Laboratory Services Officer 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 Officer

Job Code: LB03
Location: Lokoja, Kogi

Job Purpose

• The personnel will assist the Associate Director/Head, Laboratory and Biosafety Services in designing, planning, and implementing quality laboratory services and related activities.
• They will supervise all Associates, Assistants, and short-term hires under the Unit and coordinate all day-to-day laboratory activities.
• At the state level, they are responsible for laboratory logistics, the Laboratory Information System (LIS), sample management and results, COVID-19 bi-directional testing, Rapid Testing Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI), Recency Surveillance, CD4 testing, Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) Diagnostic Monitoring, GeneXpert testing optimization, Infection Prevention & Control, Biosafety and Biosecurity, equipment management, and laboratory stakeholder engagement and coordination meetings.

Responsibilities

• Maintain oversight of the functionality and optimization of all clinical laboratory services and related activities across healthcare facilities and communities.
• Assist in designing, implementing, and monitoring systems to ensure efficient documentation of lab documents and records.
• Ensure sample collection, processing, management, storage, referral, and timely result return align with laboratory quality assurance and the program's 3rd 95 target (for viral load).
• Oversee result returns for VL, EID, HPV, and HIV-DRT samples, and track turnaround times (TAT) particularly at DRL/NRL PCR laboratories.
• Ensure that DBS samples for Infant Virologic Testing (IVT) are prioritized, with result return tracking.
• Support the implementation of Laboratory Continuous Quality Improvement (QMS and TB CLICQI) and the institution of corrective and preventive actions.
• Review and monitor laboratory QA and QC activities to ensure conformance with established policies, national regulations, or accreditation requirements.
• Implement the HIV Rapid Test Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI) and Recency Lab programs across all supported testing sites (facilities and communities).
• Oversee the implementation of COVID-19 bidirectional testing for HIV and COVID-19 testing services.
• Review and monitor the existing Sample Referral Network system across different healthcare levels and geographical locations.
• Monitor the functionality and linkage of the Laboratory Information System (CMM, LIMS-NMRS exchange, consumable tracking).
• Collaborate with clinical and SI state teams to review laboratory/lab-related program data and ensure accurate reporting on reportable databases and internal channels/trackers.
• Coordinate and implement the Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) program, including CD4 testing (flow cytometric and LFA), TB LF-LAM testing, and CrAg testing.
• Support and monitor GeneXpert testing, including functionality tracking and testing optimization.
• Ensure effective coordination of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), including the functionality of Infection Control Committees (ICC), WHO IPCAF Assessments, and quarterly biosafety/biosecurity audits.
• Represent the Unit in all laboratory-related activities within the supported state and serve as a technical resource to the SMoH and related MDAs, as needed.
• Prepare progress reports on laboratory activities, program implementation, and lab quality issues.
• Perform any other assigned duties.

Area under Influence:

• Overall state laboratory program operation and coordination, QMS, Rapid Testing Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI), CD4 testing, Advance HIV Disease (AHD) Diagnostic Monitoring, GeneXpert testing optimization, Infection Prevention & Control, Biosafety and Biosecurity, monitor laboratory, equipment and ancillary equipment functionality, follow up with FTH Gombe for VL/EID results, Stakeholder engagement and management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent qualification in Medical Laboratory Science. A Master's degree is an added advantage.
• A valid certificate to practice as a Medical Laboratory Scientist is mandatory.
• 6 years of experience in running/implementing public health programs, preferably in the NGO context.
• Knowledge and experience in the design, implementation, and management of laboratory services in HIV/AIDS programs or other public health intervention programs.
• Experience in a laboratory setting, particularly in molecular diagnosis (viral load determination, drug resistance testing, genotyping, and nucleic acid sequencing), is an advantage.
• Familiarity with standards and federal/state regulations affecting the laboratory and laboratory practices.

Application Closing Date
20th November, 2024.