AD-HOC Senior Program Officer, Laboratory at Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria

Immediate Supervisor/Reports to: Program Manager, Associate Director (AD) and Director Clinical Laboratory Services.

Job Summary

• IHVN has been the Principal Recipient for the Global Fund DR-TB Grant since June 2011 till date. The objectives of the grant include surveillance for Drug Resistant TB (DR-TB), support for treatment at health facilities and the community level.
• The AD-HOC Senior Program Officer is to ensure pre-analytical and post-analytical phases of TB tests are carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures and to ensure coordination of laboratory activities.

Essential Functions
The AD-HOC Senior Program Officer should have the ability and expertise to::

• Prepare TB panels and administration for basic and advanced tests.
• Participate in design of TB Reference laboratories.
• Coordinate the Quality Management System of the TB Reference laboratory.
• Coordinate activation of TB Reference, GeneXpert sites and smear microscopy laboratories
• Participate in the development of national guidelines and policies, supervision checklists, procedures & manuals on TB.
• Facilitate all TB trainings (Smear Microscopy, TB Culture (Solid and Liquid), Molecular TB Diagnosis (GeneXpert and Line Probe Assay), DST (1st and 2nd line), TB EQA, TB sample transport logistics and biosafety.
• Participate in setting up and coordinating a continuous quality improvement plan for the Laboratories.
• Participate in review of reports (site visits, mentoring and supervision etc.) and follow up on challenges.
• Represent at local, national and international meetings.
• Provide appropriate technical support and mentoring to TB Reference Laboratories
• Participate in onsite data validation exercises with state programs, GeneXpert sites, reference laboratories and DOTs centres.
• Participate in the TB laboratory Logistic Management.
• Liaise with the State TB and Leprosy Control Officers (STBLCOS), DR-TB focal persons to understand and ensure smooth running of Lab component of the PMDT in the States.
• Key into the state monthly/quarterly Work plan for supportive supervision to patients in the community.
• Ensure that laboratory national data capturing (recording and reporting) tools are available, properly and completely filled.
• Track investigation results from responsible labs to ensure that they are sent back to the state TB program or treatment centres within the turnaround time.
• Liaise with other relevant lab staff to oversee the follow up investigations for all DR-TB patients in DR-TB treatment centres, ambulatory phase and community initiation (including baseline Drug Susceptibility Testing for patients) and patients in the continuation phase across the country.
• Ensure that electronic lab management information systems are functional and up-to-date at all levels (state, treatment centre & reference laboratory).
• Follow up with TB reference laboratories management and finance department to ensure timely availability of funds and optimal utilization.
• Assist in coordinating TB related research and training activities that will require the use of the laboratory facilities.
• Support activation of sites for GeneXpert, Fluorescent Microscopy and TB Culture/LPA.
• Collate reports and report appropriately.
• Perform every other duty necessary for the successful implementation of the GF programs.

Minimum Qualifications
Education/Experience:

• The AD-HOC Senior Program Officer should have the following qualifications:
  • A degree in Medical Laboratory Science (sub-specialty in Microbiology) registrable with MLSCN. A master’s degree in relevant sub-specialty will be an advantage.
  • Licensed Medical Laboratory Scientist.
  • Minimum of 5 years’ working experience.
  • Work experience in a TB Reference Laboratory is required.
  • Experience working with donor funders (PEPFAR & GF).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrate a cooperative attitude in relationships with co-workers and other personnel.
• Contribute to the laboratory’s Quality Management System (QMS) and quality control program by observing written policy and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of patients, patient results and project operations.
• Experience in TB smear microscopy, GeneXpert MTB/RIF, TB Culture, Drug susceptibility and Line Probe Assay tests.
• Experience working with diagnostic laboratory.
• Must be creative, proactive and be able to work with minimal supervision.
• Must be willing to learn new skills.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Excellent communication skills in English (written/verbal).