OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The USAID Eliminate TB Temporary Lab Advisor will assist Regional Reference/Research Laboratories (RRL’s), GeneXpert Centers, and EQA Centers to strengthen the External Quality Assessment (EQA) and Q/A systems for AFB microscopy for health facilities.  S/he will contribute to improved lab services based on EQA findings. S/he establishes, and/or reinforces innovative protocols for transfer of sputum samples for M/XDR-TB suspects and the implementation of Laboratory Quality Management System. S/he will support the ETBE laboratory officer in building his/her capacity and assist in lab related activities in the project regions and Zones.

S/he will ensure that effective systems are put in place to support reliable, user-friendly and accessible TB Program of the RHB and RRL through building laboratory supervisory and monitoring systems, training, and commodity and equipment management. S/he will also ensure Standard Operating Procedures are appropriately introduced, strengthened, and sustained. S/he will provide technical support to the health facility laboratories in the project-supported areas in coordination with the Regional laboratory advisor.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Ensure the availability and utilization of AFB Smear Microscopy manual, Guidelines for Quality Assurance of smear Microscopy and job aids in health facility labs.

·       Assist regional reference laboratories (RRL’s) to strengthen the External Quality Assessment (EQA) and Q/A systems for AFB microscopy for health facilities.

·       Assist project zonal Health Department in planning and organizing AFB EQA activities.

·       Compile and analyze zonal EQA report feedback and develop regional improvement plan for major gaps.

·       Conduct supportive supervision and provide on job training for health facility laboratory staffs with discordant EQA result.

·       Assist EQA center laboratories to conduct re-checking as per the national guideline, proper EQA feedback documentation and timely feedback of EQA result to participant laboratories.

·       Assist health facilities in the project zones to participate on AFB microscopy EQA program.

·       Assist RRL TB culture laboratories on the implementation of Strengthen Laboratory Management Towards Accreditation (SLMTA) and Stepwise Laboratory Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) process.

·       Conduct mentorship to health facility laboratories enrolled on TB laboratory ISO 15189 accreditation and/or on TB laboratory network accreditation.

·       Strengthen and support the implementation and management of regional specimen referral linkage activities at all levels including the coordination of postal system sample referral, cold chain vehicle and eSpecimen referral System function.

·       In consultation with RRLs, periodically review regional specimen referral map and prepare specimen collection schedule for health facilities.

·       In collaboration with the Regional Lab officer support GeneXpert diagnostics and other molecular techniques for functional implementation and annual calibration.

·       Assist TIC on MDR TB days’ timely specimen collection and result delivery,

·       Provide technical assistance for woreda TB focal persons to conduct lab supportive supervision and ensure proper slide randomization.

·       Ensure the availability and proper use of SOPs for TB laboratory tests, specimen management, safety, waste management, microscope operation and handling (preventive maintenance) procedure.

·       Work with EPSE in sample transportation system

·       Advocate for COVID-19 and TB infection prevention, diagnosis, treatment and vaccination.

·       Integrate the algorism for simultaneous TB and COVID-19 testing.

·        Undertake other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BSc/MSc in clinical laboratory or Microbiology plus a qualification in public health is an added advantage.

• Eight years of progressively responsible experience with responsibilities in each of the following areas is preferred:

  • Providing technical leadership and support to central regional and peripheral laboratories

  • Interacting with donors, implementing partners and host country governments. Past experience working with USAID is an added advantage.

• Be registered with the appropriate regulatory authorities.

• Experience of operational research and publication is an advantage.

• Regional experience is a plus

• Understanding and working knowledge of the role of the laboratory in TB prevention, care and treatment, TB/HIV, and Programmatic Management of Drug-resistant TB (PMDT)

• Experience working with the Ethiopian diagnostic laboratory system is essential.

• Familiarity with and experience in implementing local and national laboratory quality assessment, quality assurance and accreditation systems, including the ISO accreditation standards and accreditation process.

• Training/hands on experience on preventive maintenance of Expert machines is advantage.

• Excellent communication, and interpersonal skills, demonstrated leadership, and the ability to work collaboratively with culturally diverse partners.

• Computer literacy; competency with Microsoft Office, internet and email systems.

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Amharic is required.

• Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with colleagues and partners.

• Willingness to travel frequently within the project region is required.

How to Apply

Register using the following LINK

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.  Management Sciences for Health is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental disability.