International Individual Consultant to Technical Support the South Sudan National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (SSNTRL)

Contract

This is a International Consultant contract. More about International Consultant contracts.

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top ten global causes of mortality and poses a particular-threat to developing countries. It is estimated that one third of the global population carries latent TB, and therefore effective diagnosis and early initiation of patients on treatment are key to reducing the global TB burden. Disease transmission and infection will continue if these cases remain undiagnosed and untreated. An infectious TB +ve patient will spread the disease to an average of 10-15 additional people during each year the disease is active.

Conventional TB tests – including sputum smear microscopy, solid or liquid culture – suffer either from low sensitivity, or from high cost and cannot be used at lower health system levels.

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top ten global causes of mortality and poses a particular-threat to developing countries. It is estimated that one third of the global population carries latent TB, and therefore effective diagnosis and early initiation of patients on treatment are key to reducing the global TB burden. Disease transmission and infection will continue if these cases remain undiagnosed and untreated. An infectious TB +ve patient will spread the disease to an average of 10-15 additional people during each year the disease is active.

Conventional TB tests – including sputum smear microscopy, solid or liquid culture – suffer either from low sensitivity, or from high cost and cannot be used at lower health system levels.

Modern molecular tools such as GeneXpert machines offer a highly sensitive test for TB and rifampicin resistance with a turn-around time of two hours, offering the ability to test in primary-care facilities. GeneXpert testing has 98% overall sensitivity and can correctly identify up to 70% of the smear negative TB cases. It can also detect rifampicin resistance during the same test cycle, allowing early detection and initiation of patients on MDR TB treatment. South Sudan National TB Reference Laboratory (SSNTRL), which is mandated to provide technical leadership in Tuberculosis Laboratory network began performing phenotypic testing (solid culture using L J media in 2018 and later introduced Liquid culture using MGIT 960). Among the genotypic testing methods, GeneXpert MTB/ RIF has been on use since 2014 and later 2018 Line probe assay (LPA) was introduced as well.

In the role of Quality assurance, NTRL is supporting TB Lab Network through implementation of Blinded Re-checking EQA component, and capacity building for peripheral labs. With the support from Global Fund, key TB Laboratory guidelines for Quality Assurance, AFB training manuals were developed. However, despite these achievements, the challenges remain immense, including limited trained human resource, limited coverage of TB services, weak network of laboratory services, weak TSRS and the emerging threat of drug resistant TB.

While there is need to have continued roll-out and scale-up of molecular technologies such as use of GeneXpert, there is also the need to plan for the transition of the GeneXpert MTB /RIF to GeneXpert Ultra, and strengthen the TSRS, in addition to develop the capacity of the current NTRL staff. Above all, uptake of TB diagnostic technologies requires appropriate lab infrastructure and properly trained technical staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

?The primary objective of this assignment is to provide technical expertise in review of key TB Lab Manuals /Tools namely:

(a) AFB Quality Assurance Manual,

(b) AFB Smear Microscopy Manual,

(c) TB Lab Training Manual,

(d) EQA Blinded Re-checking tools and

(e) Sputum Smear Microscopy Request Forms as well as:

• To develop guidelines for transition from conventional GeneXpert MTB/RIF to GeneXpert Ultra cartridges.
• To develop Algorithm for GeneXpert Ultra cartridges and GeneXpert training manual

• To strengthen TB Specimen Referral System (TSRS)

• To provide capacity-building for in-country NTRL technical staff on the following areas: (a)Orientation on cultures on both solid and liquid media (L J & MGIT respectively)

• (b) Orientation on phenotypic and genotypic first line and second line DST. This includes Line probe assays (LPA Hain) – MTBDR plus and MTBDR sl.

• (c) Orientation on optimum utilization of GeneXpert technology and training of lab staff as GeneXpert Super-Users.

  Title To provide Electronic copy.

1. AFB Quality Assurance Manual for EQA implementation NTRL Manager
2. TB Lab Training Manual for Sputum Smear Microscopy NTRL Manager
3. AFB Sputum Smear Microscopy Manual. NTRL Manager
4. EQA Blinded Rechecking Tools NTRL Manager
5. Sputum Microscopy Request Forms NTRL Manager
6. Algorithm for GeneXpert Testing NTRL Manager

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will:

• Review and Develop a sustainable cost-effective laboratory quality management system that will ensure quality of laboratory test processes and results, and safety of laboratory workers.
• Recommends appropriate forecasting and inventory system for laboratory commodities, reagents and equipment; to ensure reagents, supplies and equipment procure meet WHO standards.
• Recommends appropriate tools for the Monitoring of equipment performance, functionality and routine maintenance to ensure optimum equipment performance with minimum down-time.
• Review the country’s laboratory data collection tools such as laboratory request forms, reporting forms and registers.
• Capacitate the relevant laboratory staff on difference expects.
• Recommends relevant trainings to the NTRL staff according to the areas of specialty.

