Laboratory Coordinator at Centre for Population Health Initiatives

JOB DESCRIPTION

• The incumbent would be responsible for the coordination and implementation of Laboratory Quality Management System as the standard for effective support for all programs and research activities at the Lagos Clinic. S/he would monitor or operate specialized equipment such as Autoclave, Biological Safety cabinet, Microcentrifuge, PCR Cabinet, Bioelab AS-120 chemistry analyzer, Caretium Electrolyte analyzer and PCR Machine.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Manage and control all laboratory services to ensure quality and comprehensive HIV prevention, care, and treatment for target populations/beneficiaries and attainment of UNAIDS 95:95:95 goal.
• Ensure that all Laboratory Services provided at the Lagos Clinic are in accordance with Good Clinical Laboratory Practice and National Guidelines.
• Provide technical support and advisory role to other laboratory staff and the organization on laboratory matters
• Support procurement and supply chain management of laboratory reagents, kits and consumables to the program sites within Lagos state.
• Coordinate and maintain laboratory information management system and Inventory management.
• Conduct supervised experiments using standard molecular biology and biochemistry techniques including (but not limited to) PCR, Liver Function Test, Kidney Function Test and spectroscopy.
• Provide close monitoring of laboratory reports, submission of data from laboratory related service delivery points (SDPs), inventory management, and support effective logistics and delivery of laboratory reagents, kits and consumables to the SDPs.
• Follow up with the community team to ensure that samples for clients eligible for Viral Load test are dulycollected.
• Ensure laboratory job aids/SOPs, guidelines and forms are available and are appropriately used at health facilities, OSS, and during community ART activities.
• Function as the primary point of contact with internal and external stakeholders on laboratory matters.

SUPERVISON

• Provide leadership and mentor all Lagos laboratory staff on Quality Management System in laboratory services.
• Provide oversight and supervision to facility and community-based ART staff providing laboratory related services.
• Mentor, evaluate and assess the laboratory performance of supported organization in line with the best practice.
• Liaise with reference laboratory to conduct proficiency testing (EQA), onsite evaluation and all other laboratory regulatory activities.
• Support all laboratory related logistics of clinical specimens, equipment and consumables.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH

• Provides professional expertise and technical assistance on all issues related to medical laboratory practices for all projects
• Maintain a robust Laboratory Information Management System for all projects for quality decision making.
• Review of existing laboratory quality manual, biosafety, SOPs and job aids for good laboratory practice.
• Review of existing laboratory related indicators and ensure that the tools in use align with the national tool.
• Monitor budget lines related to laboratory activities and ensure timely implementation of those activities
• Support Monitoring and Evaluation Unit to conduct data quality assessment on reported data.
• Provide oversight for documentation, reporting and dissemination of laboratory related program implementation success stories, lessons learnt and challenges within and outside the organization.
• Work with Research team to produce project fact sheets, success stories, news brief, publication abstracts and disseminate through appropriate communication channels.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Effective Laboratory Quality Management System skills
• Excellent Leadership and Management skills
• Experience in public health and laboratory biosafety activities.
• Effective Laboratory data management and research literacy skills
• Excellent communication, supervisory and interpersonal skills.
• Good understanding of laboratory information systems and automated laboratory equipment.
• Proficiency in MS Office packages

QUALIFICATION

• BSc Medical/Clinical Laboratory Science, Master’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science/Public Health/Hematology/Other medical sciences is required.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a coordinating role.
• Molecular and Laboratory research background is desirable
• Experience working with key population on PEPFAR grant is desirable.
• Evidence of Active practicing license and registration with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria is required.