DR-TB Quality Improvement Coordinator, GC7 N-THRIP at Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH)

The Position

• A critical gap remains in the DR-TB cascade: with pre-treatment loss in some states exceeding 70%.
• To address this, ARFH will deploy State-level DR-TB Quality Improvement Coordinators (QICs) to close the diagnosis-to-treatment gap, improve baseline investigation completion within 72 hours, and achieve ≥95% treatment initiation within 7 days. They will be responsible for closing all enrolment gaps and improve treatment outcome to 100% for all diagnosed DRTB clients.

Overview of the Position

• The DR-TB Quality Improvement Coordinator (QIC) will function as a coordination, accountability and quality care resource embedded within NTBLCP and STBLCP structures.
• The role does not create parallel systems but strengthens existing accountability, data use, and clinical governance. QIC will ensure that every laboratory-confirmed DR-TB case is tracked, initiated on treatment, and retained through digital adherence support.
• The QIC reports to the Sub recipient’s State Technical Officer, SR Project Lead, IHVN, STBLCP and NTBLCP.

Key Responsibilities
The DRTB Quality Improvement Coordinator will:
Cascade Coordination and Accountability:

• strongly support the State DR-TB Focal Person to ensure that patient management is fully aligned with national guidelines, with complete, accurate, and timely reporting.
• actively engage and collaborate with Community TB/HIV Workers (CTHWs) to strengthen community-based DR-TB management, including treatment adherence, follow-up, and contact management in line with national standards.
• promptly facilitate treatment initiation, laboratory monitoring (baseline and follow up), actively participate in monthly OPD clinics.
• prepare and submit morbidity and mortality summaries, and function as an active member of the State DR-TB Consilium of Experts, ensuring that complex cases are appropriately presented for review and escalation.
• support day-to-day treatment and care all diagnosed DRTB patients from diagnosis till treatment is completed and adequately reported to the National Programme through all recording and reporting tools (paper and electronic based).
• provide support to identifying, reporting and supporting the any instance of adverse drug event or co-morbid conditions to ensure quality care is offered.
• support patient management in all models of DR-TB care in the state (community and where necessary the treatment centre).
• track all DR-TB diagnosed cases in assigned states using the CommTB platform.
• ensure baseline investigations are completed within 72 hours of diagnosis.
• achieve ≥95% treatment initiation within 7 days for eligible patients.
• escalate delays (>72 hours without baseline, >7 days without initiation) to STBLCP and NTBLCP.
• ensure 100% treatment success rate of all DRTB clients enrolled on care.

Digital Platform Integration:

• Use CommTB for real-time cascade visibility and automated 72-hour/7-day triggers.
• Deploy VTR Mobile Academy to deliver standardised DR-TB QI curriculum
• Operationalise ClientShot to capture monthly patient feedback on initiation timeliness, ADR management, and social support.
• Support MedAdher for SMS reminders, missed-dose alerts, and tele-counselling to protect treatment gains.

Capacity Strengthening:

• Provide on-the-job mentoring to LGTBLS, clinicians, and community TB/HIV workers.
• Conduct structured quarterly data validation and file audits to ensure ≥90% DST-aligned regimen compliance.

Clinical Governance Support:

• Facilitate root cause analysis for pre-treatment loss and delayed initiation.
• Ensure patient feedback (ClientShot) is discussed at monthly OPD/quality review meetings.
• Functioning as an active member of the State DR-TB Consilium of Experts, ensuring that complex cases are appropriately presented for review and escalation.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Submit monthly cascade reports to SR, IHVN, STBLCP
• Preparing and submitting morbidity and mortality summaries,
• Document case studies of successful linkage and reasons for loss
• Support manuscript writing on DR-TB quality improvement interventions.

Required Experience

• A health-related degree with discipline and passion for DRTB.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in DR-TB program management, quality improvement, and public health coordination.
• Proven experience using digital health platforms (CommTB, DHIS, patient trackers etc.).
• Demonstrate ability to work with STBLCP/NTBLCP structures and multiple stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills for cascade data interpretation and root cause analysis.
• Experience in training/mentoring healthcare workers.
• Ability to initiate, follow-up and follow through case-based issues.
• Experience in writing abstract and manuscript.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledge of WHO 2025 consolidated DR-TB guidelines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data visualization (Excel, Power BI).
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel across the state assigned or outside the state if required.
• Commitment to patient-centred, equity-oriented care.
• Strong empathic and counselling abilities in patient care.
• No prior SEAH violations.