Consultant Laboratory Officer at The Center for Clinical Care and Clinical Research

Job Overview

• The Consultant Laboratory Officer will provide support for laboratory testing (VL, CD4, TB drives) and ensure timely transmission of quality-assured results for decision-making at health facilities. S/he will also be responsible for the facilitation of VL, drives, Lab systems strengthening, as well as QMS implementation at assigned Health facilities.

Background

• CCCRN is a non-profit organization that promotes best practices in healthcare service delivery, medical training, and research using locally adapted models of health systems strengthening. We are committed to achieving sustainable impact in the communities we serve, and our technical project staff play a crucial role in driving quality improvement initiatives across our projects.

Scope of Work

• The incumbent will build the capacity of facility laboratory staff on appropriate phlebotomy techniques for all categories of clients and ensure adherence to standard lab protocols and guidelines for testing both in the facility and community.
• He/ She will be responsible for the periodic evaluation of laboratory methods, procedures, laboratory systems assessments, laboratory continuous quality improvement projects, and review of activities with institutions of corrective and preventive action.
• Work collaboratively with other facility professionals in the cascade of care to collate line list of clients eligible for VL from EMR to facilitate proactive tracking and bleeding of all eligible clients for VL daily.
• Regularly review and ensure prompt documentation of VL results onto TAT register, VL monitoring register, clients’ care card, ART, register, and LAMIS/OMRS whenever results are returned.
• Facilitate appropriate VL drive, baseline CD4 for all newly identified clients, and collection of sputum samples from all presumptive TB cases and subsequent transport to nearest GeneXpert Laboratory for analysis.
• Facilitate the participation of all community and facility counselor testers in the proficiency testing program.
• Ensure quality controls are performed and documented for RTKs every week amongst the facility and community teams.
• Provide weekly updates on VL optimization efforts, appropriate documentation of VL uptake in service registers, and daily uptake trackers.
• Coordinate inventory control management for RTKs and other lab supplies in the facility and among the community teams.

Qualifications

• A minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Microbiology, or a comparable area with appropriate Licensure or certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, or public health microbiologist approved by the relevant practice regulation agency. 
• A minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible professional-level experience in public health and/or laboratory sciences is required. Prior work experience with the Government and/or international organizations is required.

Job Knowledge:

• Considerable knowledge of the basic principles and laboratory applications of biology, microbiology, and chemistry.
• Ability to apply knowledge of information sources in biology, microbiology, chemistry, and scientific methodology.
• Knowledge of current laboratory facilities, methods, equipment, materials, and ability to perform standardized biological, chemical, and microbiological examinations independently.
• Make and record scientific observations accurately, prepare and present scientific records and reports and observe safety precautions and precautions.
• Knowledge of the use of computers and laboratory Information Management.
• Knowledge of public health laboratory laws and regulations; sanitary bacteriology regulations.
• Ability to carry out and consult with other program area staff and the public on this issue.
• Ability to deal with staff and the public in a positive and successful manner

Skills:

• Strong written and oral communication skills are required.
• Experienced with lab-related data management systems.
• Familiar with standards and federal/ state regulations affecting laboratory and laboratory practices.
• High level of proficiency in relevant computer applications particularly Ms. Excel
• Ability to work independently with strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment are also required.