Laboratory Associates At KNCV

Overview 

The National Tuberculosis Drug Resistance Survey (DRS)

Tuberculosis Drug resistance is a major threat to global tuberculosis (TB) care and control and Nigeria is among WHO’s list of 10 countries globally with a tripartite burden for TB, TB/HIV and MDR-TB. In 2012, Nigeria conducted her first TB drug resistance prevalence survey (DRS) to estimate the status of MDR/RR-TB. A total of 3,932 people with MDR/RRTB were detected and notified in 2022, a 32% increase from 2,975, and 3,185 people were enrolled in treatment, up from 2,197 in 2021. 

National Tuberculosis Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Program (NTBLCP), Federal Ministry of Health with funding support from United States Agency for International Developments (USAID) through KNCV Nigeria is conducting a second national TB DRS to establish the status of MDR/RR-TB and by extension the prevalence of XDR-TB and other resistance patterns. There is the need to establish the resistance patterns to both the first and second-line anti-TB medicines including the recently introduced new and repurposed drugs especially now that the country has adopted and accelerating the roll out of bedaquilinebased all oral regimen(s) for the treatment of DR-TB.

The overarching objective of the DRS is to determine the prevalence of MDR/RR-TB among new and previously treated bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB cases in Nigeria.

Other specific objectives include:

• To determine the prevalence and resistance patterns to first- and second-line antiTB drugs, (e.g., isoniazid, pyrazinamide, fluoroquinolones, bedaquiline, linezolid, pretomanid, Clofazimine)
• To assess key changes in DR-TB burden since the earlier survey. 
• To describe sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB patients.
• To investigate possible risk factors for rifampicin-resistant pulmonary TB (i.e., factors associated with the development of RR -TB in the country)
• To develop evidence-based recommendations to the NTBLCP for the control of drug-resistant TB in Nigeria.

KNCV Nigeria

KNCV Nigeria is firmly equipped with technical and administrative capacity in strengthening TB, TB/HIV, and COVID-19 Vaccination service delivery platforms, supporting health system strengthening and research in Nigeria. With 150 program staff in 14 state offices and over 2,000 ad hoc health care workers across 248 facilities, KNCN Nigeria has remained a major player in TB Program implementation in Nigeria. We employ a systems approach, using data-driven quality improvement methods to identify and address gaps in TB, TB/HIV diagnostic and management services. Our work focuses on collaborative planning, design, and implementation, engaging the private sector, strengthening service delivery platforms, and community structures, and improving the quality of services available in Nigeria.

Since 2000, KNCV TB Foundation has implemented successive 5-year circles of USAIDfunded flagship TB projects (TBCTA, TB CAP, TB CARE 1, Challenge TB). It is presently implementing the USAID TB LON 1 & 2 projects across 14 states (Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Rivers, Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba, Anambra, Delta, and Imo) in Nigeria. Working with TB Program and Partners, KNCV Nigeria has under the TB LON project piloted and scaled up key innovations in the TB program in Nigeria; the use of portable digital x-ray with AI for active TB case finding, TB LAMP platforms to strengthen TB  diagnostic networks, the use stool for TB diagnosis in children and digital health tools such as the EWORS, CommCare App, XMAP, Virtual based CBT, and the USSD SMS technology to optimize active TB case finding in facilities and community settings with outstanding results.

KNCV Nigeria implements other key projects such as The STOP TB Partnership/UNOPS funded DATS project, TB diagnostic Connectivity Project, USAID Cluster 6 “HALG_ACE Consortium”, The USAID funded COVID-19 Vaccination Acceleration Project, The Global PPM project, The USAID funded new tools project and The Jensen paediatrics TB project.

KNCV Nigeria in collaboration with NTBLCP and funding from USAID seek to employ qualified candidate in the implementation of 2024 National DRS for the position listed below:

Job Type: Contract

Qualification:  Medical Laboratory science

Job Field: Laboratory Sciences or Technology 

Experience: 3- 5 years

Location: Lagos, Kaduna 

Reporting Line: Survey Consultant

Purpose of the job

The laboratory Associate will work with the Drug Resistant Survey (DRS) Coordinator to facilitate prompt processing of DRS samples at the lab. He/she oversees the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical stages of the testing process and provides support and guidance to the survey staff at the culture laboratories to ensure timely release of quality results. 

Key performance Deliverables:

• Support isolate shipment at all levels including shipment from culture laboratories and the supranational laboratory in Milan. 
• Coordinate the testing process at the laboratory to ensure seamless integration of the survey process into the laboratory workflow. 
• Perform culture on DRS isolates, identification of strains and LPA where applicable, and document and transmit results according to survey methodology. 
• Perform phenotypic and genotypic DST on isolates received from culture laboratories.
• Lead, support, or participate in all capacity-building initiatives and workshops on test procedures and data management.
• Ensure accurate utilization of survey instrumentation and methodologies for sample processing, documentation, and reporting of data at the survey site.
• Conduct routine internal quality control and ensure the reported DRS results are accurate and reliable.
• Work with the Survey Coordinator and team to identify process improvement opportunities, propose system modifications, and implement laboratory quality improvement strategies. 
• Perform routine result validation to assess the quality and completeness of reported/transmitted results.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting/transmission of survey data, resolving and fixing data errors and related data issues in line with the DRS data system’s SOP.
• Work with the Survey Coordinator to monitor survey implementation in line with the overall DRS plan.
• Perform other additional duties as assigned. 

Requirements

• At least a degree in Medical Laboratory science or Technology or other relevant fields.
• At least 3 years of experience working in a TB Reference laboratory. Experience working on culture, LPA and DST bench will be considered.
• Experience working with database platforms such as kobocollect, DHIS etc is an added advantage.
• Experience managing related databases such as surveys, rapid assessments, situational analysis, and other research types.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, approachable and good listener.
• Exhibits high level of accuracy in work, and ability to analyze complex sets of relationships and situations.
• Ability to work on own initiative, prioritize work, and handle pressure.

What do we offer?

• A full-time (40 hours per week) fixed-term contract for a year, with the intention of extending the contract depending on funding and performance.
• An informal work atmosphere in an international environment where initiative is appreciated.
• A highly motivated team of experienced, self-driven colleagues.
• The salary is dependent upon education and relevant working experience.
• KNCV Nigeria has its own Employment Conditions Scheme.

Method of Application

• Interested Applicants are to

• Deadline for receiving application is 28^th of February 2024

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Note:  

• We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.  
• Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for the recruitment process.  
• Any successful candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation.
• There will be travel requirements and opportunities both within Nigeria.  

KNCV Nigeria is an Equal Opportunity Employer.