Regional Lab Advisor – ICAP Vacancy Announcement

Job summery

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 to Gambella RHB /Gambella Regional Referral Lab.

 Main duties and responsibilities:

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

• Provide high level technical assistance to RHB/RRL in planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of laboratory programs.
• Provide high level technical assistance to RHB/RRL to identify performance gaps/ challenges and working strategies to improve VL testing coverage and suppression.

·         Identify performance gaps and support RHB/RRL to implement quality improvement initiatives to increase access and quality of the viral load services.

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

·         Provide TA to RHB/RRL 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 RHB/RRL to sustain routine Viral Load Monitoring (RVLM) service in Gambella region.
• Provide TA support to RHB/RRL 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 RHB/RRL to support health facilities to increase access to viral load testing and result utilization by improving clinic-laboratory interface and strengthening viremia clinics.
• Support RHB/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 the RHB/RRL to strengthen AHD screening and management practice.
• Provide high level technical assistance to the 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 the RHB/RRL to plan and conduct capacity building activities.

·         Provide technical support to the RHB/RRL viral load specimen referral network mapping and remapping process.

• Facilitate timely equipment maintenance and testing commodities refill.
• Provide high level technical assistance the RHB/RRL to ensure a strong supply management system.

·         Provides technical support to RRL to strengthen implementation of International/ National External Quality Assessment Scheme (IEQAS/NEQAS) and Regional External Quality Assessment Scheme (REQAS) in the region.

·         Provide technical support the RRL/RHB to strengthen implementation of Point of Care (POC) RHT Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and certification programs.

·         Provide technical support to the RRL to implement WHO AFRO Laboratory accreditation process.

·         Coordinate and provide technical assistance in planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of viral load monitoring of Gambella region.

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

·         Participate in health facility mentoring, joint supportive supervision with the RHB and the RRL.

• Follow and ensure all the RHB/RRL 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.
• Participate in the regional offices’ monthly performance review meetings.
• Support the RHB in preparation of continuation application (CA)
• Participate in joint supportive supervision with the RHB 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.

·         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.