Laboraroty Advisor

The Laboratory Advisor will provide technical leadership of the state laboratory system to deliver quality laboratory services for HIV diagnosis, CD4, EID and Viral load testing for advanced HIV disease. The advisor will use MSH’s Improving Laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS) to strengthen laboratory samples transport networks, QA and biosafety for all supported facilities to ensure accuracy for laboratory investigations and quick turnaround time for results feedback to health facilities and clinicians. S/he will improve coordination between the laboratory and the clinicians for timely patient management decisions based on the laboratory results.

The Technical Advisor will work under the anticipated award which aims at delivering evidence-based HIV services including HIV Case Finding and Linkage (HTS), Adult Care and Treatment, Paediatric/Adolescent Care and Treatment, Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT), Cervical cancer screening, TB/HIV Care, Laboratory, and Health Systems Strengthening to Support Clinical Services in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara State Offices.

Main duties and responsibilities;

• Lead a process for reviewing laboratory networks and sample referral and transport mechanisms in the state in line with the National Integrated Specimen Referral Network (NiSRN), and direct systematic improvements based on the findings. S/he will apply innovative and automated digital technologies where appropriate to link laboratory samples from primary and secondary sites to the UDUTH Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) laboratory hub.
• Manage the partnership with the third-party logistics partners to ensure timely shipment and receipt of results.
• Provide technical inputs at the State Laboratory Technical Working Groups (TWGs)
• Lead the assessment of existing laboratory services, including functionality of laboratory equipment, with regard to performing recency testing, Early Infant Diagnosis (EID), CD4 testing for advanced HIV disease, taking quality Dried Blood Spot (DBS) for Viral load Testing and GeneXpert MTB RIF assay, and tailor laboratory systems strengthening support based on site-specific gaps and needs.
• Provide Technical Assistance (TA) to the state laboratory team on strengthening the state laboratory quality assurance system
• Conduct supervisory visits to health facilities and mentor health facility laboratory staff on conducting quality laboratory tests
• Work with the Supply Chain Advisor and the GHSC PSM project team to strengthen the laboratory commodity security system. S/he will build the capacity of laboratory staff to use SOPs for quantification and monitoring stock levels, and to update and submit utilisation reports on time.
• Institute and support a system for monitoring and reporting on the status of equipment functionality and develop preventive maintenance schedules.
• Collaborate with the M&E and Supply Chain Advisor to roll out the EMR-Laboratory Information System at secondary and PHC sites if not yet deployed.
• Participate in External Quality Assessment -Proficiency Testing program in the state
• Write and submit to the state team leader all required reports on the laboratory program including clear documentation of programmatic achievements, challenges and opportunities on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Biomedical Science/Medical Laboratory Science. Postgraduate degree in public health/health sciences is preferred.

S/he must be registered with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).

The candidate should have at least 5 years of professional experience working in public health laboratory service delivery in Nigeria, 3 of which in laboratory diagnosis of HIV, TB and other opportunistic infections; and laboratory monitoring of people on HIV treatment. Experience working as a state laboratory advisor for HIV programs in Nigeria will be an added advantage.

In addition, s/he should have proficiency in English . Strong computer skills, competence in use of word processing programs is required, and experience with spreadsheets and database applications strongly preferred. S/he should have ability to write lucid technical reports and documents and to make presentations. Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously; excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team spirit.

Experience working with US government donor projects is an added advantage.