Laboratory Specialist at The Center for Clinical Care and Clinical Research

Job Overview

• CCCRN is seeking a Laboratory Specialist to support the ACE project located in Niger and Kwara state. CCCRN provides technical and programmatic support services to the states.
• The incumbent will report to the Advisor Laboratory. S/he will coordinate access to laboratory tests and ensure existing laboratory platforms are maximized for HIV service delivery.
• S/he will ensure smooth coordination of sample referral network and reporting to national systems and structures.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for the performance of the laboratory activities of the ACE project at the state level
• Provide technical guidance to State Laboratory Officers in the states of implementation. This will ensure that the facility and community implementers provide quality laboratory services (diagnostic and patient monitoring) in the states
• Provide technical support to strengthen the operationalization of the laboratory Strategic framework as defined by the National HIV Programme in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, checklists, manuals, and performance standards designed to ensure efficient laboratory operations
• Coordinates and integrates laboratory activities with those of other subdivisions and with other state agencies
• Liaise with the State Laboratory focal person to understand and ensure the smooth running of laboratory activities in the states.
• Promoting interaction and collaboration with laboratory stakeholders state levels by serving on state Laboratory Technical Working Groups (TWG)
• Supporting the development of a mechanism on establishing linkages with the National Reference Laboratory with a view to ensuring linked referral services and timely reporting.
• Collate and review state reports (site visits, monthly/quarterly narrative, data, mentoring and supervision, etc.)
• Send laboratory reports to the Central Office timely
• Ensure that state HIV laboratory challenges are flagged and followed up for prompt interventions
• Communicate and maintain effective communication with the Central Office
• Ensure Optimal Laboratory performance (equipment efficiency and maintenance, optimal EQA performance, no service interruptions, adequate stock level, timely laboratory testing, timely results dispatch, timely and complete reporting, etc.)
• Participate in HIV laboratory assessments, HIV panels preparation, and administration for basic and advanced tests
• Participate in the review of sites EQA panel reports
• Ensure that GLP is implemented and monitored in supported laboratories
• Representation at meetings
• Key into the state monthly/quarterly/ Annual work plan
• Work closely with the necessary stakeholders to ensure samples are moved to the testing laboratories promptly and ensure prompt results retrieval
• Track investigation results from responsible laboratories to ensure that they are sent back to the facility /state program within the turnaround time.
• Carry out data triangulation across all thematic units
• Maintain and update professional knowledge and take responsibility for Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Assist in coordinating HIV related research and training activities that will require the use of the laboratory facilities
• Perform every other duty necessary for the successful implementation of laboratory activities of CCCRN.

Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Microbiology, or a comparable area with appropriate Licensure or certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, public health microbiologist approved by the relevant practice regulation agency.
• A minimum of 3 years experience in a similar capacity under PEPFAR programs.