Consultant International Systèmes Labo Et Diagnostic TB, Appui Technique Élaboration Stratégie Mise En Œuvre Systèmes Labo Et Du Diagnostic Composante TB De La Subvention GC8 (2027-2029): Sites À Haut Volume En République Centrafricaine _ WCO-CAR

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in the Central African Republic, in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis Program (PNLT), is seeking a consultant to strengthen the national laboratory system. This role supports the Global Fund GC8 grant (2027-2029), focusing on high-volume sites to ensure rapid, reliable, and quality diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this role is to provide technical expertise in developing and implementing laboratory and diagnostic systems for tuberculosis (TB) and drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) in the Central African Republic. The consultant will work collaboratively with the PNLT, National Reference Laboratory, Ministry of Health, WHO, and other partners to create a comprehensive operational strategy for the TB component of the GC8 grant. This involves assessing current laboratory networks, evaluating diagnostic capacities, defining organizational structures, and developing strategies for quality assurance, biosafety, equipment maintenance, and human resource development to ensure effective TB diagnosis and control in high-volume settings.

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct a thorough review of existing literature and analyze the national laboratory network, evaluating diagnostic capabilities. Key responsibilities include defining the national laboratory network's organization, developing the national laboratory systems strategy, and creating diagnostic strategies for both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB. The role involves elaborating a national quality assurance plan, developing biosafety measures, and formulating a national equipment maintenance strategy. Additionally, the consultant will define human resource needs, develop strategies for supply chain management, establish platform connectivity mechanisms, and create a national sample transport strategy. The consultant will also develop a capacity-building plan and a national performance monitoring framework, contributing to the integrated strategic document for the TB component of the GC8 grant and participating in validation workshops.

Work Experience

Essential: 7-15 years of experience in TB laboratory systems, demonstrated experience in strengthening national laboratory networks, proven experience with rapid molecular diagnostic technologies, experience with Global Fund grants, and experience working in high TB burden countries. Desirable: Experience in fragile or crisis-affected states and experience collaborating with WHO or other UN agencies.

Skills

Proficiency in French (oral and written). Good knowledge of English. Excellent Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Proficiency in technical writing and presentation software. Strong data analysis capabilities. Excellent strategic writing skills. Ability to work in multicultural environments. Strong facilitation and skills transfer competencies. Knowledge of WHO TB diagnostic recommendations, national laboratory systems, GeneXpert/Truenat/Pluslife technologies, quality assurance, biosafety, sample transport, biomedical maintenance, platform connectivity, strategic planning, intervention budgeting, Global Fund grants, and sub-Saharan public health contexts.

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