Laboratory Director at the Management Sciences for Health (MSH)

Management Sciences for Health (MSH), a global health nonprofit organization, uses proven approaches developed over 40 years to help leaders, health managers, and communities in developing nations build stronger health systems for greater health impact. We work to save lives by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job title: Laboratory Director

Job ID: 13-10434
Location: Abuja
Reports To: Project Director, GF RSSH

Overview

• The objective of the Laboratory Director position is to provide technical leadership of the GF RSSH (Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health) laboratory program in a manner that strengthens integrated delivery of comprehensive HIV/AIDS, Malaria, TB or Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C services in partnership with the Federal and State governments and other partners, and leads to sustainable prevention and control efforts

Specific Responsibilities

• Spearheading the strategic design and implementation of the laboratory program of the RSSH.
• In close collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders, take lead in the development of high quality health laboratory systems in targeted States that support delivery of comprehensive HIV/AIDS, Malaria, TB, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C prevention, care and treatment services.
• Improving service delivery infrastructure: Infrastructural upgrade of selected laboratories in target states as part of the laboratory services integration activities.
• Lead grant stakeholder management efforts as it relates to lab services and the applicable stakeholders.
• Support strengthening of laboratory systems and networks.
• Strengthen national laboratory logistics support systems.
• Support harmonization of menu at tier of lab service.
• Support capacity building for master trainers on new and current testing methodology and technologies.
• Baseline and follow-on assessment of targeted Global Fund-supported laboratories enrolled into the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program and quality management system
• Development and deployment of standard biosafety and biosecurity guidelines and manuals (including training)
• Training on laboratory data management, capacity to lead the pilot testing of an innovative RDT Reader for HIV, Malaria, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C tests and quality assurance, among others.
• LMIS strengthening (including development and roll-out of laboratory information management system) and its link with Electronic Medical Records and the National HMIS.
• Design and implement laboratory capacity building programs for Federal and targeted State health workers.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership and support to the State Laboratory Specialists and related staff.
• Take programmatic responsibility for the design and functioning of the laboratory M&E system.
• Advocate and champion increased use of laboratories diagnostics by health system in the country
• Liaise with the relevant national bodies to establish an efficient supply chain management system for laboratory commodities.
• Ensure timely relevant technical support to all implementing health facilities.
• Represent the project at the national level on matters of laboratory systems and services.
• Provide clear documentation of programmatic achievements and keep management informed on monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
• Work with management to document and publish best practices.
• Working within project strategy and policy guidelines, make decisions concerning work responsibilities and is accountable for them.
• Provide technical input in the development of an integrated project plan in collaboration with the Project Director

Qualifications and Experience

• Post graduate degree in Medical Laboratory Science.
• Laboratory Scientist, Laboratory Technologist, Clinical Pathologist or Public Health professional, with at least ten (10) years post-qualification experience working in a laboratory setting of which three (3) years must have been in a senior laboratory management position with thorough understanding of health systems and of public health issues in the Nigerian context.
• Bachelor of Science or Medical degree from a recognized university, plus a relevant higher qualification, e.g. Master’s degree in medical microbiology, public health or related field.
• Registration with the appropriate regulatory authority in Nigeria.
• Experience managing, supervising and teaching laboratory staff.
• Experience with HIV/AIDS, Malaria, TB or Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C programs supported by bilateral and multilateral agencies such as the Global Fund, CDC, USAID and international agencies such as WHO and World Bank.
• Strong project management and communication skills.
• Previous experience in developing training materials and the delivery of training sessions
• Ability to lead and guide strategy development with the MOH, manage technical implementation of proposed project initiatives, as well as ability to supervise, mentor and coach project and government staff.
• Understanding of global public health issues, systems and stakeholders in Nigeria, and of laboratory system strengthening activities in the context of a health system strengthening effort.
• Extensive knowledge of laboratory sciences, with specific expertise in biosafety and biosecurity, and of issues related to laboratory networks.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating project results and outputs and ensuring timely completion of activities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent written and spoken communications skills in English.
• Strong skills in using word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software (Microsoft Office applications preferred).
• Experience using web-based applications (email, browsing, and literature retrieval).
• Self-directed learner with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills – ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse colleagues, partners and clients

Application Closing Date
9th January, 2019.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online