Consultant - Implementation Research at World Health Organization

Purpose of consultancy

To provide technical expertise and guidance for the conduct of Operational/Implementation

Deliverables

• Task 1: Development of generic protocols for defining the factors associated with death in TB and TB/HIV patients: 
  • Finalisation of the research package in French and English. 
  • Technical guidance provided to the NTP of Niger for defining the risk factors of death in TB/HIV patients.

• Task 2: Technical expertise provided to National TB programmes to conduct Operational research for evaluating TB treatment decision algorythm: 
  • Finalize the research package in French and English. 
  • Liaise with the data management group to develop associated REDCap generic Database.
  • Development of generic materials for the set-up of the research projects, their initiation and monitoring.
  • Provide implementation guidance to selected institutions/countries, such as Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo, who plan to use the research package and adapt it to their respective contexts.
  • Draft research protocols for submission to the WHO ethical committee. 
  • Develop a TDR website page for documenting this initiative and for serving as a platform where to find all generic documents that were developed (see the ShORRT initiative TDR page as reference -Draft report for corresponding section in the TDR report.

• Task 3: Technical expertise to finalise the data analysis of the ETAP project (Social protection for TB patients) and RAFAScreen (TB screening in HIV and Diabetic patients): 
  • Data analysis: (i) to define key social determinants in TB patients. (ii) to define the most effective algorithms for TB screening in HIV infected patients and diabetic patients in Benin, Guinea and Senegal.
  • Draft study reports. 

• Task 4: Contribute to TDR activities with the WARN-TB/CARN-TB and South-East African Regional Network for TB control by:  
  • Drafting and delivering training courses for strengthening research capacities of the NTPs. 
  • Providing technical guidance to the NTPs for the development and conduct of OR/IR projects.
  • Draft report for corresponding section in the TDR report.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

• Advanced university degree in epidemiology, health economics, or any related field.

Desirable:

• PhD in epidemiology, health economics, or any related field.

Experience

Essential:

At least 7 years of experience in the following areas:

• Designing, conducting and analyzing the results of implementation research projects.
• Support to national TB control programmes in LMIC.

Desirable:

• Experience with TB and HIV patients.
• Experience in the development of generic protocols.
• Experience working in West and Central Africa.
• Experience/familiarity with the WARN-CARN-TB network.

Skills/Knowledge:

Essential:

• Knowledge of TB disease and TB patient management and care.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent writing skills. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and good inter‐personal skills with a sense of diplomacy.
• Ability to work well in teams, work independently and anticipate, innovate and turn issues into opportunities.
• Attention to details.

Closing Date: Mar 29, 2023