Consultant (TB) [Punjab]

Location: Lahore
Company Name: United Nations Pakistan

TERMS OF REFERENCE

1. Purpose

The purpose of the consultancy is to provide immediate technical assistance to Provincial TB Control Programme Punjab for strengthening the implementation of End TB strategy / Political declaration and targets of UNHLM for 2022.

2. Background

Punjab is the biggest province of Pakistan in terms of population and shares almost 60% in the national TB notification. There are immense challenges in the province related to drug sensitive and DR TB which include improving the case notification both for Drug sensitive and DR TB, improving CHTB notification , enhanced involvement of privates sector and engaging Primary health care in TB ( BHUs ) , referrals mechanism/ specimen transportation to improve the utilization of Gene Xpert available in the province, Contact tracing , LTBI , engaging LHWs in TB and community engagement, TB/HIV and comorbidities, Keeping in view the disease burden , there is need for extending technical support to Provincial TB Program.

Based on the assessed need and expressed request from the Provincial TB Control Programme Punjab, the proposed consultancy is meant to immediately address the technical needs of the program in the key strategic areas over the short period of time The proposed consultancy will ensure technical assistance to the PTP staff which is taking care of routine project managerial activities but lacked technical assistance in specific programmatic areas.

3. Planned timelines

Start date: October 2019

End date: March 2020

4. Work to be performed

Output 1: Adapting national TB Polices, Guidelines and Strategies for the province, to align with the WHO Global ‘End TB Strategy’, & UNHLM political declaration related commitments including Multisectoral Accountability approach and Framework.

Deliverable 1: Adapt and align policies and guidelines with WHO “End TB Strategy” to reach the 2020 and 2030 milestones and UNHLM 2022 targets for treatment, prevention

Deliverable 2: Recommend Multi-sectoral approach at the province and sub provincial levels and adoption, monitoring and reporting of Accountability Framework

Deliverable 3: Identify missing cases including intensified/active case finding and screening of high risk groups that will help to reach End TB Strategy, UNGA Political Declaration commitments and FIND TREAT ALL #END TB targets.

Deliverable 4: Train national workforce on optimum utilization & expansion of new diagnostics and implementation of transition plan for new MDR/RR guidelines and LTBI guidelines.

Deliverable 5: Organize and facilitate training organized with WHO support

Deliverable 6: Draft proposals for donor and domestic resource mobilization including Global Fund provincial grant application and work plan components

Output 2: Strengthen quality TB service provision, to all levels of the health care system up to the community level

Deliverable 7: Identify referral mechanisms for TB presumptive cases, involving first level health care facilities (BHUs) and basic management units (RHC, THQ, DHQs) and Gene Xpert sites. Deliverable 8: Explore efficient sputum specimen transport mechanisms suitable to local context. Deliverable 9: Promote involvement of LHWs in TB programme and explore linkages with other community outreach programs within and outside health sector. Output 3 : Integrated Response to HIV/TB/ and Malaria in the country and TB/NCD collaboration

Deliverable 10: Prepare a plan and outline an integrated model of response to HIV, Hepatitis/ TB and Malaria and of ONE stop service delivery at PHC and Hospital level and propose a plan for implementation

Deliverable 11: Identify coordination plan between PTP and Provincial AIDS Control Programme, collaboration with other comorbidities including diabetes mellitus, child health care, nutrition, MNCH & tobacco control etc.

Deliverable 12: Organize capacity building activities of human resources in line with integrated approach.

Output 4: Monitoring & Evaluation, Surveillance & Research for TB Control Interventions, in the province

Deliverable13: Assess TB control interventions funded by Global Fund in coordination with provincial TB Program; and SRs working in the province

Deliverable 14: Conduct granular data analysis and use with PTP & partners

Deliverable 15: Prepare surveillance reports for Country Office, Regional Office and Global TB Programme.

Deliverable 16: Assess and recommend adaptations to the M&E system to track progress at provincial level funded by global fund for DS TB, MDR TB and laboratory supervision

Skills required:

• Knowledge of Country /Province situation regarding TB and national response

• Excellent knowledge of TB , planning and program design including setting of interventions

• Expert knowledge of End TB issues , in particular planning for access to quality diagnosis ,screening , care and treatment for drug sensitive and DR TB, management of LTBI including procurement.

• Ability to develop good relations with national/provincial and district leadership and partners to ensure effective and collaborative response for Ending TB.

• Excellent communication, report writing and analytical skills.

• Team player

• Use of MS office ( PowerPoint , MS word , Excel )

5. Language: expert knowledge of English, Expert knowledge of local languages.

6. Place of assignment: The consultant will be based in Lahore.

7. Medical clearance: The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

8. Travel (if any)

All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance.

Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.