Specimen Transportation Officer at African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET)

Background

• The African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) is a not for profit, networking alliance and service organization that brings together field epidemiology training programs (FETPs) across Africa working side by side with Ministries of Health, regional and international partners.
• AFENET works to strengthen epidemiology and disease surveillance capabilities of African countries that are critical to meeting the requirements of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) strategy and the International Health Regulations (IHR).
• AFENET seeks to recruit highly qualified and experienced professionals to support the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in areas of work that increase epidemic preparedness and implementation of IHR 2005. The staff will be seconded to the Public Health Laboratory Services Department of the NCDC.

Job Purpose

• The Specimen Transportation Officer will build capacity towards integrated and sustainable specimen transportation systems for priority diseases for the NCDC laboratory network:

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for tracking the real-time movement of specimens from state-level to reference laboratories;
• Develop a monitoring and feedback mechanism for the movement of specimens from state-level to reference laboratories;
• Serve as a focal point for integrated specimen transportation pilot by IHVN on movement of specimens from health facilities to the state level and join monthly and quarterly progress update calls and meetings with the implementing partner;
• Translate lessons learned from IHVN specimen transportation pilot into a policy and technical brief on integrated specimen transportation and referral;
• Participate in the National Laboratory Technical Working Group, specifically on development of integrated specimen transportation and referral systems;
• Provide logistics support for the laboratory pillar during emergencies (e.g., specimen transportation/tracking, procurement, supply chain, etc.)

Reporting structure:

• The Specimen Transportation Officer will perform this function under the general direction of the Director of Laboratory Services, NCDC.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills
Certifications or other expertise required:

• Education: A Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or similar field.
• Specific training in biological specimen handling and transportation is an added advantage.
• Desired: Advanced degree or other post graduate training in Medical Laboratory Science, public health or other related field is an added advantage.
• The incumbent must have Nigeria field experience in public health laboratory service including specimen handling and transportation management.

Knowledge Requirements:

• Language proficiency in English
• Job knowledge: strong technical knowledge and experience in packing, handling and transportation of biological products/laboratory specimen, laboratory information systems management, laboratory commodity logistics and supply chain management.
• Skills and Abilities: Skills in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel; good communication, interpersonal skills and detail oriented.

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