Lab Specialist at Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi)

Background

• The Global Fund N-THRIP is to ensure a coordinated and intensive effort to scale up the prevention, identification, and treatment of HIV in both general and key populations in Anambra state. The focus will be on facility and community-based approaches to reach epidemic control, and in addition, ensure improvement in the coverage of pregnant women on ART, children as well as target KP and AGYW programs and other vulnerable.
• Hence, the consultant will support the implementation of the grant in all supported facilities in the LGA of the state as the Lab Specialist.

Key Roles
The services of the consultant will include but not limited to the following:

• Coordinate and perform HIV diagnostic tests, including rapid tests, and confirmatory assays, as per established National protocols in supported facilities of designated LGA.
• Coordinate and Conduct CD4 count analysis, viral load testing and other relevant investigations in the supported facilities of designated LGA of the state.
• Implement and maintain internal and external quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results in the LGA.
• Participate in proficiency testing programs and accreditation initiatives to all supported sites in the LGA.
• Regularly calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment in all supported sites of the LGA.
• Coordinate and ensure proper collection, labeling, processing, and storage of patient specimens.
• Adhere to biosafety and biosecurity protocols in handling and disposing of laboratory samples in all supported sites of the LGA.
• Facilitate timely transportation of specimens to reference laboratories when required.
• Accurately document and report laboratory findings to clinicians and relevant service providers by all relevant staff in the supported facilities.
• Maintain updated records in laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Compile periodic reports on laboratory activities, inventory, and performance indicators.
• Work closely with ART clinicians, pharmacists, and counselors to support patient care and decision-making at the facility and in the LGA.
• Train and mentor other service providers on relevant HIV-related laboratory procedures in the LGA on the project.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient management and treatment outcomes.
• Monitor and manage and coordinate laboratory supplies, including reagents, test kits, and consumables, to avoid stockouts in the LGA.
• Prepare procurement requests and track usage trends to ensure adequate supply levels.

Recruitments

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or equivalent from a recognized institution.
• Valid license or certification to practice as a Laboratory Scientist.
• Possession of a post graduate degree in a related field is an added advantage.
• Specialized training or certification in HIV diagnostics or ART laboratory procedures is an advantage.
• Excellent ability to communicate and maintain productive relations with the team; resourcefulness, flexibility, and ability to work in a fast changing and challenging environment.
• Ability to use key computing applications e g MS Office Suite is an advantage.
• Proficiency in local languages is an advantage.