The University of Maryland Baltimore Global Health Initiatives through its operating arm Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC) Kenya implements comprehensive HIV prevention, care and treatment programs to facilitate the Kenya Ministries of Medical Services and Public Health to control the spread of HIV and rapidly scale up HIV services, institute continuous quality improvement methods as well as the M & E infrastructure necessary to support these services. MGIC Kenya is seeking suitably qualified persons able to fill the following position:
VACANCY : COUNTY LABORATORY COORDINATOR
PROJECT : BORESHA MAABARA
LOCATION : NAIROBI
SUPERVISOR : PROJECT DIRECTOR
SUPERVISES : LABORATORY MENTORS
OVERVIEW OF PROJECT
“BORESHA MAABARA” (improve laboratory services) is a five (5) year project funded through the US Government Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The project seeks to enhance diagnostic testing for the prevention, surveillance and treatment of infectious diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis, and other HIV-related opportunistic infections. The project is implemented jointly by the Ministry of Health, National Public Health Laboratory Services, Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service and the respective County Governments.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The County Laboratory Coordinator will oversee strengthening of laboratory systems and practices in designated counties for enhanced delivery of sustainable quality diagnostic services.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Liaise with relevant national ministry of health departments/divisions in availing and ensuring effective dissemination and uptake of relevant laboratory policies, service delivery guidelines and standards as appropriate.
• Take lead in identifying and maintaining critical reference resources for use by laboratory mentors while providing T.A in designated counties and facilities.
• Support strengthening of laboratory infrastructure, equipment, logistics, and procurement systems for sustainable and quality services.
• Liaise with care and treatment partners to expand access to quality laboratory services by strengthening tiered laboratory networks, and specimen referral for CD4, HIV early infant diagnosis (EID), HIV viral load and TB.
• Ensure provision of consistent and structured technical assistance to designated counties and facilities for enhanced service delivery and strengthened quality management services.
• Take lead in planning and conducting appropriate laboratory assessments and dissemination of findings.
• Coordinate participation of designated facilities in relevant EQA proficiency testing programs and dissemination of results as well as implementation of corrective action and preventive action measures.
• Organize and facilitate provision of continuous medical education to project staff and laboratory staff at designated counties and facilities.
• Support implementation of a quality improvement and data demand and information use framework aimed at improving County level capacity in reporting and utilization of data for enhanced service coverage.
• Provide mentorship/ coaching on improving functionality of manual and electronic laboratory management information systems to enhance linkage of laboratory data to patient care data systems.
• Facilitate adoption and uptake by facilities of best practices in biosafety/biosecurity, infection prevention control, occupational health and safety, and healthcare waste management.
• Supports strengthening of Laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS) ensuring QA/QC/EQC systems are functional.
• Identify and sustain strategic partnerships, contacts and linkages to ensure effective programming
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should have:
• Relevant Bachelor of Science (Bsc) degree in laboratory sciences. A master’s degree shall be an added advantage.
• At least five (5) years’ experience in supporting strengthening of laboratory systems and practices at County and Health Facilities.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, under pressure and to adhere to set deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work with various government institutions, counties and local partners.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and report writing skills.
HOW TO APPLY:
Kindly send your application that includes a cover letter and updated CV showing names of three professional referees to hr@mgickenya.org on or before 20/4/2017
Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.