Deliverables:

• Key TB Lab Manuals reviewed.
• EQA Blinded Re-checking Tools reviewed.
• Produce a draft GeneXpert transition plan from GeneXpert MTB/RIF to GeneXpert Ultra.
• GeneXpert Ultra Algorithm developed.
• GeneXpert Training Manual developed.
• TB Specimen Referral System strengthened.
• NTRL Technical staff trained on solid and liquid cultures.
• NTRL Technical staff trained on phenotypic and genotypic DST for first and second line DST, including LPA.
• NTRL Technical staff trained on optimum utilization of GeneXpert Technology as GeneXpert Super-Users.
• Submit a sustainable and cost-effective laboratory quality management system plan.
• Training needs assessment report for the different laboratory tiers
• In-service training plan for the laboratory personnel at the different tiers of laboratory
• In-service training of laboratory personnel at facilities in operating and managing various equipment
• In-service training of laboratory personnel at facilities with knowledge on supply quantification and stock management
• In-service training of laboratory personnel in the management of laboratories and demonstrate improvement thereof (ensure proper management of laboratories)
• Submit updated monthly laboratory functionality report, including issues identified and remedial actions provided
• Develop tools for supply management (quantification, monitoring, requisition) available at facilities
• Submit an updated Develop reagent and consumables specification and quantification with defined methodology and template

• Reporting: The consultant will work in close collaboration with the NTRL Manager and all the staff at the National TB Reference Laboratory, NTP, MoH & UNDP and report to Dr. Blaise the Global Fund Coordination Advisor.

  Travel:

  All travel costs will be covered by UNDP according to its rules and regulations. Travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses will be agreed upon, between UNDP and the Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be covered and paid by UNDP. The fare will always be “most direct, most economical” and any difference in price with the preferred route will be paid for by the expert.

• Payment Method:

  Payment: All-inclusive Daily Fee

• The consultant will be paid on a daily rate (based on the number of days worked).
• Payments will be based on the Certificate of Payments that will be submitted;
• Time Sheet will be attached and verified by the direct supervisor; and
• Final tranche upon performance evaluation from the direct supervisor.

Competencies

• Corporate Competencies:
• Demonstrates diplomacy and tact in dealing with sensitive and complex situations.
• Able to work in difficult and remote areas for extended periods of time

Professionalism:

• Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment;
• Shows pride in work and in achievements;
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.

Planning & Organizing:

• Organizes and accurately completes multiple tasks by establishing priorities while taking into consideration special assignments, frequent interruptions, deadlines, available resources and multiple reporting relationships;
• Plans, coordinates and organizes workload while remaining aware of changing priorities and competing deadlines;

Establishes, builds and maintains effective working relationships with staff and clients to achieve the planned results.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree (M.S./M.Sc./M.A) or a Doctoral Degree (PhD) in either of the following relevant specializations: Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology and Biochemistry.

Experience:

• A minimum of Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a clinical, public health or academic laboratory. The incumbent must also have a proven record of publication in either of the listed specializations above. At least five publications must have appeared in reputable international scientific journals.
• Experience in laboratory techniques including knowledge of procedures for Molecular diagnostics, microbiological techniques, immunology, virology quality assurance and knowledge of the South Sudan laboratory facilities, health care system and structures including familiarity with MOH policies, program priorities and regulations. The incumbent must have good working knowledge of team management techniques to plan, organize and direct multi-disciplinary project teams, activities, and overall administrative requirements.
• Experience working in partnership with programmes supported by international agencies such as WHO, World Bank, Global Fund and bilateral agencies such as CDC and USAID.
• Demonstrated ability to write sound technical reports and excellent presentation skills
• Computer skills including Microsoft office, m-Supply, spreadsheet, database, etc.

Guidelines for Applications:

Interested applicants are advised to carefully review this advertisement and ensure that they meet the requirements and qualifications described.

Applicants are to submit:

Evaluation criteria for the International consultancy

Applicants shall be evaluated based upon their submitted expressions of interest and financial proposals, which includes a cumulative analysis method based a combination of technical and financial evaluation results

• Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following’s methodology:
• Cumulative analysis
• When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:
• Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
• Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.
• Relevant Education: JD/PhD in a technical field relevant to Master’s degree (M.S./M.Sc./M.A) or a Doctoral Degree (PhD) in either of the following relevant specializations: Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology and Biochemistry. 30points
• Relevant Experience: At least Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a clinical, public health or academic laboratory 40 points
• Competency : Competencies, Skills & language 30 points

• * Technical Criteria weight; [70%]

  * Financial Criteria weight; [30%]

  To be computed as a ratio of the Proposal’s offer to the lowest price among the proposals received by UNDP.

  Applicants are to submit:

  *Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall consider various expenses incurred by the consultant/contractor during the contract period (e.g. rent of dwelling, fee, health insurance, vaccination, visa costs and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services...). All envisaged costs (except of the unforeseen travel costs for missions, if any) must be included in the financial proposal. Unforeseen travel costs for missions, if any, will be paid separately according to UNDP rules and regulations. All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. Per diems cannot exceed UN DSA rates (http://icsc.un.org/rootindex.asp) .

  Security: Individual Consultants are responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director. Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under https://trip.dss.un.org

  Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.

  Due to large number of applications we receive, we can inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process

• Signed and Updated Personal History Form (P11) or CV. The template can be downloaded from this link: http://sas.undp.org/documents/p11_personal_history_form.doc).
• Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability indicating all-inclusive daily rate in USD).

• *Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall consider various expenses incurred by the consultant/contractor during the contract period (e.g. rent of dwelling, fee, health insurance, vaccination, visa costs and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services...). All envisaged costs (except of the unforeseen travel costs for missions, if any) must be included in the financial proposal. Unforeseen travel costs for missions, if any, will be paid separately according to UNDP rules and regulations. All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. Per diems cannot exceed UN DSA rates (http://icsc.un.org/rootindex.asp).

  Security: Individual Consultants are responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director. Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under https://trip.dss.un.org

  Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.

  Due to large number of applications we receive, we can inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.