate degree or diploma in HIV and/or TB Management
• Infectious disease specialization  

Experience

• At least 10 years’ experience in Clinical Management of DR-TB
• Demonstrable experience in Clinical Management of DR-TB beyond Primary Care level
• Demonstrable thorough understanding of the SA Department of Health District Health system, policies and guidelines
• Demonstrated experience leading and mentoring teams comprised of experienced professionals.
• Demonstrated technical leadership, program management, strategic planning, policy experience and problem-solving skills working on complex projects in a highly sensitive environment are required.
• Substantial progressive Health Systems Strengthening experience at Management level
• At least 2 years’ experience in the field of DR-TB Project Management in a Non-Governmental setting
• At least 5 years’ experience in the Department of Health/Public Health sector

Requirements

• SA Citizen or valid work permit to work in South Africa
• Advanced computer skills-Good computer skills are required to implement, analyze, and monitor, and manage activity goals, inputs, outcomes, and achievements.
• Excellent written communication skills are required to prepare regular and ad hoc reports, activity documentation and briefing papers.
• Strong verbal communication skills, tact, and diplomacy are essential to build sustainable relationships and trust with public/private organizations, and to negotiate plans and resolve issues with counterparts, partners, and team members.
• Driver’s license
• Own car
• Minimal/Moderate/Excessive overnight travel (up to 40%) by land or air if required
• Willing to work overtime