Laboratory Services Associate 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: Laboratory Services Associate

Location: Kaduna KP One Stop Shop (OSS) Barnawa, Kaduna

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:

Team Purpose

• Design systems, evaluate processes, and implement sustainable strategies for integrated and quality-focused laboratory service delivery across clinical laboratories – CD4, GeneXpert MTB/Rif, as well as using RDT for HIV Testing, TB L F-LAM, CrAg, RTRI, and COVID-19. Ensuring equipment functionality and optimization within an acceptable turnaround time. Strengthening the 8 core components of the Laboratory Systems – Policy, Training and Retention, Quality Management System, Laboratory Supply Chain Management, Sample Referral System, Equipment Management System, Laboratory Information System, and Biosafety.

Job Purpose

• The personnel will assist the Laboratory Services Officer/State Lab Lead in designing, planning and implementation of quality laboratory services and any laboratory related activities; supervising short-term hire under the Unit and coordinate all laboratory day-to-day activities at the OSS and community program/laboratory services sites.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• The Laboratory Services Associate (KP-focused Integrated Lab services) at the OSS Kaduna, will have the following responsibilities:
• Working collaboratively with other staff at the OSS, the incumbent will support the oversight function of the OSS operationalization and services,
• Provide direct oversight on all laboratory program and activities within the OSS, in collaboration with State Lab Lead.
• Responsible for the functionality and optimization of laboratory services and other laboratory-related activities at the OSS and communities service points/CART.
• Assist in the design, implementation and monitoring system to assure efficient laboratory quality documents and records.
• Ensure sample collection, sample processing and management, storage, and referral and timely result return are in line with the laboratory quality assurance and 3rd ’95 (for VL) program.
• Ensure and monitor retesting for verification of HIV positive of all clients tested within and outside the OSS.
• Collects baseline VL sample for newly identified positive clients, track VL, EID, & HIV-DRT samples and result with TAT
• The job holder will support the implementation of Laboratory Continuous Quality Improvement (QMS and TB-CLICQ!) and the deployment and institution of appropriate corrective and preventive action respectively.
• S/he will be responsible for implementation of HIV Rapid Test Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI) and Recency lab program across all supported testing sites (OSS and mapped community testing sites).
• Monitor the existing system for Sample Referral Network across levels to improve sample referral and result returned rates.
• S/he will monitor the system for optimal functionality and linkage of the Laboratory Information System (LIMS-NMRS exchange, CMM and consumable weekly tracker).
• Monitor commodity stock, inventory management and bimonthly LMIS reporting and timely entry onto NHLMIS.
• Review laboratory and laboratory-related program data and reporting on reportable source documents and trackers.
• Implementation of Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) program - CD4 Testing, TB LF-LAM testing and CrAg Testing
• Liaise for an effective and efficient coordination of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), WHO IPCAF Assessment, biosafety/biosecurity quarterly audits
• Represent the Unit on all Laboratory related activities within the OSS, CBO and community service delivery points, and serves as a technical resource person on Laboratory-related program areas.
• Exercise cultural sensitivity and respects cultural environment and local community setting.
• Non-discrimination of person’s or client’s sexual orientation or gender identity, or other exhibited behaviors.
• Prepare progress reports of laboratory activities, lab program implementation and lab quality issues.
• Perform any other duties assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent qualification in Medical Laboratory Science.
• A valid certificate to practice as Medical Laboratory Scientist mandatory.
• Minimum of 3 years post NYSC experience in implementing public health programs preferably in the NGO context.
• Experience in a molecular laboratory will be an added advantage.
• Laboratory services program knowledge, experience in HIV/AIDS and TB, within the KP program setting, is required.
• Familiarity with standards and federal/state regulations affecting the laboratory and laboratory practices.

Application Closing Date