Technical Officer - Lab Services in Kagera and Tabora Regions at Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) is on a mission to create a world where no mother, child or family is devastated by HIV and AIDS. Join us on our fight for an AIDS-free generation.

Job title: Technical Officer Laboratory Services

Primary manager: Senior HIV/TB Sustainability Manager

Dotted manager: Senior Technical Advisor Laboratory Services

Job Grade: 5

Location: Kagera and Tabora Regions

Number of Positions: Two (2)

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to strengthen Laboratory Quality Management systems and RAS+ activities in supported sites in Kagera and Tabora regions. Reporting to the Senior HIV/TB Sustainability Manager, the Technical Officer Laboratory Services, will provide technical assistance to regional, council, and facility teams to strengthen HIV viral load, EID, HIV testing, TB diagnostics, HIV-DR, HPV DNA, monitor sample referral and transportation, quality assurance, laboratory data management, and reporting. The position will work closely with R/CHMTs and other stakeholders to ensure quality laboratory services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Capacity building

Ensuring good quality clinical laboratory testing in the supported facilities in regional supported sites including:

• Conducting needs assessment at supported sites; identify areas for improvement for quality services, including rollout/ scale-up of new technologies.
• Ensure availability and proper use of laboratory SOPs, manuals, guidelines, worksheets, and forms at all sites and sections. Assist in the customization of these tools whenever required.
• Capacity building in collaboration with the Senior Technical Advisor, Laboratory Services, to prepare and facilitate On-site mentorships and case management support for Health Care workers, including laboratory staff, and other stakeholders as planned/ needed.
• Monitor Lab Equipment functionality and Commodities availability.

Coordination and technical support at the supported sites:

• Support quality HIV viral load (HVL), early infant diagnosis (EID), HIV testing, TB diagnostic, HPV DNA, HIV-DR testing, and other relevant laboratory services.
• Monitor systems for sample collection, packaging, transportation/ referrals, testing, result return, and client follow-up.
• Monitor and report stock status for Lab commodities. Perform redistribution as needed.
• Identify and address gaps affecting viral load coverage, turnaround time, sample rejection, documentation, and result utilization.
• Support appropriate use of TB diagnostic platforms, including GeneXpert/TrueNat for MTB/RIF and other approved technologies
• Support and monitor implementation and maintenance of laboratory quality management systems in accordance with ISO 15189:2022.
• Strengthen internal quality control, external quality assessment/proficiency testing, LAB_PTCQI, and corrective and preventive actions.
• Scale up and monitor utilization of Point of- Care technologies for VL, EID, and others as per MOH rollout plan

• Support districts in planning and implementing laboratory services towards sustainability of Laboratory program
• Perform any other related duties as assigned by the supervisors or delegate

Documentation and Reporting of laboratory services

Follow up to receive quality quarterly lab reports, and as needed, data analysis, then share with other levels, including the RAS+ and Senior Technical Advisor Laboratory Services.

• Collaborate with other staff, and regularly inform all local stakeholders about the supported laboratory activities in the region/ district
• Provide any other information /reports as requested by senior management
• Document/ involve in documentation of technical findings e.g. piloting, best practices etc.
• Provide quality lab service input to the quarterly and annual, or as needed reports from the supported project councils

To be successful, you will have:

• Laboratory Scientist/ Technologist completed from the recognized institution, with a Degree or 3 years Diploma. MPH would be advantageous.
• Registered or eligible for registration with the Tanzanian Medical Laboratory Council
• At least four years bench laboratory experience in general clinical laboratory testing, including HIV testing, CD4, Molecular Biology testing (VL/DNA-PCR testing), HIV-DR testing, and TB Testing using the available technologies.
• Knowledge and skills on Laboratory Quality Management system (QMS)
• Ability to conduct Laboratory trainings, mentorships, and Supportive supervision/ Case management support.
• Writing and performing Laboratory presentations using data
• Ability to plan, develop, and work independently
• Familiarity with the National Laboratory guidelines, manuals, and policies

Skills and desired competencies

• Clear demonstration of interpersonal skills and ability to communicate (written and oral communication) effectively
• Basic knowledge of computer software applications such as MS Word, Excel, and the Internet
• Ability to work independently, committed to implementing Laboratory quality standards as required under ISO 15189:2022.

Advert will automatically unpublish on September 27th at 2300h.

Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) is on a mission to create a world where no mother, child, or family is devastated by HIV and AIDS, and we are making an impact. We are a proven leader in the global fight to end HIV and AIDS, and an advocate for every child to live a full and healthy life into adulthood. For more than 30 years, EGPAF has been a leader in meeting urgent needs in pediatric HIV and AIDS in the worlds most affected regions. We carry out our values of passion, innovation, teamwork, leadership, integrity, excellence and equity every day, while maximizing our impact in the communities we serve. Join us on our fight for an AIDS-free generation!

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) began supporting HIV and AIDS programming in Tanzania in 2003 and established a country office in 2004. Ever since, in close collaboration and partnership with the Ministry of Health Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children and Presidents Office Regional Administration and Local Government, EGPAF expanded scope to supporting quality comprehensive and integrated HIV, GBV, TB and Family planning services in the supported regions. Recently EGPAF in collaboration with Aidsfonds, PATA and UNICEF introduced the partnership in Tanzania as one of the countries to implement the ViiV Pediatric Breakthrough Partnership.

As a global, multinational and multicultural organization, EGPAF believes that diversity in the workplace enriches our work and enhances our impact and effectiveness. We believe that employees have the right to work in a climate of mutual respect and integrity that promotes dignity and respect for all, and that enables them to reach their full potential. The Foundation is committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B).

EGPAF is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to country law requirements, EGPAF complies with US laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the Foundation has facilities.

The Foundation does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. If you are asked to pay a fee at any stage of recruitment, please contact fraud@pedaids.org

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment, regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. In addition to country law requirements, we comply with U.S. laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we have facilities.

We do not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment or hiring process. If anyone requests payment from you in connection with your application or offer, please report it immediately via our ethics hotline by phone at 1-888-225-1429 (toll-free, U.S.) or online at Ethics Point.