Job Description

TERMS OF REFERENCE

POSITION: CONSULTANT FOR CONSULTATION ON LEPROSY DIAGNOSTICS & DIAGNOSIS

Background

NLR India (NLRI) is a non-profit, non-religious, non-governmental organization registered as a public charitable trust as per the Indian Trust Act in 1999. We are working in eight states, namely, Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal with the vision “Creation of an inclusive society free from Leprosy, allied skin NTDs and related Disabilities”. NLR India has a 25 years reputation of making remarkable contribution towards the leprosy programme.

Leprosy is an ancient bacterial disease caused by mycobacterium leprae discovered 150 years ago (in1873). It still affects more than 100,000 persons every year in India. This is more than 50% of total annual new cases reported globally. Government of India has decided to interrupt the transmission of leprosy by 2027. Early diagnosis of leprosy, treatment and prevention is critical for interruption of transmission. The Slit Skin Smear (SSS) test has specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 50% , meaning it can miss around 50% of the leprosy cases. It is being gradually made available across India. Unfortunately, there is no diagnostic tool available which can detect leprosy at an early stage. A number of diagnostic tools utilizing PGL-1 and PCR-based technology are being developed/ evaluated. On the other hand, development of the Truenat based PCR point-of-care test for tuberculosis decentralized to blocks may provide an opportunity to use the platform for leprosy Point of Care (PoC) testing.

Under the given context, NLR India in collaboration with Government, WHO and other stakeholders aims to develop a standard leprosy diagnosis algorithm and identify priorities for research on leprosy testing following a 2-step process: 1] Develop a status paper on leprosy testing and draft leprosy diagnosis algorithm; and 2] Conduct a national consultation of experts to review and finalize the leprosy diagnosis algorithm and identify priorities for research.

Specific scope of work for the consultant

1. Draft the status paper detailing the different leprosy tests available/ being developed/ evaluated in India and their strengths and limitations, and positive predictive value for lepra reaction

2. Draft the leprosy diagnosis algorithm

3. Share the documents in the national consultation meeting, receive feedback and revise

Process to be followed

The consultant needs to work independently through his knowledge, desk research and consultation with his contacts. The status paper should begin with a global description leading to Indian context and should back-up facts with references. The drafts will be reviewed by NLR India before they are made ready for the national consultation. The consultation meeting will be held in Delhi and will be organized by NLR India along with its collaborators. The consultant will be expected to present the draft documents and respond to queries. Post the meeting, the consultant will revise the documents based on the feedback received during the consultation meeting. NLR India along with its collaborators will review the revised documents. The consultancy will be closed after the documents are finalized.

Deliverables – 3 documents

1. Status paper on leprosy tests

2. Leprosy diagnosis algorithm

3. Priorities for research on leprosy diagnostics

Timeline: Around 2 months.

Qualification and Experiences:

Public health expert/ pathologist/ microbiologist with knowledge of leprosy, leprosy programme and diagnostics.

Remuneration

Compensation will be based on experience and qualification. A lump sum payment will be made. The consultant is expected to provide a quotation with the application.

How to apply

Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to apply using the link https://forms.gle/dZcL5VMaW73YEE7y5 and mention position applied for ‘‘CONSULTANT FOR CONSULTATION ON LEPROSY DIAGNOSTICS & DIAGNOSIS”. Upload your CV by using the link along with your cover letter which explains your track record in doing similar assignment and the expected lump sum compensation for the assignment. Apply for this assignment by or before 21st November 2024. However, you are requested to apply at the earliest, we will screen and interview on an ongoing basis; in case, we get a suitable candidate early, the position will be closed before 21st November 2024.

No telephone queries and clarification will be responded/ answered. Only shortlisted candidate will be contacted.

About Company

NLR India (NLRIF), New Delhi is an ISO 9001:2015 certified, Non-Profit, Non-religious, Non-Government Organization. NLR India works for persons and families affected by Leprosy, other Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). The Foundation has a track record of serving the leprosy cause since the year 1999.

With its noble vision and Leprosy oriented efforts spread across a time period of over two decades, NLRIF supports the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) in achieving Zero Transmission, Zero Disability and Zero Exclusion. NLR India works in five different thematic areas, namely, Health, Education, Livelihood, Empowerment and Research.

All Jobs posted by: NLR India Foundation (NLRIF)