Under the supervision of the ICAP- Lesotho Clinical Team Leader, the laboratory advisor will be responsible for conceptualization, coordination, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of ICAP’s TB laboratory activities in support of the MOHSW TB laboratory network in Lesotho. The laboratory advisor will work with ICAP-NY, MOHSW-Lesotho and CDC country teams to develop and implement the TB laboratory support plans.
OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provide technical assistance to the MOHSW (NTP and laboratory department) for the development of strategic plans, national guidelines and policies to strengthen the TB lab-network in Lesotho
• Assist and work with the NTP and laboratory department to update the laboratory manuals, SOP’s, QA and TB laboratory training curriculum.
• Offer technical support to the National TB Reference Laboratory (NRL) and Two Regional Laboratories to assist them with the organization and management of the TB microscopy and culture network.
• Provide technical and logistical assistance in establishing/upgrading/rehabilitating/staffing new microscopy centers required to implement and support the DOTS expansion strategy in Lesotho.
• Support NTP/lab department with the rollout of GeneXpert TB diagnosis in line with the MOHSW roll-out plan in Lesotho.
• Provide assistance to NTP/laboratory department in the dissemination and training on standardized guidelines, SOP’s, quality assurance, supervision, safety, and laboratory commodity and information management systems.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provide technical assistance to the Laboratory Department of the MOHSW and the NRL to strengthen organization, management and quality assurance of TB laboratory diagnosis services, including sputum smear microcopy, culture and molecular tests.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to the NTP/TB lab department for the monitoring and evaluation of TB lab activities throughout Lesotho.
•Support the review and implementation of national TB laboratory guidelines, manuals, and SOPs.
• Support quality assurance of TB diagnostic services including sputum smear microcopy, culture, and molecular tests (GeneXpert and LPA) services at the National TB laboratory and its network laboratories.
• Support NTP/laboratory department to strengthen EQA system and provide technical support in ensuring effective supervision of TB diagnostic laboratories at all levels.
• Facilitate trainings and mentorship of laboratory technologists and microscopists at peripheral facilities on SOPs, safety and QA guidelines of TB smear microscopy and GeneXpert.
• Provide technical support to NTP/ laboratory department for successful implementation of GeneXpert rollout plan.
• Prepare work plans and provide regular activity reports on the TB laboratory support activities.
QUALIFICATIONS
Skills and Abilities
• Demonstrated organizational, managerial and supervisory, skills and abilities; sound judgment, and high ethical standards; flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrate capacity to work in a variety of cultural settings, complex environment and fragile states.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships, to work well independently and as part of a team, and to incorporate views of other disciplines into his or her work.
• Fluent verbal and written communication in English is a requirement, and ability to speak Sesotho is a plus.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Powerpoint.
• Willingness and abilities to travel within Lesotho up to 80% of his/her time.
• Willingness and availability to re-locate to Maseru, Lesotho for the period of the contract, if applicable. Education
• Master’s degree in medical microbiology, biomedical science or relevant related field, essential.
• Master’s in public health will be considered a plus.
Required Experience
• 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.
• A minimum of 5 years’ post qualification experience of which 2 years’ experience in a specialized TB culture facility, according to international standards.
• Extensive experience in design, implementation and monitoring & evaluation of laboratory programs in developing world setting is essential.
• Experience in offering technical assistance to the Ministry of health, including development of strategic plans, guidelines and policies, laboratory capacity building, and supervision.
• Familiarity with and experience in implementing local and national laboratory quality assurance systems for TB microscopy and TB culture are essential.
• Practical laboratory experience specifically in the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of tuberculosis is essential.
• Familiarity with manual and automated TB culture and drug sensitivity testing systems and molecular tests for infectious diseases.
• Knowledge of new TB diagnostic technologies and their likely applicability in developing countries.
• Understanding of the role of the laboratory in TB DOTS, PMDT and TB/HIV programs in developing countries.
Please send cover letter, CV and salary requirements to mapolm@icap.org.ls. Please indicate you are applying for position #Lab - LS in the subject line of your e-mail.
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