Senior Program Officer, Laboratory at Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria

Summary/Overview
The Senior Program Officer will lead IHVN's PEPFAR implementation of External Quality Assessment (Proficiency testing), procure and distribute proficiency testing panels (HIV serology, CD4, EID and VL) to all PEPFAR-supported laboratories and address Proficiency Tests failure through the implementation of corrective actions.

Essential Functions
The Senior Program Officer, Laboratory shall:

• Coordinate Proficiency testing scheme for HIV serology, CD4, DNA PCR for Early infant Diagnosis, Viral loads etc.
• Collaborate with Proficiency testing providers for selection, procurement and shipment of proficiency panels.
• Train participating laboratories to receive, store, assay, dispose and accurately report proficiency testing panels.
• Train participating laboratories on the use of appropriate informatics to register assay, update method, upload results, retrieve reports and trouble shoot.
• Constitute the corrective action team to investigate all failed proficiencies.
• Identify, train and maintain proficiency of couriers in last mile delivery of external quality assessment panels.
• Conduct measurements to determine stability and homogeneity, as well as assigned values and associated uncertainties of the measurands of the proficiency test panels.
• Operate the data processing system; conduct statistical analysis; and evaluate the performance of proficiency testing participants; authorize the issue of proficiency testing reports.
• Ensure appropriate accommodation for the operation of the proficiency testing scheme. This includes facilities and equipment for proficiency test item, manufacturing, handling, calibration, testing, storage and dispatch, for data processing, for communications, and for retrieval of materials and records.
• Coordinate and supervise all technical and support staff.
• Oversee and ensure day to day running of the External Quality Assurance Centre.

Education/Experience

• A Master's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science that is acceptable toMLSCN (for registration) with at least 10 years working experience in Laboratory Quality Control and Proficiency testing program
• A certified SLMTan.

Essential Skills:

• Must possess good program management experience
• Must have at least 10 years working experience in diagnostic laboratory
• Experience with Proficiency Testing Program Schemes
• Good understanding of relevant statistical methods
• Should be reliable, proactive and visionary
• Must be creative in program design/planning and implementation towards achieving set goals.

Desirable:

• Experience in Quality Management System implementation
• Experience working with Proficiency Testing panel providers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent analytical, planning and organizational skills
• Ability to be use initiative (be proactive)
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work under pressure, with very minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication skills in English, written/verbal and diplomacy
• Have good interpersonal, relationship management skills and possess the ability to work as part of a team.
• Excellent computer skills