Project Manager

Project Manager

Project: Strengthening Quality Management Systems and accreditation for TB Laboratories under National Tuberculosis Program, Bangladesh

Organization:

FIND, seeks to ensure equitable access to reliable diagnosis around the world. We connect countries and communities, funders, decisionmakers, healthcare providers and developers to spur diagnostic innovation and make testing an integral part of sustainable, resilient health systems. We are working to save 1 million lives through accessible, quality diagnosis, and save US$1 billion in healthcare costs to patients and health systems. We are co-convener of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator diagnostics pillar, and a WHO Collaborating Centre for Laboratory Strengthening and Diagnostic Technology Evaluation.

For more information, please visit FIND website.

Project Background

In Bangladesh, NTP program has 440 sites GeneXpert machines and remaining ~1118 sites are using microscopy for diagnosing TB. ~40 EQA laboratories spread across the country supervise the peripheral level smear microscopy centers. NTP is using a real-time monitoring software ASPECT for its GeneXpert machines. NTP is planning to introduce EQA for GeneXpert and expand in phased manner to all GeneXpert sites.

The NTRL and all RTRLs have the facilities for both solid and liquid techniques of TB culture (except RTRL Shyamoli which lacks solid culture facilities but will be introduced soon), GeneXpert testing and genotypic DST/LPA (except RTRL Khulna). NTP started the process of upgrading all RTRLs with same capacity. NTRL is engaged in panel testing for TB C&DST with SNRL Antwerp, Belgium. NTP has plans to start panel testing at all RTRLs.

Under its new TGF project FIND is providing technical assistance to NTP to support quality management systems and accreditation in Bangladesh for a period of 1 year till August 2023. This project will adapt international and regional experiences of implementing various lab QMS, biorisk, connectivity and equipment management activities with a view to the improve functionality and utilization of the GeneXpert instal base in Bangladesh.

Project objectives:

• Develop landscape report of GeneXpert testing, its maintenance and quality assurance

• Support in finalization of maintenance and monitoring plan for GeneXpert

• Capacity building for digital monitoring of GeneXpert at NTP, NTRL, RTRL and EQA site level

• Support implementation of a QMS framework by doing assessment of NTRL and RTRLs; and develop bio-risk management framework for the tiered lab network in compliance with national and international standards.

• Develop integrated LIS framework operational plan for various test technologies, across tiered network and integration with patient pathways

Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh

Job description

The Project Manager will work closely with the senior management and project team at FIND, as well as the NTP, NTRLs s and other stakeholders to lead implementation of all activities under the project:

The specific activities will include but not be limited to:

• Setup and creation of project workflows, project M&E indicator sheets

• Lead operationalization, implementation, monitoring and supervision of all project activities and assist in evaluation of project deliverables, outputs and outcomes

• Lead coordination with tertiary institutes, states, sites, partners and the NTP; and provide necessary technical support for project implementation

• Coordinate and facilitate for development and finalization of the technical reports (such as landscape report on GeneXpert, maintenance monitoring plan, LIS operational plan, bio risk management framework, updating Core QMS plans and SOPs, etc.) of the project in consultation with team/ experts and stakeholders

• Lead training content development/ finalization (in consultation with technical experts) for training and support in conduct of trainings as per project requirements

• Coordinate for conduct of QMS assessments of NTRL and RTRLs including for its report writing and creating mentorship network

• Conduct Site visits as per requirement of the project

• Lead/ coordinate/ facilitate meetings with relevant stakeholders including for dissemination of project findings

• Supervise and support the Project team and follow up on progress of the project and provide regular updates to key stakeholders

• Ensure process adherence and timely data reporting by project team

• Prepare quarterly/ annual reports for the organization as well as from perspective of donor requirements

• Track progress including financial and programmatic in line with the committed timelines and targets

• Any other tasks assigned time to time by FIND

Qualifications, Skills and experience required:

• Medical Post-graduation (MD Microbiology) or MBBS/ BDS with postgraduate degree in Public Health/ Epidemiology/ Health Services Management with minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience in National/ State Public Health Projects (preferably TB, Malaria, HIV/AIDS, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programs, etc.)

Or

• Ph.D in Medical microbiology in the field of TB/ Infectious diseases with minimum 5 years of supervisory experiences in National/State public health projects.

Or

• MSc in Medical microbiology/ Biotechnology in the field of TB/ Infectious diseases with minimum 7 years of supervisory experiences in National/State public health projects.

• Preference will be given to:

o Candidates with experience of working with projects engaging with TB laboratory fields

o State / National level experience of working with NTRLs/RTRLs and NTP Bangladesh

• Experience in managing project budget

• Proven ability to work in a public health setup with decision-makers

• Ability to coordinate with internal & external stake holders and on-site teams.

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate between multiple sites and ensure strict adherence to project targets and mandates

• Should have good communications skills and be proficient in basic computer applications like Word, Excel and Power Point

• Have sound knowledge of data analysis, analytical software and ability to make meaningful interpretation for effective supervision.

• Ability and willingness to travel extensively (30%), based on the needs of the job.

• Good interpersonal skills, able to work as part of a team

Nature of Appointment:

The selected candidate shall be initially offered a Fixed Term Consultancy Agreement until Aug 2023.

Compensation offered:

The gross remuneration budgeted for the position shall be commensurate with the qualifications, relevant experience, pay parity and interview outcome of the selected candidate.

Deadline to send your application:

Please mail a motivation letter, a detailed resume (saved with your name) and three references with subject line: application for Project Manager” to

But don’t wait until the deadline! We will start screening right away and if we find the right person, we will stop searching.