Senior Program Officer, TB Reference Laboratory at Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria

Position Overview

• The Senior Program Officer will have the requisite TB technical expertise and skilled in TB diagnostics.
• S/He will be required to coordinate and provide technical guidance to the TB Reference Laboratories.
• S/He will liaise with the relevant National and State TB program stakeholders.

Description and objectives:

• Perform the following TB diagnostic tests: GeneXpert, Truenat, TB-LAMP, LF-LAM, Genotypic tests (Molecular Line Probe Assay for 1st and 2nd line assays) and phenotypic tests (TB Culture, Drug Susceptibility Testing)
• Coordinate the TB Logistic Management System in the Reference Laboratory
• Provide Technical Assistance to the other staff at the TB Reference Laboratory
• Adhere to the Quality Management System to enhance laboratory quality systems, encompassing the creation of a quality manual, safety manual, audits, testing, and the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and partner with the NTBLCP Laboratory Team to develop national documents.
• Support TB reference laboratories to attain international laboratory standards towards accreditation using the Global Laboratory Initiative’s (GLI) stepwise process towards accreditation with other tools and checklists for implementing quality management systems.
• Conduct capacity building on mycobacteriology
• Collaborate with the relevant stakeholders to ensure prompt sample movement from facility and community levels to the testing laboratories and results retrieval.
• Collate and review facility reports (site visits, monthly/quarterly narrative, data, mentoring and supervision, etc.)
• Flag and report TB laboratory challenges and follow up on the execution of prompt interventions
• Perform every other duty necessary for the successful implementation of laboratory activities of IHVN.
• Ensure timely submission of laboratory deliverables and reports.
• Collate/review the GeneXpert QRRIF report/ensure distribution of cartridges.
• Summarize mentoring and supervision reports; collate finalized TB Reference labs deliverables.
• Inventory and manage TB laboratory supplies, supporting the HQ SCM team in creating a list of supplies for procurement.

Responsibilities:

Required competencies

Core requirements:

• Ability to supervise and mentor others.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Fluent in verbal and written English.
• Ability to communicate well.
• Basic computer skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently and consistently to produce timely and high-quality work.
• A Team player.
• Proficient in high-impact influencing and persuasive techniques, with the ability to represent the organization to donors and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrate knowledge of guidelines and policies related to TB Molecular Diagnostic Laboratories.

Education and Experience:

Academic training

• Should possess a B.MLS or its equivalent with a current practising license from the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, a master’s degree in public health or its equivalent is an added advantage.

Experience: 

• At least three years of experience working with a TB diagnostic laboratory.