Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services at Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (Caritas Nigeria)

Location: Umuahia, Abia
Job Category: Laboratory Services
Project: 4GATES PROGRAM
Program: Health
Number of Positions Available: 1

Program Background

• The Global Action Towards Epidemic control in Sub-national units in Nigeria (4GATES) program is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment program being implemented in Abia, Delta, Enugu and Imo States.
• It is a 5-year program (October, 2017 to September, 2022) implemented by Caritas Nigeria and its consortium partners; Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Pro-Health International as the sole Implementing Partner for PEPFAR in these states.

Summary of Role

• The Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services will report to the Senior Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services and provide technical support in the design, planning and implementation of laboratory services and laboratory related activities.
• Maintaining oversight on the functionality and optimization of all Molecular and Clinical laboratory services as well as laboratory related activities across healthcare facilities and communities; she/he will evaluate laboratory methods and procedures; and conduct periodic laboratory system assessment and review of activities, and ensure appropriate QA implementation and integrated sample referral to reference laboratory.

Description of Roles & Responsibilities
The Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services shall:

• Report to the Senior Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services and provide technical support in the design, planning and implementation of laboratory services and laboratory related activities.
• Maintaining oversight on the functionality and optimization of all clinical laboratory services as well as laboratory related activities across healthcare facilities and communities; and conduct periodic laboratory system assessment and review of activities.
• Oversee the implementation of Laboratory Continuous Quality Improvement and the deployment and institution of appropriate corrective and preventive action respectively.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, ensure laboratory service delivery and laboratory related activities are in line with national and international standards and comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Be involved with site and centralized trainings as applicable
• Be responsible for Dry Tube Specimen (DTS) production, distribution and monitoring of HIV Quality Improvement Program
• Keep inventory of necessary laboratory reagents and supplies needed for DTS production and distribution
• Work with State Laboratory team to implement quality assurance program across assays and processes.
• Assess laboratories, develop work action plan and with time lines to achieve timely implementation of corrective actions.
• Work with laboratories to Implement Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process towards Accreditation (SLPTA). Ensure appropriate and timely implementation of improvement projects.
• Collaborate with third party logistics to ensure prompt shipment of viral load samples to reference laboratories and return of results to various health facilities.
• Oversee all viral load-monitoring activities in assigned health facilities and communities and reference laboratories.
• Implement Quality assurance processes across the facility laboratories

Reporting & Supervision

• The Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services, reports to the Senior Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services with a dotted reporting line to the Senior Technical Advisor, Laboratory Services and regularly interacts with facility staff, Caritas Nigeria technical, program staff, and other members of the State Team.
• S/he will be responsible for supervising some Laboratory Staff as assigned in the State Office.

Additional Responsibilities

• The Responsibilities (Above) are not all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.

Desired Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Qualified applicants must have:

• Advanced Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Public Health with a valid certificate to practice as Medical Laboratory Scientist.
• Five (5) years’ mandatory knowledge and experience in the design, implementation and management of laboratory services in HIV/AIDS program.
• Experience and knowledge of ART Surge Response is a major requirement.
• Experience in a laboratory setting in the areas of molecular diagnosis (viral load) and familiarity with standards and federal/state regulations affecting the laboratory practices.
• Experience of dealing with difficult and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
• Ability to work under pressure, efficiently handle multiple tasks, quickly find creative solutions to problems and challenges that arise, and manage stress and time in a fast-paced work and fluid operating environment.
• Ability to foster and maintain a spirit of unity, teamwork, cooperation, and learning.
• Willingness and ability to travel.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.