Program Assistant Clinical Lab-Field Operations at Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria

Job Summary:

• The Program Assistant Clinical Laboratory-Field Operation will provide technical and programmatic assistance to support facilities in the State. He/she will work with Tier leads, Cluster teams and SLOs to implement laboratory continuous quality improvement activities and ensure laboratory program targets are met and report and reported accordingly.

Description and objectives:

• Under the supervision of the State Laboratory Lead, HoU lab. Field Operations and HoD Laboratory, the Program Assistant Clinical lab -Fields Operation will provide technical support, mitigation, monitoring, and evaluation., at the state level to implement high-quality laboratory program activities with a primary focus on laboratory technical areas of comprehensive HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, COVID-19 and NCDs program deliverables.

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support, mitigation, supervision, and monitoring of laboratory field operations in the state.
• Conduct capacity building and site mentorship for facility staff on HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, COVID-19, NCDs and all others.
• Strengthen laboratory diagnostic networks including supporting elements, such as specimen transport, biosafety, Lab CQI and PT. 
• Work closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure samples are moved from facility and community levels to the hubs and the PCR testing laboratories promptly with prompt results retrieval.
• Collate, review and report facility reports (site visits, monthly/quarterly narrative, data, mentoring and supervision, etc.)
• Ensure timely submission of laboratory deliverables and reports to the HQ.
• Maintain effective communication with the IHVN Headquarters Laboratory department.
• Perform every other duty necessary for the successful implementation of laboratory activities.

Required competencies. 

Core requirements:

• Demonstrated coaching and mentoring ability.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work with people of different backgrounds and in a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in the English language.
• Proficiency in Ms. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic to deliver quality work on time.
• High impact influencing and persuasive skills, and able to represent the organization to donors and other stakeholders.

Education:

• B. Sc Degree or degree in Medical Laboratory Science (B.MLS or AIMLS)
• A master’s degree is an added advantage.

Experience

• Have at least 2 years’ working experience working in the lab.
• Experience in coordinating multi-disciplinary HIV clinical teams for effective service delivery.
• Willingness to travel to clinics and hospitals in assigned geographical areas within the State.
• Previous experience in HIV program implementation, especially laboratory field activities, is an advantage.
• Good knowledge of current trends and normative guidance (national and international) in HIV clinical care and service delivery