READVERTISED
1. Purpose of the Consultancy
The purpose of the consultancy is to provide immediate technical support to Provincial TB Control Programme Punjab for addressing the gaps over the continuum of TB care.
2. Background
Punjab is the biggest province of Pakistan in terms of population and shares almost 60% in the national TB notification. There are challenges in the province spread over continuum of TB care i.e. TB preventive treatment ,Decentralization of DR TB services , improving CHTB notification , engaging Primary health care in TB ( BHUs ) , referrals mechanism/ specimen transportation to improve the utilization of Gene Xpert available in the province, Contact tracing , community engagement, Collaborating TB/HIV and comorbidities, Keeping in view the disease burden , there is need for extending technical support to Provincial TB Program.
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.
Tentative Start date: 01 November 2024
End date: 30 April 2025
4. Work effort
Months: 06 Months (120 days)
(Please note that one month = 20 days)
5. Work to be performed
Output 1: M&E Support to PTP Punjab to monitor the implementation of updated national guidelines
1.1 Provide support to the national team to adapt evaluation and assessment tools to monitor the implementation of the latest National guidelines in Punjab, and prepare reports of M&E visits conducted, showing progress and challenges both in DS, DR TB and TB in children.
1.2 Draft an outline action plan for training of health care workers on revised national TB guidelines aligned with WHO latest recommendations.
1.3 Work with the national team to adapt WHO Prime TB project initiative based on Punjab context and provide support to the implementation of the project for strengthening national strategic planning in the province of Punjab as per the tasks and timelines specific to province.
1.4 Develop a concept note for sustainable engagement of Lady health workers in PTP Punjab and report on progress and challenges.
1.5 Carry out granular TB data analysis at provincial / district levels and draft a report on KPIs including data on contact tracing, specimen transportation, utilization of Gene Xpert and community referrals
1.6 Provide support to the national team for implementation of Joint programme review mission recommendations and Regional Gleen light committee (r GLC) mission recommendations specific to Punjab and prepare a report on the progress and updates.
Output 2: Provide technical support to PTP Punjab for integration of TB in PHC & multisectoral accountability framework for TB(MAF-TB) initiative .
2.1 Follow up and monitor the implementation of Primary Health care ( PHC ) and Multisectoral accountability – TB (MAF-TB ) initiatives in Hafizabad and Gujrat districts & prepare progress report.
Output 3: Support PTP Punjab for programmatic management of TB preventive treatment (PMTPT) implementation as per the national guidelines
Deliverable 3.1: Draft an outline action plan of activities for PMTPT implementation in the province.
Deliverable 3.2 Support PTP to implement PMTPT capacity building plan, and develop and submit progress report.
Deliverable 3.3: Report on monitoring progress on PMTPT implementation and evaluating outcomes according to specified indicators (with a focus on efficacy of the implementation approach and recommendations for improvement.)
Output 4: Support PTP Punjab for Integrated response to TB/HIV, IRMNCH/Nutrition, EPI, TB & NCDs
Deliverable 4.1: Support PTP Punjab to draft provincial plan of activities for TBHIV Coordination, & collaborative TB/HIV activities. Collaboration with IRMNCH, EPI & NCDs (Mental Hesalth , Diabetes & , Smoking ) and report on progress and updates..
Deliverable 4.2: Draft report on capacity building progress & monitor integrated response
6. Technical Supervision
The selected Consultant will work on the supervision of:
Responsible Officer: National Professional Officer TB (WHO Country Office Pakistan)
Manager: WR and head of mission Pakistan
7. Specific requirements
Essential: University degree in Medicine.
Desirable: Master’s degree in Public health. Specific training/courses on management of TB
Experience (essential): At least 2 years’ relevant experience in the management of public health programs, particularly in the field of TB control. An experience in TB at the national /provincial level is highly required/essential.
Knowledge & Skills:

• Knowledge of Country /Province situation regarding TB and national response.
• Excellent knowledge of TB, planning, and program design including setting & prioritization of interventions.
• Expert knowledge of the End TB Strategy, the political declaration of 2023 UN- High-level meeting (HLM), and WHO TB guidelines and frameworks.
• Ability to review and revise policies and objectives of assigned programs and activities.
• Ability to analyze information, and data and write concise reports.
• Diplomatic skills 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 (Power Point, MS word, Excel)

Language requirements:
Excellent Knowledge of English and URDU (Read - Write - Speak / Expert level), and sufficient command of relevant provincial languages will be considered as an additional asset.
8. Place of assignment
The consultant will be based in Lahore (Punjab)
9. Medical clearance
The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.
10. Travel
The Consultant is expected to travel, including for taking up assignments, from Provincial base station to Islamabad & the districts as per the requirement in support of the program
Purpose: Technical support & Monitoring & Supervision
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 a mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive a subsistence allowance.
Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfill visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.