Zonal Coordinator-North Wollo zone

Job Description

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.

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

KNCV has been supporting the national TB program in Ethiopia in different TB program related areas including strengthening of childhood TB management in the country. As part of this effort, KNCV supported the implementation of the Painless Optimized Diagnostics for TB in Ethiopian Children (PODTEC) between 2019 and 2021 with emphasis on improving access to non-invasive diagnostic methods. Building on this effort, KNCV will support scale up of the services to south Omo (SNNPR), Borena Zone (Oromia regional states and North Wollo Zone (Amhara regional states)).

 Purpose of the position and organizational position 

KNCV is looking for three zonal coordinators who will coordinate and facilitate the implementation of the project in North Wollo zone (Amhara regional states). The zonal coordinators will be stationed and co-located in the zonal health Departments of North Wollo zone (Amhara regional states).The zonal coordinator will report to the project coordinator and will work in close coordination with the laboratory advisor, Digital Health officer and M&E officer.

 Profile

The zonal coordinator will:

• Coordinate KNCV’s implementation of project in the intervention zone Coordinate; baseline assessment of the status of TB diagnosis and treatment among children in the project zones;
• Put maximum effort to improve identification of children with presumptive TB, diagnosed using Xpert stool test and put on appropriate treatment of hose diagnosed for TB and eligible for TPT;
• Actively engage in the coordination and monitoring of the project sites on patient enrollment, sample collection, sample referral system and data collection;
• Supervise the overall specimen transport and results feedback system, communication and strengthening of the networks of the GeneXpert sites;
• Provide technical support to the health facilities during supportive supervision and review meetings;
• Ensure that records are maintained at facility level and reported to KNCV central office;
• Prepare zone specific project progress reports to KNCV country office on a pre-defined basis;
• Facilitate the facility to subnational or regional sample transportation system.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop close working relationships with ZHD, Woreda health offices, health facilities and other stakeholders that have responsibility for strengthening and improving tuberculosis control and prevention program;
• Serve as a technical resource person who will provide technical support to ZHD, woreda/district health office (WoHOs) and health facilities to coordinate TB control and prevention program activities;
• Coordinate targeted supervision to study health facilities that required focused monitoring and supervision;
• Assist Zonal/Woreda TB focal persons to strengthen and coordinate an effective referral system of TB patients between health facilities and regional or sub-regional laboratories;
• Coordinate and facilitate sample transportation and improve communication of test results between health facility and Xpert site;
• 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 sample processing and sample transportation SOPs related to the implementation of stool pilot work;
• Regularly monitor the data collect, monitor the implementation and prepare report;
• Perform other duties appropriate to the position as needed and as assigned by the supervisor.

What does KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation offer?

• A fixed-term contract till end of December 2023 with a possibility for extension

• An informal work atmosphere in an international environment where a pro-active mentality 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;
• Full-time employment consists of 37.5 hours per week.

Job Requirement

Who are we looking for?

•  MD or BSc in health sciences field such as Public health officer, Clinical nurse, MSc/MPH from a recognized university is a plus;
• Previous experience as zonal project coordinator or equivalent experience in TB program;
• At least five years of work experience in TB, preferably in childhood TB;
• Sound knowledge of basic principles of childhood TB and the challenges associated with diagnosing childhood TB;
• Experience in working with the zonal or regional TB program and building the capacity of health care workers in childhood TB will be preferred;
• 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- or zone-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 zones;
• Good interpersonal skills with experience in networking with partners at all levels (region, zones, districts, health facilities, and local community-based organizations);
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently;
• Ability to cope with a demanding work environment and to organize and prioritize workload.