Program Assistant - USAID TB LON at Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria

Department: Clinical Laboratory Services

Responsibilities
S/He would perform the following:

• Provide technical guidance to facility and community implementers to ensure the provision of quality TB laboratory services (diagnostic and patient monitoring) in each of the four states.
• Provide technical support to strengthen the operationalization of the laboratory Strategic framework as defined by the National TB Programme in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders.
• Work closely with STBLCP and other stakeholders to implement laboratory DS/DR-TB and TB/HIV services
• In close partnership with the State Quality Assurance Officer (QAO), will oversee TB laboratory activities within the state
• Ensure all TB samples are tested, results documented, reported and sent to the requesting officers
• Participate in the Assessments of TB Laboratories
• Provide Technical Assistance (TA) to the TB laboratories on diagnostics, Logistic Management Information System (LMIS), equipment maintenance etc.
• Provide trainings on TB diagnostics including GeneXpert MTB/RIF Assay, AFB smear microscopy, Logistics Management Information System, Sputum Packaging and Transportation etc.
• Ensure that GLP is implemented and monitored in supported TB laboratories
• Ensure Optimal Laboratory performance (equipment efficiency and maintenance, optimal EQA performance, no service interruptions, adequate stock level, timely lab testing, timely results dispatch, timely and complete reporting etc.)
• Supportive supervision and mentoring to TB laboratories
• Work closely with the necessary stakeholders to ensure samples are moved to the testing laboratories promptly and ensures prompt results retrieval
• Work closely with STBLCP and ensures that DR-TB patients lab results are in the patient folders
• Ensure that TB laboratory challenges are flagged and followed up for prompt interventions
• Collate and review facility reports to ensure quality reports and provide timely feedbacks
• Ensure all reporting templates and other facility reports (Equipment functionality, data reports, faults reporting, QRRIF etc.) are submitted within the stipulated deadline to the STBLCP & IHVN
• Carry out data triangulation across all thematic units
• Maintain and update professional knowledge and take responsibility for Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor or designee
• Perform every other duty necessary for the successful implementation of laboratory activities of IHVN
• The Program Assistant will report to Clinical Laboratory Services Department (Senior Program Officer, Program Manager, Senior Manager, Associate Director and Director), State Lead, Technical Director and Chief of Party, TB LON Project, IHVN

Job Requirements

• BMLS or its equivalent
• Age- Between 20-35 years of age
• Should be reliable, proactive and visionary
• Must be creative in program design/planning and implementation towards achieving set goals

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to perform multiple challenging tasks with minimum supervision.
• Results oriented and responsive with ability to pay attention to details of work, set priorities and to perform beyond normal working hours.
• Exhibit good interpersonal relationship, written and oral communications skills and team player.
• Knowledge of Statistics, MS word, Excel, Power Point and Internet.
• Should have strong ethical values, effective time management, meeting timelines.
• Ability to predict and identify potential problems, take corrective/preventive actions.
• Should be flexible and ready to learn