Senior Laboratory Advisor at KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation

Description
Challenge TB:

• KNCV is the lead partner in Challenge TB (CTB), the new USAID-funded 5-year global program to decrease TB mortality and morbidity in high burdened countries. We lead an international consortium with eight partner organizations: American Thoracic Society (ATS), Family Health International (FHI 360), Interactive Research & Development (IRD), Japanese Anti Tuberculosis Foundation (JATA), Management Sciences for Health (MSH), Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), and the World Health Organization.
• The project in Nigeria will be for a period of 6 month a supporting 15 states in Nigeria for quality implementation of TB program.
• The overarching strategic objectives of CTB are to improve access to quality patient centered care for TB, TB/HIV, and MDR-TB services; to prevent transmission and disease progression; to strengthen TB platforms.

Purpose of the Position and Organizational Position

• The position is aimed to increase KNCV’s capacity to coordinate and strengthen the national TB laboratory networks, the capacity of National and Zonal TB Reference laboratories and the implementation of new laboratory technology activities in the country.
• The Senior Laboratory Advisor reports to the Country Representative for the project implementation and carries out the following major tasks:
• Provide technical support to the National TB Program (NTP), National Reference Laboratory (NRL), regional KNCV lab advisors and the state quality assurance officers through appropriate implementation and scaling up of quality laboratory services, including new technologies.

Requirements

• Applications are sought from persons with sound knowledge of and experience in mycobacteriology, complemented by demonstrated knowledge of TB control and experience in public health strategies and coordination and support for laboratory networks;
• Should have at least training in public health or infectious diseases, preferably with an emphasis on TB and knowledge of current WHO policy recommendations on the use of new TB diagnostics, TB laboratory bio-safety, SOPs for TB laboratory methods, and specifications for TB laboratory equipment;
• Proven experience in a mycobacteriology laboratory with knowledge of laboratory quality management systems and function of national TB program will serve as key asset;
• Proven experience in working in the fields of TB, MDR-TB and TB/HIV;
• Field experience in Nigeria.

Specific Requirements

• An MSc degree in Laboratory Science, Especially Micro-biology; an MPH will be an advantage.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in TB laboratory services at all levels.

Common Requirements:

• Strong coordination and planning skills
• Excellent written and verbal English language skills;
• Self-starter, team player, dynamic, solid, open, flexible, absolute integrity, organizational awareness;
• Understanding for cultural differences.

Remuneration
What does KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation offer?

• A fixed-term contract for 6 months, with the intention to extend the contract based on availability of funding;
• An informal work atmosphere in an international environment where initiative is appreciated;
• A highly-motivated team of experienced, self-driven colleagues:
• A salary dependent upon education and relevant working experience;
• KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation has its own Employment Conditions Scheme;
• Full-time employment consists of 40 hours per week.