Consultant - Technical Specialist (Laboratory Systems) at the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) - 2 Openings

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is an organisation charged with the responsibility of facilitating the development and management of the policies and strategies of all sectors to ensure the human, financial and organizational resources to support the successful execution of the national HIV/AIDS response programme in Nigeria.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Consultant - Technical Specialist (Laboratory Systems)

Locations: Abia and Taraba
Employment Type: Contract
Duration for the Consultancy Services: Six (6) months.
Reporting Line: Global Fund Technical Advisor - Laboratory Systems, NACA C19RM/HIV

Introduction
The Global Fund GC6 Grant spanned from 1st April 2021 through 31st December 2023 with NACA being the Principal Recipient and NCDC in collaboration with FMOH-MLSD as Sub Recipient for the Laboratory Systems Strengthening component. As part of the efforts to strengthen referral of biological specimens in the country, there was support for the implementation of the pilot integrated specimen referral in two (2) states (Abia and Taraba). Following the end of the grant in December 2023 and as approved by the Global Fund, the implementation of the Laboratory systems component is to remain with NACA as the PR and FMOH-MLSD as the SR for Laboratory Systems on the ongoing C19RM grant from January 2024 through December 2025.

In the Laboratory Systems component of the grant, there is continued funding to support the implementation of pilot integrated specimen referral using the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in the 2 states. This initiative is aimed at optimizing the transportation of biological specimens, improving result retrieval efficiency, and strengthening laboratory logistics in Nigeria’s public health system. Given the critical role of effective specimen referral in disease diagnosis and surveillance, it is imperative that this pilot is implemented with strong technical and operational oversight.

To ensure the successful execution of this initiative, the engagement of qualified consultants is necessary to provide specialized expertise in laboratory systems, program coordination, monitoring and evaluation, as well as financial reconciliation. These consultants in collaboration with the Ministries of Health in the two states will play a crucial role in ensuring that specimen transportation is properly monitored, data is accurately reported, key stakeholders are effectively engaged, and financial reconciliation processes are conducted in compliance with donor requirements.

Given the strategic importance of this pilot program and the need to commence implementation without delays, NACA is seeking to engage eight (8) consultants to Support Implementation of the Pilot Integrated Specimen Referral Using Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in Abia and Taraba States.

Role Summary

• Support the GF/Technical Advisor - Lab Systems NACA C19RM/HIV Project to provide operational and technical support and guidance to 2 State Technical Specialists on implementation of the pilot integrated specimen referral in Abia and Taraba states.

Job Description

• Maintain a weekly and monthly record of the number of samples transported, results retrieved from PCR and GeneXpert Labs, disease reference laboratories and GeneXpert functionality status for the periodic NiSRN Stakeholder meetings.
• Submit quarterly, monthly, and weekly reports on pilot implementation data, achievements and performance improvement plans along with the state (Abia, Taraba) NiSRN officers.
• Lead the continued discussions on interoperability between NACA, Stakeholders and NIPOST on eN-LIS and NIPOST tracking system/database for the collection of real time data and tracking of all NiSRN sample and result transport activities.
• Support the review of national strategic plans, SOPs, Guidelines, checklists, Operational documents, and data reporting templates that guide integrated specimen referral network operations.
• Provide support in the collection of laboratory logistics data using national HIV/AIDS and TB laboratory logistics tools that can inform resupplies, quantification, funding and procurement decisions.
• Responsible for building and the maintenance of a NiSRN facility list database of supported health facilities in the integrated specimen referral network for Viral load, EID/DBS, CD4, sputum and other specimens.
• Review invoices submitted by the sample transport organization by State Technical Specialists and ensure that their invoicing is in strict compliance with organizational, Donors and contractual requirements.
• Perform other tasks as directed by GF/Technical Advisor – Lab Systems NACA C19RM/HIV Project
• Support the achievement of the overall pilot goals as required to ensure good outcomes.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences from a recognized university.
• Registered Member of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN)
• An advanced degree in Health or a Supply Chain-related field will be an added advantage
• At least 7 years of experience in designing and implementing laboratory transport systems.
• Experience working on a Global Fund or donor-funded project is an added advantage
• Strong analytical skills, advanced knowledge of the use of Microsoft suites, fluency in English, as well as presentation skills are required
• Ability to multitask with meaningful engagement of stakeholders to resolve challenges
• Strong analytical skills and expertise in laboratory system evaluations, particularly in specimen transportation.
• Strong knowledge of disease control programs and public health laboratory issues in low- and middle-income countries.
• Additional skills in cost analysis and GIS are preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Submission of Quotations

Sealing and marking of Quotations
The suppliers shall submit the original and one copy of their quotation in two separate sealed envelopes, one marked “original” and one marked “copy”. The two envelopes shall then be enclosed in one single outer envelope. Both the inner and outer envelopes shall be addressed as follows:

• To the Purchaser as indicated in the Request for Quotations; and
• Bearing the Project name (if applicable), the title and number of the Quotation as indicated in the Request for Quotations.

Deadline for the Submission of Quotations

• Quotations must be received by the Purchaser at the address specified in below at the latest time and date specified in the Request for Quotations.
• Any quotation received by the Purchaser after the deadline for the submission specified shall be returned unopened to the supplier.

Evaluation Criteria and Award of Contract

• Please refer to the link below for more information.

Salary
N1,216,000 per month.

Application Closing Date
25th June, 2025; 12:00 PM.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their detailed CV, which must be in English Language and submitted in two (2) hard copies one original & one copy) of the requested CV. The two copies shall then be enclosed and sealed in one (1) single outer envelope and clearly marked at the topmost right corner "Engagement of Consultants to Support Implementation of the Pilot Integrated Specimen Referral Using Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in Abia and Taraba States" and the Name, Address, Email and Phone Number of the Consultant boldly written at the back of the envelope, with acknowledgement to NACA office at the address below.

Attention:
Head Procurement
National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA)
Ground Floor Room 1.0
No. 3 Zinguinchor Street, Beside AEDC Office,
Wuse zone 4, Abuja.
Or
By E-mail to: procurement@naca.gov.ng

Pre-qualification Requirement
To qualify for consideration, interested consultants are required to submit CVs including the underlisted documents below:

• Cover Letter (Sign) – Unsigned cover Letter shall be automatically disqualified.
• Recent copy of CV
• Copies of all qualifications certificate indicated in the CV
• Relevant experiences and supporting documents
• Consultant profile

Click here for more information on the Engagement of the Consultant

Note: The submission (s) received will be opened immediately after closing at NACA Conference Room in the presence of consultants that choose to attend.