Under the guidance of laboratory support unit Head, Central laboratory advisor supports the design and implementation of laboratory program in general including viral load specimen referral/testing, DBS sample referral/EID testing, Quality RHT, AHD laboratory screening service and the overall Quality Assurance at ICAP supported regions. He or She will oversee the overall program implementation status including performance gaps, achievements, and challenges. Central laboratory advisors will provide general guidance/Strategies to improve provision of uninterrupted HIV related laboratory services and to support the effort of achieving the 95s.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• As Central laboratory advisor, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:

• Provide high level technical assistance to EPHI/RHBs/RRLs in planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of laboratory programs of CU ICAP in Ethiopia.

• Provide high level technical assistance to EPHI/RHBs/RRLs to identify performance gaps/ challenges and working strategies to improve VL testing coverage and suppression.

• Provide technical assistance to the National/Sub National Units (SNUs)/ RRLs in developing/updating different guidelines, working formats, monitoring, and evaluation indicators.

• Facilitate and support the revision and distribution of specimen referral maps, SOPs and referral tracking materials.

• In collaboration with EPHI, organize and provide/facilitate Laboratory TOTs for RHBs/RRLs on major laboratory thematic areas including raid HIV testing quality assurance and EID/VL testing and specimen management.

• Provide high level technical assistance to EPHI/RHBs/RRLs to sustain routine Viral Load Monitoring (RVLM) service at all ICAP supported regions.

• Provide TA support to EPHI/RHBs/RRLs in the establishment/ strengthening of demand creation activities, tracking system (line listing) for routine VL testing for clients that need to be tested based on the national guideline recommendations.

•  Provide TA support to RHBs/RRLs to support health facilities to increase access to viral load testing and result utilization by improving clinic-laboratory interface and strengthening viremia clinics. 

• Support EPHI to scale up multiplex testing approaches to improve VL & EID testing access.

• Support EPHI/RHBs/RRL and testing sites to ensure comprehensive specimen referral for rapid HIV testing, viral load, EID, CD4, and Gene Xpert testing services.

• Support EPHI/RHBs/RRL to reduce backlog samples and data to improve viral load testing Turnaround Time (TAT)

• Provide TA to EPHI/RHBs/RRLs to plan and conduct capacity building activities.

• Provide TA to EPHI/RHBs/RRLs to print and distribute viral load demand creation tools, specimen referral SOPs, request forms, registers, and different provider support tools.

• Provide technical support to EPHI to facilitate viral load specimen referral network mapping and remapping process.

• Identify and support quality improvement initiatives to increase access and quality of viral load service in ICAP supported regions.

• Facilitate timely equipment maintenance and testing commodities refill.

• Provide high level technical assistance to EPHI/RHBs/RRLs to ensure a strong supply management system.

• Provides technical support to EPHI/RHBs/RRLs to strengthen implementation of International/ National External Quality Assessment Scheme (IEQAS/NEQAS) and Regional External Quality Assessment Scheme (REQAS) in the regions.

• Provide technical support and facilitate the implementation of Point of Care (POC) RHT Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and certification programs.

• Provide technical support to implement WHO AFRO Laboratory accreditation process.

• Coordinate and provide technical assistance in planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of viral load monitoring of CU ICAP supported private health facilities.

• Participate in the regional office weekly and monthly performance review meetings.

• Support EPHI to conduct JSS and ensure uninterrupted VL/EID testing services.

• Follow and ensure all SNUs/RRLs to conduct SIMS for respective high load health facilities.

• Prepare and evaluate annual work plan with targeted benchmark indicators and evaluate them quarterly and harmonize annual, semi-annual, and quarterly basis.

• Support RHBs/RRLs for establishment and strengthening of biomedical centers.

• Participate in the regional office’s monthly performance review meetings.

• Support the RHBs in preparation of continuation application (CA)

• Participate in joint supportive supervision with RHBs and hospital-based mentors. 

• Represent ICAP-Ethiopia in different forums when assigned by the supervisor.

• Present and participate actively in monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual ICAP performance review meetings.

• Prepare and submit weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual activity reports.

• Ensure that all lab related targets are met.

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Job Requirements

Required qualification and work experience:

• MSc degree or above in Laboratory Science or related from recognized university.

• Minimum of 5 years work in country experience, including laboratory support to HIV program

• Experience in development of national/ regional documents related to specimen referral, testing and laboratory accreditation process.

• Has TOT/ basic training on EID/VL testing, specimen referral, rapid HIV testing, CD4, TB diagnosis and DST, LQMS, SLMTA, and PT preparation and interpretation, etc.

• Experience in teaching, mentoring, organizing, and conducting related training.

• Experience in mentoring and assessing WHO-AFRO SLIPTA and accreditation.

• Excellent interpersonal and coordination skills.

• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

• Computer skills (MS Office, power point, excel and statistical packages).

How to Apply

Only online applications are received.

CLICK HERE to apply

NB: - 

• Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

• Please specify the region for which you are applying in your application letter and on the application form as "Full Name"-region for which you are applying. (i.e   FullName -Addis Ababa (specify your application Region)

Closing date for receiving applications is – October 29, 2023.