Kingdom of Lesotho
Ministry of Health
REQUEST FOR CURRICULUM VITAE
Job Description
JOB TITLE: Program Officer Childhood TB and Training coordination
DEPARTMENT: Disease Control Directorate: National TB Programme
PROJECT: Southern Africa Tuberculosis and Health Systems Support Project
RESPONSIBLE TO: National TB & L Manager
DATE OF ISSUE: 5th May 2021
Background
The Kingdom of Lesotho is among four countries participating in the Southern Africa Tuberculosis and Health Systems Support Project funded by the World Bank. This is a five year project with overall objectives to: (i) improve coverage and quality of TB control and occupational lung disease services in targeted geographic areas of the participating countries; and (ii) strengthen regional capacity to manage the burden of TB and occupational diseases.
Lesotho is among the thirty (30) high burden countries for TB and TB/HIV with estimated incidence rate of 654/100,000 population and prevalence of 581/100,000 as per 2019 nationwide TB prevalence survey. Low treatment coverage remains at 51% as opposed to 90% target. Epidemiology trends demonstrate that HIV prevalence in the general population based on the Demographic Health Survey was 23% in 2004 and 25 % in 2014, and 59% of all TB patients notified are co-infected with HIV. This contributes significantly to poor treatment outcome, at 77% Treatment Success Rate, and high TB related mortality, about 226 per 100,000 populations. Furthermore, 3.2% and 6.8% of new and retreatment TB cases respectively are estimated to have MDR-TB. (WHO Global TB Report 2016)
Despite Lesotho’s high burden of TB, TB/HIV and MDR-TB cases, the TB case detection rate is 51% which means half TB cases are not diagnosed and treated. According to World Health Organization (WHO) Standards and benchmarks at least 5% to 15% of all annual notification should be children and Lesotho observes decline rate from 6.6% to 3.2% of children notified which a worrisome status of affairs.
Job Summary
The Program Officer, Paediatric TB and Training is responsible to assist in planning, implementing and coordinating activities related to Paediatric TB and for managing and coordinating all TB Program training activities. The incumbent will work under the supervision and guidance of the National Tuberculosis Program Manager.
Scope of Work
- Coordinate all childhood TB related activities and ensure implementation of the TB guidelines on childhood TB diagnosis and management.
- Work with NTLP staff and partners to develop appropriate strategies and plans to manage childhood TB;
- Work closely with the NTLP and partners and other stakeholders to identify program priorities, develop strategies and coordinating implementation of activities for strengthening and expanding of childhood TB case finding and prevention
- Coordinate reporting on childhood TB in the MOH (case finding, diagnosis, patient management and outcomes)
- Strengthen linkages with child health and ensure strengthening of TB detection and contact tracing by the child health department.
- developing/updating child TB training curriculum in line with latest developments and newly approved NTP guidelines
- Participate in discussions with NTLP and partners to identify training needs and coordinate development of training plan and training activities in Drug Susceptible TB including childhood TB, TB/HIV, MDR-TB for district level
- Organize and coordinate orientation for newly deployed medical doctors and nurses on DS-TB including childhood TB, MDR-TB, TB/HIV
- Work in teams to develop TB annual work plan; identify and incorporate appropriate childhood TB related actions in work plan consistent with NTLP objectives and aligned with Programme needs;
- Participate in workshops, seminars, task force and expert committees to identify policy, technical and programmatic gaps in increasing case notifications, diagnosis and treatment of childhood TB;
- Support development of tools, job aids, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials as required for improving diagnosis and treatment of Paediatric TB;
- Monitor implementation of planned activities through periodic consultations, monthly progress review meetings, reports review, and field trips. Provide written feedback for improving performance and take corrective actions, as needed;
- Work in a team to prepare technical reports on training and ensure timely compilation of training information and produce quarterly and annual training reports as well as maintain data base of all trained individuals and by facility
- Undertake supervision to districts and health facilities to monitor implementation of childhood TB interventions and review quality of data reported by implementing agencies
- Support studies undertaken under the Southern Africa TB and Health Systems Project
Required Competencies
In addition to the above, the successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following competencies:
- Strong communication and facilitation skills and ability to establish good working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders in a sensitive environment. S/he must be able to respond quickly to requests for information
- S/he must demonstrate strong interpersonal and motivational skills and sensitivity to the different environment as well as the ability to work with minimal supervision
- Strong data analysis and interpretation. S/he must have ability to write clearly and concisely, and have sound quantitative and qualitative skills
- Analytical and research skills are added advantage
- Time management and ability to priorities multiple tasks
- Self-motivated person able to work without close supervision
- Able to work effectively in a diverse team environment and travelling to different districts independently for TB related activities
Qualifications and Experiences
- A Nursing degree or any degree in a health-related field
- A post graduate qualification in Paediatric Health Services including TB related field will be an added advantage
- The candidate must have a recent training (atleast two years) on the clinical management of TB paediatric cases.
- At least five years of relevant work (Paediatric TB and training in TB) experience in the field of TB and HIV control activities with at least two years in a supervisory role
- Experience working in TB area including report writing and monitoring of district activities under any Ministry of Health Partner will be an added advantage
- Computer literate, with high competency in using Microsoft office applications (Word, Excel,
Application Instructions
Interested and suitably qualified candidates should forward their applications indicating the advertisement and position on the subject line of letter together with detailed curriculum vitae indicating work experience and certified certificates and National ID. Day time telephone contacts, names and telephone contacts of 3 referees should be included in the CV.
Applications to reach the undersigned not later than 20th May 2021 1600hour to:
Procurement Specialist, Procurement Unit Ground Floor, Room 11 Ministry of Health, Corner constitution & Linare Roads, Kingdom of Lesotho,
Telephone: (+266) 69184946 or 59887382.
Only shortlisted and successful candidates will be contacted within two weeks from submission deadline. If you do not receive a call and email from us consider application not successful.