Senior Laboratory Services Associate - Service Delivery & Quality Assurance 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 across 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. It is an organization built on strong core values, we believe strongly in commitment, innovation, inspiring leadership, and partnerships.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Laboratory Services Associate - Service Delivery & Quality Assurance

Job Code: LB0017
Location: Abuja
Grant Duration:Subject to availability of funds and exceptional grant performance

Do You Have What it Takes to Join Us?

• We are in search of innovative, creative, and self-motivated talents with outstanding skills and proven track records in the advertised position.
• A reliable individual who is committed, audacious, accountable, and passionate (females and HIV community members are strongly encouraged to apply) with strong core values to work with our highly experienced team at our Head and state offices in the following capacities:
• A reliable executor who is flexible and can hit the ground running in aiding the organization achieve its goals as it aligns with saving lives, making life more meaningful and productive for all Nigerians and especially for the most vulnerable. If this typifies you, kindly read on.

Job Purpose

• Responsible for Rapid Testing Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI), HIV Retesting for Verification of Positives, Recency Surveillance, Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits tracking, lot- to-lot validation, and proficiency testing, other quality assurance programs and all related duties.
• S/he will also assist and inter-phase with other technical Units for optimal quality of Rapid Diagnostics Tests (RDTs) and other quality-related activities in the unit.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities
The incumbent will report to the Associate Director/Head, Laboratory and Biosafety Services for all RTCQI and related CQI issues; and shall assist with providing technical support in the design, planning and implementation of an integrated RTCQI and other Lab CQI program, with the following specific tasks:

• Responsible for the overall Implementation of an Integrated HIV Rapid Test Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI).
• Ensure quality of Rapid Diagnostics Test (RDT) kits and testing across all supported sites (health facilities and communities)
• Prepare plasma stock and DTS-Based Integrated Proficiency Testing (PT) panels
• Responsible for the conduct of Integrated Proficiency Testing (PT) program, SPI-RT Audit, Rapid Testers’ competency Assessment, Worksheet Review, and Quality Control
• Near-real-time Integrated PT data reporting through PT App on NDR
• Ensure the conduct of retesting for verification of HIV Positives
• Implementation of National certification program for HIV Point-of-Care Testing (POCT).
• Coordinates the Recency Surveillance program (laboratory component) and other related- thematic engagement
• Collate and share RTCQI and retesting data for all supported testing sites
• Review POCT_PTCQI MER data for reporting
• Responsible for printing of Recency participants labels and deployment to testing sites
• Participates on Post Market Validation for all supported RDTs within the program
• Assist in the development and adaptation of required guidelines/standards for related laboratory services
• Support in the design, implementation and monitoring system to assure an efficient documentation of lab documents and records.
• Support the implementation of Laboratory Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI),
• Quality Management Systems and the deployment and institution of appropriate corrective and preventive action respectively.
• Assist in the review of performance and quality of service delivery.
• Prepare progress reports of RTCQI, Recency, laboratory CQI activities, lab program implementation and other lab quality issues.
• Perform any other duties assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Ability

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent qualification in Medical Laboratory Science.
• A valid license to practice as Medical Laboratory Scientist, mandatory.
• 4 years post NYSC experience in implementing public health programs preferably in the NGO context.
• Experience in core laboratory service delivery and monitoring
• Demonstratable experience in RTCQI and Recency Surveillance is highly required
• Knowledge and experience of laboratory services in HIV/AIDS program and Laboratory CQI/QMS, is required
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team
• Familiarity with standards and federal/state regulations affecting the laboratory and laboratory practices.
• Knowledge of supply chain and data management systems an added advantage

Candidates are expected to possess:

• Excellent personal communication skills, in written and verbal English, with high impact influencing and persuasive skills and able to represent the organization to donors and partners.
• Good experience of using Ms. Word, Excel or applicable software related to position
• Commitment to and understanding of organization’s vision, values and principles including rights-based/gender approaches would be expected.

Application Closing Date
24th October, 2023.