CSM / Cholera Laboratory Network Coordinator 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. The positions are:

Job Purpose:

• The CSM/Cholera Laboratory Network Coordinator will provide technical support and guidance for the establishment and operations of a public health laboratory network in Nigeria. He/She will focus on supporting coordination and integration of existing and emerging network laboratories (CSM/cholera).

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop a framework for a functioning public health laboratory network, including:
  • A detailed overview of the existing network laboratories and design a detailed plan for improvement, with recommendations on staging of laboratory network development based on capacities and needs;
  • Establish a mechanism of routine communication between NCDC and the laboratories in the network;
  • Work closely with laboratory leadership to design templates for supportive supervision from the NRL to the laboratories in the network;
• Develop a plan to ensure stock management and reagent supply monitoring for the network laboratories with NCDC laboratory leadership
• Serve a liaison function between NCDC and the National Reference Laboratory (Gaduwa) with network of laboratories in States
• Coordinate and supervise laboratory representation at relevant Technical Working Groups (CSM and cholera) for effective communication and real-time support
• Coordinate training relating to the functions of the network (diagnostics, data management, reporting, sample management etc.)
• Oversee the flow of laboratory diagnostic data from network laboratories to NCDC via reporting templates (SORMAS, lab data templates etc.)
• Work with lab leadership in the coordination and alignment of partner activities related to the cholera/CSM network
• Design a sample distribution matrix of states to laboratories in the network and assist in the coordination of the transportation and management of all cholera and CSM samples within the network
• Work with NCDC laboratory leadership to design quality indicators for laboratories in the network and support in the mentorship of the laboratories to achieve such indicators
• Assist with coordination and alignment of partner activities related to laboratory network function and development
• Perform other duties to strengthen the public health laboratory network function as specified by the Director of Laboratory services or DG, NCDC or other relevant authorities.

Reporting structure: The CSM/Cholera Lab Network Coordinator will perform this function under the general direction of the Director of Laboratory Services, NCDC.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

Certification or other expertise required:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology or Laboratory related sciences.
• 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 at least five years of experience in public health laboratory service in Nigeria.

Knowledge Requirements

• Language proficiency in English
• Job knowledge: strong technical knowledge in laboratory technology, laboratory quality management, laboratory specimen transportation management, laboratory procurement/supply chain management and laboratory information systems management.
• Skills and Abilities: Skills in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel; demonstrated strong analytical skills; ability to clearly communicate orally and in writing; ability to multi-task; ability to engage in successful interaction and coordination with diverse laboratory staff cadres and multiple partner organizations.

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