Technical Officer, Laboratory Services – Abuja Job at FHI 360 - Nigeria

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Job Title: Technical Officer, Clinical Services  

Employer: FHI 360 – Nigeria

Sector: Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO)

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Req ID: 3927

National Only: Yes  

Basic Function: Liaise with the Senior Technical Officer (Lab Services) to provide technical support and implement high quality laboratory services for FHI Nigeria programs including adherence to relevant professional standards and guidelines, and involvement with laboratory clinical governance issues and audit.

Duties and responsibilities:

1.   Give technical support and develop quality policies, quality tools, SOPs and recommendations related to the implementation, monitoring and quality assurance of laboratory services for HIV/AIDS, opportunistic (OI) and malaria care and treatment in collaboration with technical staff within FHI and at national, state and local agencies in Nigeria.

2.   Provide assistance in analysis of monitoring/ audits results in order to identify service gaps, develop quality management plan and initiate, prioritize and deploy operational improvement measure with the CO laboratory and zonal laboratory team.

3.   Work closely with M&E and lab staff to ensure that lab quality related data e.g. proficiency testing and retesting are adequately captured in the DHIS and LAMIS.

4.   Ensure that the test, controls and inspections are carried out and that personnel have access to all required quality related documents.

5.   Systematically ensure that records of nonconformity of events reports are kept and resolve non-conformities arising within the laboratory to completion.

6.   Implement update of quality control plans/control procedures. Inform the supervisor of any deviation regarding the plan.

7.   Monitor QA and QC activities of the Laboratory in order to determine conformance with established policies, national regulations, or accreditation requirements.

8.   Coordinate the distribution of PT samples to respective facilities and timely collection and submission of results to PT providers.

9.   Work closely with the lab team to ensure that universal safety precautions are properly followed and biological waste from the labs and blood banks is properly disposed.

10.   Provide technical assistance in capacity building for laboratory services to FHI and facility staff.

11.   Provide technical support on blood safety and laboratory quality assurance issues within FHI and at national, state and local agencies in Nigeria.

12.   Coordinate the inventory management along with AXIOS to ensure adequate stock and quality data capture in the DHIS.

13.   Monitor test kits utilization and utilization of other reagents in the FHI supported sites within the program.

14.   Contribute to development of lessons learned from programs and projects related to laboratory management of HIV/AIDS and liaise with Associate Director, Laboratory and SLO to apply these lessons and modify existing program.

15.   Represent FHI on issues of laboratory management of HIV/AIDS at the CO level.

16.   Remain informed on current programs in the field of laboratory management of HIV/AIDS and related development fields by reviewing current literature and staying alert to any implication of such research for department activities.

17.   Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes:

1.   Knowledge of health and development programs in developing countries in general and Nigeria specifically.

2.   Laboratory management and training experience and ability to understand full range of issues around the laboratory management of HIV/AIDS, including provision of counseling and testing services.

3.   Excellent working knowledge of laboratory equipment and techniques for the identification and culturing of different TB species, and drug resistance tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and management issues related to mycobacterium Drug resistance Tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

4.   Thorough knowledge of QA, QC and proficiency testing concepts; ability to apply these concepts to resolve complex conditions in laboratory settings.

5.   Knowledge of Laboratory Equipment and techniques for the following categories of assays: HIV rapid and confirmatory testing, hematology, biochemistry, CD4/CD8, HIV viral load, HIV DNA qualitative test, HIV viral resistance (genotype and phenotype) and issues related to the clinical management of HIV/AIDS.

6.   Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the social, political and ethical issues surrounding HIV infection.

7.   Ability to work well with others and to develop and maintain compatibility among project staff, subcontractors, consultants and recipients of assistance.

8.   Ability to manage tight deadlines and deliver high volumes of work with minimal supervision.

9.   High degree of proficiency in written and spoken English communication.

10.   Well-developed computer skills.

11.   Ability to travel within Nigeria 25% time.

Qualifications and Requirements:

1.   BSc in Laboratory sciences or related field with 5-7 years post NYSC experience and a minimum of 3 years experience in provision of laboratory support for HIV/AIDS.

2.   Or Master degree in Laboratory sciences or related field with 3-5 years post NYSC experience and a minimum of 3 years experience in provision of laboratory support for HIV/AIDS.

3.   Proven ability and track record of implementation of Quality Assurance and Quality Control in a laboratory setting is a must.

4.   Knowledge of advanced laboratory procedures, diagnosis and management related to HIV/AIDS care and treatment is required with some experience in an international development organization preferred.

5.   Certification of license to practice as a medical laboratory scientist is required.

6.   Expertise in hematology, TB and blood safety issues will be an added advantage.

7.   Familiarity with Nigerian public sector health system and NGOs and CBOs highly desirable.

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