Biosafety Lead at an Indigenous Non-profit and Non-governmental Organization

We are an indigenous non-profit and non-governmental organization with Head Office in Abuja and field offices in several locations in Nigeria. We are in the business of saving lives, making life more meaningful and productive for all Nigerians and especially for people living with, and affected by HIV.

We need dynamic, highly skilled and passionate persons to work with our highly experienced team at our Head and state offices in the capacity below:

Job Title: Biosafety Lead

Code: B.L 00010
Location: Nigeria

Position Summary

• The position holder shall under the guidance of the Laboratory Program Director oversee, develop, and monitor a biological safety program for human tissues and pathogens. Improve laboratory operations for optimal patient care, disease surveillance and response, biosafety and policy development.
• S/he shall ensure that biological accidents, biosafety breaches and Laboratory Acquired Infections do not happen and when they do happen, there are adequate measure to mitigate against them.

Major Responsibilities

• Ensure adequate biosafety training and practices to avoid potential hazards associated with the handling of biological materials.
• Ensure the use of appropriate biosafety and biosecurity policies, guidelines and regulations for the protection and safeguard of human health and the environment from potential adverse effects of biohazards and prevent accidental exposures.
• Coordinate with partners, agencies of GON and other stakeholders in the deployment of biosafety measures that limit the spread of multi-drug resistant pathogens and threats of emerging pathogens,
• Lead the conduct of periodic evaluation of biosafety and biosecurity surveys and assessments.
• Review the reports of the baseline assessment of the biosafety and biosecurity situation in Medical/ Clinical, environmental, veterinary, research and biotechnology laboratories in 13 states of the country.
• Coordinate the review of country situation analysis of Biosafety and Biosecurity through periodic assessment findings and report same to stakeholders.
• Ensure that there are adequate policy safeguards that reduces the risks of loss, theft or misuse of valuable biological materials.
• Ensure that government policies are adequate in guaranteeing effective management, accountability and protection of laboratory generated biological agents.
• Oversee the conduct of national waste management assessment and implementation plans.
• Conduct knowledge gaps in biorisk management and determine tailored capacity building programs in biorisk management.
• Work with the Division of Laboratory services of the FMOH, MLSCN,NCDC, Biosafety Association, NBMA in harmonizing biorisk management guidelines.
• Ensures proper procedures are followed when shipping biohazardous goods.

Education

• Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology, Biosafety, Microbiology, Environmental Health, or similar degree required;
• IFBA Professional Certification in Biorisk Management will be an advantage.

Experience, Skills, and Minimum Qualifications:

• At least five (5) years of direct experience directing a biological safety program required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent administrative skills necessary to manage multiple biosafety protocols.

Application Closing Date
8th February, 2022.