AD-HOC Laboratory Program Managers 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 Laboratory Program Manager

Location: Nigeria
Office / Department: Clinical Laboratory Services Department
Scheduled Work Times: Monday - Friday
Immediate Supervisor/Report To: 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 Laboratory Program Manager is to ensure pre-analytical and post-analytical phases of TB tests are carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures and to coordinate other laboratory activities.

Essential Functions
The AD-HOC Program Manager should have the ability and expertise to:

• Review reports (site visits, monthly/quarterly narrative, data, mentoring and supervision, etc.) and follow up of challenges.
• Participate in the development of national guidelines and policies, supervision checklists, procedures & manuals on TB.
• Ensure the functionality of the TB Reference laboratories.
• Provide appropriate technical support and mentoring to TB Reference Laboratories, liaise with the National TB and Leprosy Training Program (NTBLCP), State TB and Leprosy Control Officers (STBLCOS), Regional Laboratory Officer (RLO), DR-TB focal persons to understand and ensure smooth running of Programmatic Management of DR-TB (PMDT) in the states.
• Coordinate proficiency programs with Supranational Reference Laboratory Network and inter-laboratory comparisons.
• Participate in TB panels preparation  and administration for basic and advanced tests
• Participate in review of sites’ TB External Quality Assessment (EQA) panel reports.
• Participate in design of TB Reference laboratories.
• Activation of TB Reference , Gene Xpert sites and smear microscopy laboratories
• Facilitate all TB trainings (Smear Microscopy, TB Culture (Solid and Liquid), Molecular TB Diagnosis (Gene Xpert and Line Probe Assay), DST (1st and 2nd line), TB EQA, TB sample transport logistics and biosafety.
• Participate in setting up and coordinating a continuous quality improvement plan for the TB Laboratories.
• Provide representation at local, national and international meetings.
• Provide appropriate technical support and mentoring to TB Reference Laboratories.
• Participate in onsite data validation exercises with state programs, Gene Xpert sites, reference laboratories and DOTs centres.
• Coordinate TB laboratory Logistic Management.
• Source for vendors, catalogue numbers and place orders for reagents, consumables and equipment for TB work.
• Liaise with the State TB and Leprosy Control Officers (STBLCOS), DR-TB Focal Persons to understand and ensure smooth running of lab component of PMDT in the States.
• Key into the state monthly/quarterly work plan for supportive supervision to patients in the community.
• Ensure that laboratory national data capturing (recording and reporting) tools are available, properly and completely filled.
• Track investigation results from responsible laboratories to ensure that they are sent back to the state TB program or treatment centres within the turnaround time.
• Liaise with other relevant Lab staff to oversee the follow up investigations for all DR TB patients in DR TB treatment centres, ambulatory Phase and community initiation (including baseline DST for patients) and patients in the continuation phase across the country.
• Ensure that electronic lab management systems are functional and are up-to-date at all levels (state, treatment centre & reference laboratory).
• Follow up with TB reference laboratories management and finance departments to ensure timely availability of funds and optimal utilization.
• Assist in coordinating TB related research and training activities that will require the use of the laboratory facilities.
• Activation of sites for GeneXpert, Fluorescent Microscopy and TB Culture/LPA.
• Collate reports for appropriate and timely dissemination.
• Ensure that Laboratory Management Information System is up to date.
• Perform every other duty necessary for the successful implementation of GF programs.

Minimum Qualifications
Education/Experience:

• The AD-HOC Program Manager should have the following qualifications:
  • A Degree in Medical Laboratory Science (sub-specialty in Microbiology) registrable with MLSCN.
  • A Master's Degree in relevant sub-specialty will be an advantage.
  • Licensed Medical Laboratory Scientist.
  • Minimum of 7 years' working experience.
  • Work experience in a TB Reference Laboratory is required.
  • Experience working with donor funders (PEPFAR & GF).
  • Must possess good program management experience.
  • Should be reliable, proactive and visionary.
  • Must be creative in program design/planning and implementation towards achieving set goals

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent analytical, planning and organizational skills.
• Must possess good interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with diagnostic laboratory.
• Maintain confidentiality of patients, patient results and project operations.
• Experience in TB smear microscopy, GeneXpert MTB/RIF, TB Culture, Drug susceptibility and Line Probe Assay tests.
• Must be creative, proactive and be able to work with minimal supervision.
• Must be willing to learn new skills.
• Excellent computer skills
• Excellent communication skills (written/verbal) in English.

Application Closing Date
10th April, 2017.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their application letters and detailed curriculum vitae in Microsoft word format 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.