AD-HOC Program Assistant, Laboratory at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN)

The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable indigenous non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis and cancer through the provision of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research and care and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at national, state and local levels. The Institute’s vision is to be a leader in providing quality health services, capacity building and research in West Africa.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: AD-HOC Program Assistant, Laboratory

Location: Nigeria
Office/Department: Clinical Laboratory Services Department
Scheduled Work Times: Monday - Friday
Immediate Supervisor/Reports To: The Program Assistant will report to the Program Officer, Senior Program Officer, Program Manager, Associate Director (AD) and Director Clinical Laboratory Services.

Summary/Overview

• IHVN has been the Principal Recipient for the Global Fund DR-TB Grant since June 2011 till date. The objectives of the grant include surveillance for Drug Resistant TB (DR-TB), support for treatment at health facilities and the community level.
• The AD-HOC Program Officer is to ensure pre-analytical and post-analytical phases of TB tests are carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures.

Essential Functions
The AD-HOC Program Assistant, Laboratory should have the ability and expertise to:

• Follow laboratory, organizational and collaboration policies.
• Undergo training and competency assessment according to laboratory requirements.
• Perform various laboratory procedures for specimen and/or media preparation for analysis in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Contribute to the laboratory’s Quality Management System and quality control program by observing written policy and procedures.
• Collect patient specimens, receive, sort and register specimens for testing.
• Store/retrieve samples/media (where applicable) to ensure traceability in accordance with procedures.
• Monitor stock availability of consumables to ensure availability of all necessary supplies in the TB Reference laboratory.
• Perform daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual maintenance of laboratory equipment as required in a timely manner
• Participate in the diagnostics (smear microscopy, GeneXpert, TB culture, Line Probe Assay) in the TB Reference laboratories.
• Ensure that laboratory management information systems are functional and up-to-date is up to date.
• Ensure pre-analytical and post-analytical phases of testing are carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures
• Collect & Collate AFB smear microscopy and GeneXpert MTB/RIF data report across all IHVN sites.
• Perform every other duty necessary for the successful implementation of the GF programs and as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Education/Experience:
The AD-HOC Program Assistant, Laboratory should have the following qualifications;

• Licensed Medical Laboratory Technician/ Licensed Medical Laboratory Scientist/ Biomedical scientist.
• Work Experience in a diagnostic laboratory or related field will be an added advantage.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be willing to learn new skills, hardworking and dedicated.
• Demonstrate a cooperative attitude in relationships with co-workers and other personnel.
• Maintain confidentiality of patients, patient results and project operations.
• Must be creative, proactive and be able to work with minimal supervision.
• Basic computer skills.
• Excellent communication skills in English, written/verbal.

Application Closing Date
10th April, 2017.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their application letter and detailed curriculum vitae in Microsoft word format should be forwarded to the "Associate Director, Human Resources" through this email address: [email protected]  

Note: Candidates should indicate appropriate position and preferred location in their application letter. IHVN is an equal opportunity employer.