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The United States Agency for International Development Tuberculosis South Africa Project (TBSAP) provides technical assistance and support to the Government of South Africa to reduce the burden of tuberculosis (TB) in the country. The objectives of the project are to reduce TB infections, increase sustainability of effective TB response systems, and improve care and treatment for vulnerable populations.

Job Title: TB Clinical Advisor (Sessional Doctors) X 7
Location: Eastern Cape (Sarah Baartman), Free State (Mangaung and Fezile Dabi), Limpopo (Sekhukhune), Western Cape (West Coast and Cape Winelands) and KwaZulu Natal (uMkhanyakude)
Project Name: USAID TB South Africa Project
Type: 8 months contract
Salary: Commensurate with required experience and qualifications
Reports to: Team Lead: Clinical and Diagnostic Services

Summary of Scope of Work

The District based TB Clinical Advisor (Sessional Doctor) is responsible for training and mentoring DOH clinicians in the management of TB and DRTB. The role provides guidance and shares skills and expertise on best practice with respect to the management of patients with TB/DRTB. The role is also responsible to optimize the capacity of DOH staff to provide comprehensive, integrated management of TB/DRTB through a systematic Quality Improvement approach. He/She will be responsible for the following but not limited to:

Minimum Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Rapid assessment of the state of TB/DRTB Clinical Care in the district, establish gaps and institute remedial actions;
• TB/DRTB training for DOH Clinicians and the district health management team;
• TB/DRTB Mentorship and Clinical Support within the district;
• Clinical support to the project team, doctors, nurses and DHMT involved in the TB program;
• Health Systems Strengthening (HSS), through Implementation Clinical referral guidelines; referral pathways; algorithms and procedures for effective triage and management of patients; clinical training resources to enhance skills in provision of TB/DRTB clinical care; and mentorship and “job shadowing” of DOH clinicians;
• Work with the DOH district management teams to improve health systems in support of sound TB/DRTB clinical practice in District Hospitals, CHCs and PHC clinics;
• Keep abreast of developments in the TB/DRTB field locally and internationally;
• In collaboration with the TBSAP team, translate relevant TB/DRTB policy and guideline changes into implementable activities for the DOH clinicians;
• Perform clinical audits to ensure adherence to guidelines and best practice;
• Train and mentor DOH clinicians on clinical procedures, guidelines and protocols on TB/DRTB;
• Facilitate TB/DRTB training for internal and external audiences, as may be required;
• Conduct knowledge and skills analyses of clinicians in the district;
• Document lessons learnt for inclusion into quality improvement plans;
• Maintain close relations with the district and sub-district health sector services and contribute to their operational plans where relevant;
• Map and ensure functional community linkages for DR TB patients with project supported and non-supported NGOs and other community institutions;
• Revitalize and institutionalize DR TB review meetings, including early warning indicators for DR TB in the project supported districts;

Reports

• Provide monthly and quarterly status reports to the Team Lead-Clinical and Diagnostics;
• Provide activity-based reports a per the project guidelines to the Team Lead-Clinical and Diagnostics.

Minimum Educational Qualifications, Skills and Experience required:

• A medical degree (MBChB, MBBS);
• Additional training in management of TB/DRTB;
• Up to date registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner Advantageous;
• At least 5 years’ experience in patient management in the TB/MDR-TB clinical care beyond primary care level;
• At least 2 years’ experience in training health care providers;
• Experience in Quality Improvement methodology;
• A track record of the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team;
• Demonstrable thorough understanding of the SA Department of Health district health system, policies and guidelines pertaining to TB/DRTB care;
• Proven ability to develop effective working relationships;
• English language fluency (both spoken and written);
• Evidence of strong computer skills in Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word;
• A valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally in between the designated facilities;
• Only candidates who are eligible to work in South Africa for an indefinite period, without a need for sponsorship will be considered for this position.

To Apply:

Suitable and interested candidates should send CV/Résumé, Cover Letter “quoting the Position, Province and District on the email subject line and completed USAID Form 1420 Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (link: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/AID1420-17.doc) to [email protected].

Application Deadline: 27 May 2020