Program Officer Clinical Laboratory at Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Senior Program Officer, Clinical Laboratory Services, and the Project Director, the Program Officer for the FC SDS Project will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing all laboratory activities within the state of implementation. He/She will provide technical guidance, programmatic assistance, mitigation strategies, as well as monitoring and evaluation at the state level to ensure the implementation of high-quality tuberculosis laboratory program activities. He/She will collaborate with State lead, Cluster teams and Senior Program Officer (SPO)- Clinical Laboratory Services to implement laboratory activities and ensure that laboratory program targets are achieved and reported in a timely manner.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical assistance to supported laboratories on sample processing, biosafety, and the implementation of best laboratory practices.
• Support implementation of laboratory strengthening interventions, including quality assurance (QA) and quality improvement (QI) activities.
• Work with State Quality Assurance Officer (SQAO) to monitor the quality of laboratory operations and testing in supported facilities to ensure compliance with National guidelines/standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Facilitate training on sputum smear microscopy, GeneXpert, Truenat, TB-LAMP, LF-LAM, HIV rapid testing, equipment maintenance, and quality management system.
• Conduct mentorship and supportive supervision visits to supported laboratories.
• Collaborate with State TB and HIV programs, implementing partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen laboratory networks.
• Collate, analyze, validate, and report laboratory data to monitor program performance and inform decision-making.
• Track laboratory commodities and consumables to prevent stockouts and ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
• Ensure timely submission of laboratory deliverables and report to the regional office.
• Develop concept papers and research papers to improve and extend existing laboratory activities.
• Perform every other duty necessary for the successful implementation of laboratory activities and as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science (BMLS).
• Valid professional practicing license and evidence of registration with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in clinical laboratory services, preferably in donor-funded health programs (TB, HIV, or related areas)
• Excellent working knowledge of laboratory equipment and techniques for the following categories of TB assays, including GeneXpert, Truenat, TB-LAMP, LF-LAM, and AFB Smear Microscopy
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory quality assurance systems, biosafety
• Experience in program planning, implementation, and reporting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and laboratory information management systems (LIMS)

Skills and Abilities: 

• Strong technical knowledge of TB diagnostic services
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Willingness to travel frequently to project sites.