ESM Consultant - Medical Laboratory Scientist at Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme Ltd/Gte (ECEWS)

Project: GC7

Summary

• Will provide technical leadership and support related to clinical management of HIV/AIDS strategies and approaches in implementation of the programs.
• S/He will work with relevant stakeholders to coordinate the design and implementation of facility-based programs in relation to clinical management of HIV/AIDS, including the use of Anti-retroviral treatment, PMTCT, care and support, work with relevant staff and partners to coordinate the design and implementation of community-based programs in relation to community HTS and PMTCT including optimizing HIV case finding and linkage to care at supported health facilities, liaise with partners implementing community programs in order to optimize community-facility linkage of clients identified to be HIV positive and retention to care and treatment, support the provision of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and ART in line with National and Global best practices and guideline.
• S/He will also provide technical assistance in non-ART clinical care including the management of opportunistic infections (OI) and Palliative care capacity for PLHIV, contribute to the development of program strategies, subproject documents, work plans and budgets and represent ECEWS to donors and government officials on issues of HIV/AIDS treatment, care and support at the State level.

Job Description
Area 1: Provide laboratory and point-of-care diagnostic services in relation to HTS and ART for all deserving clients:

• Liaise with the ART clinic/Medical Records/VLCs to identify all clients due for Viral load/EID samples on a weekly basis.
• Oversee the overall activities of the VLCs which include:
• Ensuring that all identified eligible clients are bled for VL/EID
• Ensuring proper labeling, processing, packaging, and storage of all samples collected
• Log remotely, through electronic means, each sample collected to the PCR LIMS Server and subsequently generate sample manifest for effective use by the 3PL.
• Ensuring daily monitoring and documentation of viral load and EID samples collected, and results received.
• Ensuring they provide a daily/weekly summary of viral load and EID results received, and viral load/EID samples pending in the PCR Labs to ECEWS Lab Technical Officer/Lead
• Perform follow-up laboratory tests (CD4, TB LAM, CrAg, & VL) to support the provision of the continuum of HIV treatment services both at the facility and community level.
• Support the state Lab team in the preparation of Dried Tube Specimen (DTS) panels for IQC and EQA (Proficiency testing) in support of HTS on the project.
• Carry out routine tasks accurately following strict methodologies to carry out analyses.
• Maintain and operate standard laboratory equipment (e.g. CD4 Cyflow machine)
• Maintain personal expertise in clinical laboratory practice and innovative technology and equipment.
• Provide support for Lab Tests on Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) package of Care.
• Work with the ECEWS laboratory team to develop and implement quality assurance systems to improve the quality of diagnostics monitoring and treatment of Clients.
• Support the development of project work plans and budgets to incorporate the procurement of equipment and supplies for laboratory services at the ESM site and communities.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of biosafety and biosecurity in clinical service delivery, including the development of SOPs, guidelines, and job aids.

Area 2: Data Management and Reporting:

• Produce computerized records to interpret and archive laboratory results to be presented to clinic staff and project team for informed decision-making.
• Ensure retrieval and timely documentation of VL and EID results from the facility LIMS interface
• Provide support to the Strategic Information (SI) unit in research (qualitative and quantitative) surveys on service delivery outcomes for HIV prevention, care, and treatment.
• Ensure timely submission of quality reports on a monthly and quarterly basis or as required.

Area 3: Other assignments:

• Participate in Laboratory Technical Working Groups meetings and represent the project at relevant fora.
• Carry out any other lab related but relevant assignment as may be decided and delegated by the Supervisor.

Minimum Recruitment Standard

• A Degree in Medical Science Laboratory from a recognized university with at least 5 years of progressive experience in similar roles.
• Must have a valid practicing license.

Salary
Competitive.