Invitation for application of consultant work.

Background:

PATH is a global non-profit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience forging multisector partnerships, and with expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing health challenges.

Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) is a five-year USAID-funded project with the following overall objectives: (1) Improve the detection of diseases of public health importance and identification of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in priority infectious diseases through an accessible, accurate, adaptable, timely, and integrated diagnostic network system; (2) Improve the quality of real-time surveillance systems for pathogens of greatest public health concern, including AMR and zoonotic diseases, and; (3) Generate evidence-based guidance and innovative solutions to strengthen in-country diagnostic networks and surveillance systems. In Tanzania, the IDDS project is also focusing on activities to strengthen the TB diagnostic network in line with national government policies.

Tanzania Ministry of Health through National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program (NTLP) with IDDS support, intends to conduct a study to investigate the causes of stagnation and the impact of use of WHO recommended rapid diagnostics on bacteriologically confirmed TB detection in Tanzania.

PATH is seeking a Research Consultant responsible for leading and facilitating data collection, analysis and reporting of all study activities aimed to investigate the causes of stagnation and the impact of the use of WHO recommended rapid diagnostics on bacteriologically confirmed TB detection in Tanzania. This position reports the Principal Investigator based at National TB and Leprosy Program based in Dodoma, Tanzania and to the IDDS Tanzania Project Director based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The position will require travel to research sites within Tanzania.

The Bacteriological Confirmed TB Cases (Bacc) TB study will be carried out in two phases: Phase 1: Determine the underlying causes of stagnation in the detection of bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis cases. Specifically, Phase 1 will assess the following:

• TB diagnostic algorithms, implementation uptake and associated factors
• Geographical coverage of WRD machines in Tanzania.
• Xpert/Truenat utilization and performance in Tanzania and associated factors.
• Outcome of TB diagnosis in Tanzania and associated factors.
• Impact of Covid-19 in TB case detection in Tanzania.

Phase 2: Assess the impact of the routine use of Xpert and other rapid molecular diagnostics on the reporting of bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis cases in the country. Specifically, Phase 2 will assess the following:

• Xpert/Truenat utilization and performance in selected sites in Tanzania
• Outcome of TB testing in Tanzania

It is in line with this background that PATH intends to engage a Research Consultant to work with the MoH/NTLP in conducting the Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the study.

Scope of work of the consultant

Under the supervision of the Country Principal Investigator, and in close collaboration with the Country Research Team, the Consultant will perform the following tasks:

Phase 1:

1. Review the research protocol, develop, and submit the inception report (for phase I & II) including the methodology, activities, and timeline.
2. Review and finalise the data collection tools.
3. Perform desk review and collect relevant data/information.
4. Conduct sites visits and collect relevant data/information.
5. Supervise the development of data analysis plan and data analysis as per the approved Plan.
6. Draft the study (phase I) report and secure the validation from stakeholders.
7. Facilitate the report dissemination and validation meeting with key stakeholders.
8. Prepare and submit a slide deck with key findings of the study.

Phase II:

1. Conduct onsite data verification at the intervention sites of the study.
2. Supervise the development of the data analysis plan and the data analysis as per approved plan.
3. Draft the study (phase Wand secure the validation from stakeholders.
4. Facilitate the report dissemination and validation meeting with key stakeholders.
5. Prepare and submit a slide deck with key findings from the validated study report.

Key Deliverables

• Completed study questionnaires and databases (phase I and phase II)
• Approved data analysis plans (phase I and phase II)
• Site visits reports (Phase II)
• Validated study reports (phase I and phase II)
• Slides deck with key findings (phase I and phase II)
• Mission reports (phase I and phase II)

Travel expenses:

Travel expenses will be per PATH policy.

Interested candidates are required to send a cover letter and CV to Mary Emmanuel at [email protected] and copy to [email protected] not later than 18th April 2023.