Under the guidance of the regional director, the 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 Gambella region.

 Main duties and responsibilities:

As the Laboratory Advisor to the region, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:

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

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

·         Identify performance gaps and support RHBs/RRLs to implement quality improvement initiatives to increase access and quality of viral load service in ICAP supported regions.

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

• Provide support to print and distribute specimen referral SOPs and mapping and remapping.

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

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

• Provide TA support to RHBs/RRLs in the establishment/ strengthening of 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 RHBs/RRL and testing sites to ensure comprehensive and uninterrupted specimen referral services for viral load, EID, CD4, and Gene Xpert testing services.

• Provide high level technical assistance to RHBs/RRLs to strengthen AHD screening and management practice.

• Provide high level technical assistance to RHBs/RRLs to implement new HIV related testing technologies/methods.

• Support viral load testing sites and referring health facilities to reduce backlog samples and data to improve viral load testing Turnaround Time (TAT)

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

·         Provide technical support to RHBs/RRLs viral load specimen referral network mapping and remapping process.

• Facilitate timely equipment maintenance and testing commodities refill.

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

·         Provides technical support to 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 RRLs/RHBs to strengthen implementation of Point of Care (POC) RHT Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and certification programs.

·         Provide technical support to RRLs 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 regions.

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

·         Participate in health facility mentoring, joint supportive supervision with RHBs and RRLs.

• 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 the establishment and strengthening of biomedical centers.

• Participate in the regional offices’ 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 the regional and central supervisor.

Job Requirements

·         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

·         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.

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

·         Excellent interpersonal and coordination skills.

·         Proficiency in written and spoken English.

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

·         Need based travel as scheduled by regional directors.

How to Apply

Only online applications are received.

Click here to apply:  CLICK HERE

 NB – Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Closing date for receiving applications is – November 4, 2023.