TB Laboratory Specialist

BACKGROUND

The Tuberculosis CARE I (TB CARE I) is USAID funded project carried out by Tuberculosis Coalition for Technical Assistance (TBCTA) including KNCV Tuberculosis foundation (prime contractor), the American Thoracic Society (ATS), Family Health International (FHI), The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), the Japanese Anti-Tuberculosis Association (JATA), Management Sciences for Health (MSH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) with the aim of contributing to the global targets of TB control.

In South Sudan, TB CARE I is supporting the Ministry of Health through the National Tuberculosis/Leprosy/Buruli Ulcer Control Program to implement TB control activities focusing on 1) Universal and early access of TB diagnosis and treatment; 2) Strengthening of laboratory services; 3) Health system strengthening 4) Collaborative TB/HIV activities. TB CARE I in South Sudan is coordinated by MSH in collaboration with WHO and KNCV.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support peripheral laboratory strengthening and proper functioning of Central Reference Laboratory in line with NTP plans to expand quality DOTS.

• Provide technical assistance to the Central TB Reference Laboratory (CRL) to enable it to perform its roles of organization and management of the TB microscopy and culture network.

• Provide assistance in establishing/upgrading/rehabilitating new and already existing microscopy centers required to implement and support the DOTS expansion strategy in South Sudan.

• Provide assistance in the development, dissemination and training on standardized guidelines, SOP’s, quality assurance, supervision, safety, laboratory commodity and information management systems. Assist and work with the NTP to further develop and refine the laboratory manuals, SOP’s, QA and TB laboratory training curriculum.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide technical assistance to the CRL in order to perform its roles of organization, management and quality assurance of TB microscopy services.

2. To facilitate the establishment of quality-assured TB culture services at the CRL.

3. Provide technical support in ensuring effective supervision of TB laboratories at all levels.

4. Support NTP to set up EQA system and provide quarterly reports on implementation of EQA for sputum smear microscopy in TB peripheral labs.

5. Facilitate the implementation of the national TB laboratory guidelines.

6. Facilitate trainings and mentorship of CRL and state laboratory technicians on TB smear microscopy SOPs, safety and QA guidelines.

7. Provide monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual progress briefings and reports on TB laboratory to NTP, USAID, TB CARE I and supervisor.

8. Contribute to the preparation of the quarterly and annual project reports.

9. Any other assigned duties, assigned by TB CARE I Country leader including assuming the duties of Country Lead when necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or related subject and a Master’s degree in medical microbiology, biomedical science, public health or relevant related field, essential.

Experience:

1. Extensive knowledge and experience in managing clinical and public health laboratories in African countries and knowledge and experience of the systems required to ensure sustainability of services, essential.

2. A minimum of 10 years’ post qualification experience of which 5 years’ experience must have been spent working in a specialized TB culture facility working to recognized international standards.

3. Familiarity with manual and automated TB culture and drug sensitivity testing systems is essential. Knowledge of new diagnostic technologies and their likely applicability in S Sudan is required.

4. Understanding of the role of the laboratory in TB DOTS, PMDT and TB/HIV programs in developing countries, essential.

5. Practical laboratory experience specifically in the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of tuberculosis is essential.

6. Familiarity with and experience in implementing local and national laboratory quality assurance systems for TB microscopy and TB culture are essential.

7. Knowledge of and experience in laboratory capacity building, monitoring and supervision in African countries.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Demonstrated organizational, managerial and supervisory, skills and abilities; sound judgment, and high ethical standards; flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.

2. Demonstrate capacity to work in a variety of cultural settings, complex environment and fragile states.

3. Proven ability to build strong relationships, work well as part of a team, and to incorporate views of other disciplines into his or her work.

4. Strong analytic, verbal communication, computer and writing skills.

5. Fluency in English is required, and ability to work in Arabic plus.

6. Ability to work independently, as well as in collaboration with colleagues and partners. Able to manage, develop and motivate a team of staff to achieve set objectives.

7. Demonstrated computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Powerpoint.

8. Willingness and abilities to travel within South Sudan up to 40% of his/her time.

9. Willingness and availability to re-locate to Juba, South Sudan for the period of the contract.

10. Qualified person from Eastern, Southern or Western Africa region would be preferred.

To apply for this position, please visit the Employment Opportunities section of our website at https://jobs-msh.icims.com/jobs/4385/job. If you cannot apply online or have difficulty doing so, please email an explanation of your problem to iRecruiterproblem@msh.org.