Catholic Relief Services- Zambia Country Program: Laboratory Advisor (2 Positions)

The CRS Zambia country program was established in 2000, and administers a varied and diversified portfolio of nutrition, health systems strengthening, food security, economic growth and livelihoods, orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) research and HIV and AIDS programs. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas.

BACKGROUND:

Catholic Relief Services Zambia is seeking to employ a laboratory advisor to support HIV care and treatment grant that will support Zambia’s HIV response through targeted faith-based sites to achieve UNAIDS Fast Track goals for epidemic control: 90% diagnosed, 90% on treatment, 90% virally suppressed. The project is set to scale up HIV treatment activities in Zambia to increase the availability, accessibility and quality HIV treatment services using the community approach.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the Senior Laboratory Advisor, the Laboratory Advisor will offer support for the projects laboratory systems encompassing technical teams and facility based staff/structures. The Laboratory Advisor will support and contribute to the development of high quality health laboratory systems in supported sites for the delivery of comprehensive HIV/AIDS treatment and care programs by leading teams to increase access to laboratory testing services, ensure service utilization by ensuring that lab supplies, equipment and staff conform to laid down lab standard operating procedures for service delivery. He or She will support the implementation of a functioning laboratory Quality Management System, quality control measures making sure the quality of results and safety targets are attained and sustained.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the development of action plans to address the capacity needs designing actionable, and sustainable laboratory services strengthening strategy for the project
• In close collaboration with MOH at national provincial and district levels ensure that there are mechanisms available for strengthening access to quality lab testing at supported sites
• Ensure supported sites have adapted and instituted MOH good laboratory practices, standard operating procedures and protocols for service delivery
• Support the implementation of laboratory capacity building programs including strategies based on supportive supervision and performance assessment and monitoring systems.
• Train and mentor laboratory staff at supported sites in collaboration with district laboratory focal teams to strengthen technical assistance as part of the roll out of new testing guidelines as outlined in the 90:90:90 goal in Zambia
• Ensure supported sites expand and strengthen laboratory Quality Management Systems(QMS) Quality Assurance(QA), External Quality Assurance(EQA), and accreditation.
• Contribute to the development of work plans and procedures; support the implementation of action plans related to laboratory Quality Management System activities.
• Will provide continued technical support to the laboratory staff at all supported facilities to improve quality assurance programs including: HIV rapid tests, CD4, VL, EID, TB, Hematology, and Chemistry.
• Work in collaboration with clinical teams to ensure adequate support to strengthen access for quality lab services by putting in place functional referral networks that guarantee timely feedback and linkage of clients to treatment
• Provide advisory and support to health facilities for the recruitment and training of dedicated laboratory personnel to ensure adequate staffing.
• Strengthening the supply chain management system for test kits and reagents
• Assess lab infrastructure needs and work with facility teams to address the gaps
• Analyze monthly lab reports and work with the project team to make informed decision towards service delivery
• Support reporting through contribution to monthly, quarterly and annual activity reports in collaboration with the projects monitoring and evaluation/strategic information team
• Document best practices for replication and betterment of client services
• Any other duty as assigned by the supervisor

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Internal: Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party (Operations), Deputy Chief of Party/Technical, Health System Strengthening Advisor, Consortium Members (CHAZ and Chreso), Deputy SI/M&E Director, Continuous Quality Improvement Advisors (CQIAs), Senior Community Advisor (SCA), Technical Advisors and Health Facilities,

External: Host country government agencies, international and national non-governmental organizations.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

• The applicant should preferably hold a Diploma in laboratory or health sciences or public health
• 5 years’ experience working in testing and techniques essential for the diagnosis and monitoring of the following (but not limited to): HIV/AIDS, TB, STIs, OIs and other infectious diseases.
• Experience managing laboratories with a good grasp of lab standard operating procedure necessary for HIV service delivery
• Ability to transfer skills by way of training, mentorship, staff motivation and working in teams
• Hand on experience in developing QA/QC systems for large laboratories and or health facilities at national, provincial, district and community levels and in conducting quality audit on Quality Systems
• A good grasp and understanding of the Zambian health system and the Zambian HIV response including awareness on the implication of the test and treat strategy towards laboratory services in the country
• Working knowledge in Quality Management and Monitoring Systems in Zambia

APPLICANT INSTRUCTIONS:

Please email a cover letter,Curriculum Vitae which must include three references to: [email protected].

Please include the positions you are applying for in the subject line. The closing date for receiving applications is 20th March 2017. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.