KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation

KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation (KNCV) is one of the leading international non-profit organizations dedicated to fighting tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. We are an international center of expertise for TB control that stimulates effective, efficient and sustainable tuberculosis control strategies in a national and international context. We are an organization of passionate TB professionals; including medical doctors, researchers, training experts, nurses and epidemiologists.

Over the past century we have built a wealth of knowledge and expertise, initially by successfully driving back TB in the Netherlands, and subsequently by partnering in the fight against TB in over 40 countries worldwide. In addition to TB control, KNCV is active in the field of Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and COVID-19 prevention and control.

We operate from a central office in The Hague in the Netherlands and additional country offices worldwide). KNCV raises funds from individual, institutional and corporate donors. 

Background

Declared a public health emergency and pandemic in March 2021, the COVID-19 has since infected over 560 million people worldwide and caused nearly 5.6 million deaths so far. Critical gaps remain in various countries in terms of tools to better limit transmission and address treatment and care to avoid mortality due to COVID-19. While vaccinations have been available for over 10 months now, many countries are lagging in their vaccination efforts and access which makes equitable access to other commodities such as quality affordable diagnostics that can identify cases early as well as access to key commodities for care and treatment. 

By accelerating access to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions within existing health systems leading to improved uptake of effective COVID-19 test and treatment solutions within health care systems it is anticipated that the public health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is reduced.

KNCV is currently recruiting Regional Coordinator for a project focusing on enhancing accelerated access to diagnostics, care and treatment innovation for COVID-19 that will be implemented in three regions in Ethiopia.

Purpose of the position and organizational position

KNCV is looking for regional coordinator who will coordinate and facilitate the implementation of decentralized test, isolate, and treat approach for COVID 19 infection. The Regional Coordinator will also be responsible for providing high-quality technical support, oversight, and advice including technical assistance to support project implementation and interventions to the respective regional EOC and RHBs for COVID 19 response. The Regional Coordinator will be stationed in Hawassa for SNNPR co-located with the respective EOCs. The Regional Coordinator will report to the project manager.

Duties and responsibilities

•  Coordinate baseline assessment of the status of COVID 19 diagnosis and treatment in the project region;

• Coordinate KNCV’s implementation of decentralization of COVID 19 diagnosis (scale-up of Ag RDT testing), integrated COVID 19 case management and use of digital health solutions to accelerate utilization of available means of diagnostics, treatment, and care;

• Actively engage in the coordination and monitoring of the project sites on Ag RDT testing, specimen referral for confirmatory tests using PCR when need and for genomic surveillance epidemiology, data management using excel/DHIS2 platform, training, and patient referral system;

• Oversee the overall project implementation in the region including operational research component of the project;

• Provide technical support to the health facilities during mentorship, supportive supervision, and review meetings;

• Ensure that records are maintained at facility level and reported to KNCV central office;

• Prepare region-specific project progress reports to KNCV country office on a pre-defined basis

Specific Responsibilities

•  Develop close working relationships with RHBs, ZHDs, Woreda health offices, health facilities and other stakeholders that have responsibility for strengthening and improving COVID 19 response;

• Serve as a technical resource person who will provide technical support to RHB, ZHD, woreda/district health office (WoHOs) and health facilities to coordinate COVID 19 diagnosis and treatment activities;

• Coordinate targeted supervision to project-supported health facilities that required focused monitoring and supervision;

• Assist RHB/EOC to strengthen and coordinate an effective referral system of COVID 19 patients between health facilities;

• Coordinate and facilitate the implementation of HBIC care packages, uptake of Digital solutions, evaluation of outcomes and TC (treatment center) care package in the region;

• Oversee the implementation of nationally approved COVID-19 treatment guideline in the selected health facilities;

• Coordinate capacity building activities on diagnostics, treatment and care and digital health component of the project implementation;

• Work with central KNVC staff to effectively address operational challenges such as training preparation, supply needs, and the timely cascade of the supportive supervision and review meetings;

• Ensure the availability and utilization of COVID 19 diagnostic and treatment SOPs and job aids related to the implementation of test, isolate, and treat approach;

• Ensure availability and utilization of COVID 19 recording tools;

• Support the implementation of laboratory quality management system/ quality assurance measures (IQC, EQA) in the SARS-CoV-2 testing facilities;

• Regularly monitor the data collection, monitor the implementation, and prepare progress reports;

• Manage financial payment related to project activities when there is a need;

• Perform other duties appropriate to the position as needed and as assigned by the supervisor.

Who are we looking for?.

Job Requirements

Education

•  BSc in Health Sciences field such as Public Health, Clinical Nurse, MSc/MPH from a recognized university is a plus.

 Knowledge/Experience

•  Previous experience as Regional Coordinator or equivalent experience in infectious disease program preferably COVID 19 response program;

• At least five years of work experience in TB, HIV, or other related infectious diseases;

• Sound knowledge of basic principles of COVID 19 diagnosis, treatment, and associated challenges;

• Experience in COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment services roll-out and expansion;

• Experience in working with the RHB/ZHD and building the capacity of health care workers;

• Excellent communication, and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with culturally diverse partners;

• Computer literacy: competency with Microsoft Office, excel, internet and e-mail systems;

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Amharic is required. Additional fluency in the region-specific language is a plus;

• Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with colleagues and partners;

• Willingness to travel frequently (up to 30% time) within the regions;

• Good interpersonal skills with experience in networking with partners at all levels (region, zones, districts, health facilities, and local community-based organizations);

• Ability to cope with a demanding work environment and to organize and prioritize workload.

 What does KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation offer? 

• A full time (37.5 hours) fixed-term contract until March 31, 2023, with possibility of extension;

• An informal work atmosphere in an international environment where initiative is appreciated;

• A highly-motivated team of experienced, self-driven colleagues;

• The salary is dependent upon education and relevant working experience;

• KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation has its own Employment Conditions Scheme.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply using THIS LINK For more information contact Tel. +251116630146

Note: Applicants must be eligible to work in Ethiopia. Please note that we only consider the applications that are received through the KNCV website. Applications that are sent to recruit email account are not taken into consideration