Regional Laboratory Coordinator - Walter Reed Program (WRP)

Walter Reed Program (WRP) - Tanzania  | HJFMRI

A collaboration with U.S. DoD

 Locally known as the Walter Reed Southern Highlands AIDS Program, the Henry Jackson Foundation Medical Research International (HJFMRI) is an international non-governmental organization working in several countries conducting research studies and providing care and treatment to people affected by HIV/AIDS. HJFMRI is funded by the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief PEPFAR.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHSW), HJFMRI has been leading a comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and treatment program in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania since 2004 with support from the President’s Emergency Plans for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The program is based in the Southern Highland Zone and has since extended to more than 100 health facilities in Mbeya, Rukwa and Ruvuma regions, which collectively represent a catchment area of about 6 million people. Mbeya region is one of high prevalence regions in Tanzania and expansion of HIV care and treatment programs is critical.

Walter Reed Program is seeking qualified candidates to fill the positions below.

Cover letters and resumes should be sent to the

Human Resources Manager,

P.O. Box 6396, Mbeya

or

e-mailed to; recruitment@wrp-t.org

NOTE: to be considered, applicants must put the TITLE OF THE JOB in the SUBJECT LINE. Deadline for submission of the application is February 10th, 2017. Those who do not meet the minimum requirements as detailed below should not submit applications.

Job Title : Regional Laboratory Coordinator (RLC)

Reports to : Regional Program Manager

Location : Ruvuma

General Overview:

The Regional Laboratory Coordinator’s key responsibility will be managing the laboratory strengthening program for all laboratory facilities supported by HJFMRI/WRP in the region of assignment. This includes but not limited to providing technical support to laboratories in supported facilities in the areas of clinical laboratory testing, quality management systems implementation and on-site staff training and mentorship. The RLC shall also ensure uninterrupted availability of laboratory reagents and supplies, ensuring proper functioning of laboratory equipment through coordination with various stakeholders including MSD and local councils.

This position requires good laboratory practice knowledge and skills, and experience of quality management systems implementation and laboratory mentorship towards accreditation.

The Regional Laboratory coordinator shall work as part of a team contributing to the goals and objectives of HJFMRI/WRP.

This position reports to the HJFMRI/WRP Laboratory Director.

Duties and Responsibilities:

 Preparing training programs on quality management systems

 Training lab staff in regional, district and lower level facilities on quality lab management

 Mentoring in regional, district and lower level facilities on quality lab management (QMS)and putting internal and external quality controls in place

 Organizing proficiency testing to be distributed to laboratories, checking results and following up on any nonconformities.

 Collecting bi-weekly and monthly quality indicator data from laboratories, follow up on any problem results

 Checks that equipment is covered by servicing and preventative maintenance contracts

 Responds to technical and logistical problems encountered in the program in a timely and appropriate manner.

 Organizes technical training programs where needed for equipment use, in conjunction with other program staff.

 Ensures that technicians are well trained for tasks and are familiar with SOPs.

 .

 Responds to on-site problems including equipment failures, utility failures, testing errors, personnel problems, supply shortages

 Ensure that laboratories are familiar with supply chain management procedures.

 Track and report condition of existing equipment and the reagents status at agreed regular intervals

 Determines reagent and equipment needs working in conjunction with laboratory director.

 Coordinate sample transportation and results feed back to and from sites in the assigned region.

 Acts as an advisor for external research projects, ensuring correct transport, labeling, testing and storing of patients specimens for studies.

 Prepare and submit weekly and monthly reports regarding Equipment and reagents status and any other laboratory matters in their region

Support

 Assists with implementation of new study protocols, new instrumentation, new methodology and training as needed.

 Assists with training and problem solving as needed.

 Work close with RLTs and DLTs in their respective regions.

Safety

 Follows all laboratory procedures including safety guidelines, the use of personal protective equipment and awareness of blood-borne pathogens.

 Ensures safe disposal of laboratory waste

 Maintains a clean and safe work environment.

General

 Demonstrates a cooperative attitude in relationships with co-workers and other personnel.

 Meets or exceeds quality assurance levels of the laboratory and collaboration.

 Maintains confidentiality of project operations.

 Serves as an effective representative to internal and external clients as well visitors in a courteous and empathic manner.

 Follows laboratory and collaboration polices.

 Uses all facilities and supplies with care and in a cost-effective manner.

 Assists or carries out other duties as assigned by the Laboratory Director of Operations

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

 A minimum qualification of Diploma/Advanced diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology

 Knowledge in laboratory technology and quality system management

 Good knowledge and skills in laboratory mentorship for on quality improvement

 Good understanding on running laboratory services in low resource settings

Sound understanding of laboratory testing and analysis

 Candidates must be registered or eligible for registration with the Tanzanian Medical Laboratory Council