Laboratory Associate (For Local Residents in Tajikistan, NPSA-6)

Background

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UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The UNDP Tajikistan Country Office was selected as the Principal Recipient in the implementation of HIV/AIDS and TB grants provided to Tajikistan by the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria since 2003. The overall goal of the Project is to reduce the burden of HIV and TB in the country through addressing challenges related to HIV, drug resistant (“DR”) TB, co-infection of TB/HIV, human rights barriers, and underlying health systems shortcomings calling for urgent actions. The Project is streamlined around five main objectives, aiming at ensuring effective HIV response measures among key populations (KPs), scaling up access for early and quality diagnosis, treatment and care, ensuring integrated care for those affected both by TB and HIV, as well as strengthening national public heath response.

The Project will build up on the previous projects’ achievements and results; it will additionally, introduce innovative approaches, such as index testing for HIV, introduction of TB-LAM diagnostic method and new community active case finding interventions using One Impact mobile solution. Also, the Project will contribute to the national health care reform by building and improving the technical and managerial capacities of health professionals, promoting participation of civil society organizations in the response to the HIV/AIDS and TB epidemics, and enhancing the cooperation of non-governmental organizations with the public health sector.

This position under the direct supervision of the GF Project Manager will focus on close collaboration with UNDP Team Leader, UNDP Programme, Operations, Communications, and other project teams in the Project Country.

Duties And Responsibilities

The Laboratory Associate will have three main responsibilities:

• To regularly review laboratory services including RDT, IFA/ELISA, CD4, Viral Load, EID testing for HIV project, WHO recommended rapid diagnostic tests, culture and DST for TB project, and other activities within the framework of the Program.
• Monitor implementation and reporting of SRs on testing, laboratory supply and quality control of laboratory services related project components.
• Facilitate the ordering and procurement process of laboratory equipment, reagents, and consumables for laboratories in the project.

To regularly review laboratory services including RDT, IFA/ELISA, CD4, Viral Load, EID, TB and C19 testing and other activities within the framework of the UNDP GF Project

• Assist local partners in rationalizing laboratory services in laboratory networks in the frames of the project according to GF QA, UNDP QC and WHO technical requirements.
• Follow up on proper implementation of diagnostic algorithms in the scope of the project.
• Technical support to the national disease programmes in developing of laboratory databases for logistics and supplies, equipment, and its maintenance in the country; support national counterparts to use it for rational use of lab supplies and commodities.
• Ensure that standard operation procedures (SOP) on test methods, operation of equipment, laboratory organization, quality control, safety practices and record keeping, and reporting are implemented by national partners.
• Support national counterparts for timely update of national protocols and guidelines related to laboratory diagnostics in the scope of the project, in accordance with the WHO guidelines and recommendations.
• Provide technical assistance on External Quality Assessment system development and implementation.
• Ensure providing capacity building to local laboratory specialists in activities related to PSM in Laboratories (preparation of orders, storage conditions, distribution plan, management and maintenance of lab equipment’s, infection prevention and management of laboratory system.
• Be responsible for achievement of related indicators of the project in a quality and quantitative manner. Carry out collection of information on achievement of indicators under the grant together with M&E specialists.
• Participate to the thematic working groups (TWGs) on laboratory component, round tables, and seminars for laboratory specialists of AIDS Centers and NTP.
• Assist in the activities to improve he collaboration and integration of HIV and TB parallel programs related to testing and diagnostics.
• Perform other duties as required by the HIV/AIDS Project Coordinator and TB Project Coordinator and GF Programme Manager.

Monitor implementation and reporting of SRs on testing, laboratory supply and quality control of laboratory services related project components.

• Keep the national partners abreast of international and WHO legislative documents on laboratory service on HIV/AIDS and TB, and help them to bring national normative documents in accordance with WHO documents
• Assess programmatic impact and oversee the appropriateness and the accuracy of methods used to verify progress and results related to laboratory component of HIV program.
• Assist with collection, processing of information and timely submission of the programmatic reports related to HIV and TB laboratories, including stock balances on lab commodities.
• Ensure continuous support for programme and M&E personnel of sub-recipient organizations related to lab component of the project.
• Conduct and facilitate training sessions with national lab specialists on the aspect of laboratory administration, logistics and supply, laboratory safety, infection prevention and proper use of lab equipment’s.
• Develop/modify/update M&E check lists and reporting format for use during routine monitoring of lab activities of SRs.
• Conduct monitoring visits to the oblasts laboratory according to work plan; conduct EQA with local partners and mentor and support oblast laboratory supervisors; provide recommendation and ensure implementation of remedial actions, as well as conduct follow up on proposed recommendations.
• Provide technical assistance to local specialists in activities related to National Reference Laboratory. Initiate and maintain communications and coordination on Laboratory matters between SNRL and other partners.

Facilitate the procurement process of laboratory equipment, reagents and consumables for HIV, TB and C19 laboratories.

• Jointly with SR lab personnel and other involved partners, conduct monthly analysis on consumption, stock balance, forecasting, and facilitate procurement cases for HIV, TB and C19 projects and oversee the monitoring of the status of reagents, consumables and equipment distributed to the SRs, their utilization and efficiency.
• Train lab staff on forecasting and utilization of test kits and lab items according to the project indicators.
• Develop a mechanism or tool to monitor and control utilization of test kits/consumables and other lab items procured by UNDP/GF funds separately from other sources.
• Provide technical support during review, update (if required) and follow up on proper implementation of Procurement Action Plan for the grant on the laboratory component.
• Technical supervision and assistance in the procurement of laboratory equipment, reagents, and consumables to be in-line with project indicators, donor requirements, appropriateness of technology in Tajikistan settings, UNDP procurement rules, WHO and international standards.

Institutional Arrangement

The incumbent will work under direct supervision by the Programme Manager of the Global Fund project.

Competencies

• Core

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

• Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Direction and Strategy: System Thinking– Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Business Development: Knowledge Facilitation– Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally.

Business Management: Communication– Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.

Digital and Innovation: Data Analysis– Ability to extract, analyze and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making

Communications: Writing and editing– Ability to create and/or edit written content in different UN languages

Partnership management: Private sector resource mobilization- Ability to identify, develop and manage partnerships that leverage private sector technical expertise and resources.

Education

Required Skills and Experience

• Secondary education is required, or
• University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in medicine, biology or public health specialized in laboratory studies, will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Experience

• A minimum 6 years (with Secondary education) or three 3 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of laboratory diagnostic experience, preferably on HIV/AIDS and TB.
• Experience in international or UN organizations will be an asset.

Required Skills

• Skills in stock management
• Knowledge of lab equipment maintenance

Desired Skills

• Practical knowledge of procurement and supply system of laboratory commodities: tests, consumables, equipment is advantageous.
• Knowledge of quantification and forecasting tools for HIV and TB laboratory is highly desired.
• Experience with Global Fund HIV and/or TB projects is an asset.

Languages

• Fluency in Tajik, and/or Russian languages is required.
• Working knowledge of English

Important Note: This position is for Local Residents in Tajikistan

Disclaimer

Applicant Information About UNDP Rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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