Consultant, TB Diagnostics, Expand ELEVATE Project

About the Project: Expand ELEVATE

Expand ELEVATE (Engaging Local Experts in Validating and Analyzing TB-data to End TB) is a CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)-supported and PATH-implemented project under the guidance of the Central Tuberculosis Division (CTD). The project aims to build sustainable data analytics capacity among health program staff and promote data-driven decision-making within TB and public health programs to support TB elimination activities at the local level.

In Year 3 the project is pursuing two core strategies: (1) strengthening and scaling data-driven implementation at the local level by empowering staff as data champions and (2) fostering innovation and resilience in TB elimination by leveraging data use across systems and services. A dedicated objective under the project focuses on enhancing the TB diagnostic care cascade and surveillance systems by supporting data analytics building staff capacity and guiding laboratory network optimization across states and districts.

About the Position:

PATH is hiring for a Consultant TB Diagnostics.

The Consultant TB Diagnostics under the overall supervision of the Deputy Director-TB PATH and in close coordination with the State Tuberculosis Officer and State TB Training and Demonstration Centre (STDC) will be responsible for providing oversight and technical guidance on diagnostic-related activities under the Expand ELEVATE project. S/he will be responsible for strengthening the TB diagnostic care cascade and building the capacity of state and laboratory teams in diagnostic data use across supported geographies.

Specific Roles of this Position Include:

• Work closely with the PATH national team NTEP state teams STDCs Intermediate Reference Laboratories (IRLs) and other stakeholders to build relationships with state district and sub-district teams for effective planning and implementation of diagnostic-related project interventions.
• Provide technical oversight and guidance to state and district teams to identify and address gaps in the TB diagnostic care cascade aligned with the national TB diagnostic algorithm including analyzing drop-offs using funnel analytics disaggregated data to detect delays trends and underperforming areas.
• Generate and disseminate actionable recommendations to state TB programs based on diagnostic cascade analyses and support follow-up for implementation of corrective actions.
• Strengthen the capacity of STDC and IRL staff in analyzing diagnostic data and support effective use of Diagnostic Dashboard through hands-on training sessions at the state level.
• Support in-person and virtual mentoring and supervision of laboratory and diagnostic staff to strengthen data-driven decision-making in diagnostic services.
• Participate in state-level review meetings under NTEP contribute technical inputs on diagnostics and assist in presenting data-driven insights and actionable recommendations.
• Undertake travel (approximately 3040% of time) to districts and states as needed for follow-up support field visits and cross-validation of quality assurance of diagnostic interventions using standardized tools.
• Submit regular updates and progress reports and document achievements best practices and learnings from diagnostic activities for internal and external sharing.
• Assist the national team in developing national-level reports and disseminating project updates related to TB diagnostics.
• Perform any other project-related tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and Competencies Required:

• PhD OR postgraduate degree in Public Health Microbiology Laboratory Sciences Health Administration or equivalent from a recognized university in India.
• Minimum 8 years of experience working in public health programs of which at least 4 years should be in TB elimination laboratory systems or diagnostic network management at district level or above; preference will be given to those with state-level experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in TB diagnostics laboratory network management and knowledge of the national TB diagnostic algorithm and Ni-kshay systems.
• Familiarity with the functioning of STDCs IRLs and the TB laboratory network in India is an added advantage.
• Fluency in English and Hindi is required.
• Ability to communicate clearly mentor and work collaboratively with state and district NTEP/laboratory staff under demanding timelines.

The position requires extensive travel within the assigned state(s) with scope for inter-state travel as per project needs. We are looking for a self-motivated hard-working energetic and creative individual who is a good team player and is comfortable working in a fast-paced and evolving environment.