Laboratory Systems Officer

• Deadline: Expired

Join the HJF Team!

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF’s support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

HJFMRI is seeking to hire a Laboratory systems Officer to provide technical expertise, coordination and supervision of all laboratory services in South Rift Valley Region.The incumbent will be responsible for efficient and effective implementation, management, and monitoring of HIV/TB diagnostics. These will include viral load, Early Infant Diagnosis (EID), Opportunistic Infections diagnosis, AHD’s and other laboratory diagnostics supported by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) of the South Rift Valley (SRV) program.

The incumbent will also provide technical assistance and strategic direction in HIV/TB diagnosis and monitoring to ensure that PEPFAR SRV program achieves annual targets and results in Kericho, Bomet, Nandi and Narok counties. This will include forecasting, quantification and reporting activities for HIV/TB related laboratory and testing commodities; support HIV clinical laboratory services in compliance with the Kenya and donor guidelines and policies; provide technical support and supervision for laboratory services delivery across 10 partners and 244 facilities, and ensure conformity to the Scope of Work and provision of quality laboratory services.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for ensuring all laboratory facilities under SRV PEPFAR program develop, implement and attain expected targets in the Country Operational Plan while maintaining national and international standards for quality laboratory services.
• Coordinate with partners in the development of laboratory annual work plans, implementation of activities and monitoring of laboratory services
• Ensure that SRV PEPFAR supported laboratories follow PEPFAR and MoH guidelines in providing HIV/TB diagnostics.
• Ensure all laboratories have the updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and all appropriate staff are trained. This includes training and on-going CMEs, mentorship, benchmarking and regular site visits for ART and viral load laboratory monitoring and targeted tests.
• Provide overall technical leadership in the implementation of the HIV related laboratory systems components of the project and support laboratory management information systems (LMIS) such as the remote login, and sample transport networks and results report back.
• Support the HIV service delivery program team in implementation of laboratory management activities in close collaboration with County and Sub-County Laboratory Coordinators and county program teams.
• Liaise with the Clinical team and facility clinicians to provide linkages and ensure that lab results (EID, VL, CD4 etc.) are being utilized for improved patient management.
• Provide technical leadership in project performance reviews for laboratory activities in collaboration with County and Sub-County Lab Coordinators including HIV, TB, VL, EID, Advanced HIV Diagnosis, and other relevant tests in HIV/TB management.
• Support coordination, planning, implementing and monitoring of laboratory activities concerning accreditation (SLMTA/SLIPTA), quality system essentials (QSE), proficiency testing, quality assurance and quality control and performance of accurate and reliable laboratory tests and perform research activities as required in all SRV supported laboratories.
• Collaborate with Laboratory Technologists in the institution and maintenance of quality management systems (QMS), including efficient documentation, corrective actions, preventative actions, accurate and timely result delivery.
• Liaise with the KEMRI/WRP Clinical Research Laboratory, the National Reference Laboratory and partner hospital laboratories for sample and results network of VL, EID and HIV DR between the sites and national laboratories resultant in timely intervention for patients in SRV programs.
• Participate in RTCQI program in provision of PT panels for EQA in HIV testing, TB Genexpert and CD4 to testers/Labs through the GoK-MOH leadership.
• Provide technical support in calibration, standardization and routine preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Provide technical assistance to service providers and Lab team on utilization of Lab manifest as Lab module in Kenya EMR.
• Act as a liaison between Clinical Research Lab and facilities for follow up on samples and issues related to access of lab results from the NASCOP EID/VL database.
• Participate in implementation and roll out of updated HIV Testing, Care and Treatment guidelines through training and dissemination workshops.
• Support Counties in Commodity Security by providing Technical assistance in commodity tracking, requisitioning, and reporting.
• Participate in laboratory activities in Research and Program Evaluation as required.
• Perform other roles as assigned by Program/Site Director.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences from a recognized institution. Higher diploma with requisite experience will be considered.
• At least 3 years experience in an HIV program with a large laboratory component; PEPFAR experience is a strong advantage.
• Registration with the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Board (KMLTTB).

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of current National Policies and Guidelines in comprehensive HIV/AIDS Management.
• Detailed knowledge of HIV/TB lab diagnosis including early infant diagnosis (EID), HIV testing, Viral load, TB molecular diagnostics among others.
• Detailed knowledge of opportunistic infections (OI), AHD including TB lab diagnosis, and routine lab monitoring guidelines and practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills.
• Competence in computer operations especially MS office.
• Leadership skills with ability to nurture good working relationships with partner hospitals, County Health Management Teams, including NASCOP/NPHLS.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

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