Technical Officer (NACA) at KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation

Responsibilities
Provide technical and programmatic support, especially in the area of onsite support for installation, preventative maintenance and trouble-shooting to complement existing GeneXpert MTB/RIF roll-out of NACA. S/he will also contribute to the strengthening of working relationships with other stakeholders and building of systems for program sustainability including training super-users to perform similar tasks as well as monitoring & supervising of the NACA sites with GeneXpert MTB/RIF technology.

Key duties and responsibilities:

S/he will over the 12-14 months period:

• Provide technical support to NACA sites (remote and onsite) using the GeneXpert MTBiRiF technology m multiple State TB/HIV sites throughout Nigeria in installation, maintenance, re-calibration and trouble-shooting.
• Actively support the State TBiHIV programs and GeneXpert MTB/RIF sites under NACA to scale-up and optimize the use of GeneXpert MTB/RIF services through supportive supervision, monitoring and mentoring.
• Support relevant TB/HIV collaborative activities necessary for the implementation of GeneXpert MTB/RIF technology transfer for timely TB/HIV diagnosis and treatment.
• Support the implementation of a well-functioning supply management system for GeneXpert MTB/RIF cartridges and other related commodities to avoid stock-outs or wasted resources due to expiring commodities.
• Work in conjunction with KNCV Central Office (The Hague) Praiect Coordinator and the in-oountry KNCV Laboratory Technical Advisor to actively seek support for solving major technical problems of GeneXpert MTB/RIF machines identified in the field direclly with the in-country or remote GeneXpert MTB/RIF manufacturer (Cepheid HBDC) designee.
• Support the implementation and use of a GeneXpert maintenance plan and logbooks at all levels.
• Support the compilation of monthly reports on basic installation, trouble-shooting and maintenance activities.
• Collaborate in training super-users and a pool of trainers on GeneXpert MTB/RIF preventive maintenance.
• Support NACA in developing and integrating supervisory tools for TB/HIV services to include GeneXpert. Actively support development and implementation of a routine (quarterly) supervision visit schedule for all NACA GeneXpert MTB/RIF sites.
• Support collection of data for routine monitoring and evaluation directly at sites and through existing TB and HIV State Quality Assurance Officers.
• Support operational research studies related to GeneXpert MTB/RIF that are supported by NACA.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience
A degree in the Medical scences - MBBS/MB.Bch or Laboratory Sciences (an MPH would be an advantage) and a minimum of 5 years experience in TB or HIV programmes.

Technical and Behavioral Competencies
Good working knowledge of current national and TB and Htv guidelines: knowledge of Program management especially Global Fund projects; ability to work in laboratory & medical settings as well as buiiding linkages between the 2: communication & writing skills: team work; and ability to travel by car/flight on a regular basis (up to 50 70% of time).

What does KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation offer?

• A contract for 12-14 months, with the intension to extend the contract;
• An informal work atmosphere in an international environment where initiative is appreciated;
• A highly-motivated team of experienced. self-driven colleagues;
• The salary is dependent on education and relevant working experience;
• KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation has its own International Employment Conditions Scheme;
• Full-time employment consists of 40 hours per week;
• Initial training on GeneXpert MTB/RIF preventive maintenance service provision.