The Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS) is a leading and reputable indigenous non-for-profit organization that promotes access to qualitative healthcare, education and economic strengthening opportunities for all Nigerians. With its headquarters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and a corporate office in Abuja, ECEWS has presence in 17 States across the South-South, South East, South West and North Central Nigeria with a strong client portfolio with the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID), Global Fund to fight against AIDS, TB and Malaria, United States
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), The United Nations office of Projects, World Bank & Federal Government of Nigeria. Since its founding in 2001, ECEWS has built a vast network of health and allied professional staff, partners and collaborators which has earned her a solid reputation among its funders and is well regarded by competitors and partners alike
ECEWS is implementing a US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded project aimed at Delivering Comprehensive and Sustainable HIV/AIDS Clinical and Community Services to achieve HIV epidemic control in sub-National units of Delta, Osun and Ekiti States in Nigeria under PEPFAR and the Accelerating Control for HIV Epidemic Project (ACE) funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Akwa Ibom & Cross River States targeted at achieving epidemic control thereby reducing transmission and improving the quality of life of those living with HIV.
Technical Officer – Laboratory Services: Viral Load & Recency
Level of Effort
Full Time
Location
Delta, Osun & Ekiti State
Job Description
- Support the implementation of state level laboratory strategic objectives of the project with specific emphasis on optimizing laboratory monitoring of PLHIVs through Viral Load eligibility monitoring, timely sample collection and management as well as availability, documentation and use of Viral Load Results.
- Support the laboratory system strengthening and management in assigned facilities, working with designated focal persons in the State Program Implementation Team (SPIU), to communicate HIV Surge urgencies and evidence-based performance optimization strategies.
- Support the Laboratory technical leadership to facilitate the development, review and implementation of laboratory QA/QC programs, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and manuals for all laboratory related aspects of the project.
- Mentor and supervise performance and quality of Laboratory Services through laboratory optimizers (or champions), facility and community case management teams for achieving linkage to optimized ART, client education and retention, and management of virologically unsuppressed clients.
- Coordinate assigned facility and community resources and personnel to ensure performance management of Viral Load targets; including structured, sustainable capacity building and the application of Quality Improvement methodologies to progressively optimize Viral Load systems on the project.
- Participate in the recruitment process, training and supervision of ad hoc laboratory personnel when required.
- Facilitate accurate laboratory specimen data reporting, routine laboratory data analysis and interpretation of laboratory results from the project and provide feedback on ways to improve/streamline laboratory procedures and systems.
- Work closely with NiSRN Logistic Officers, 3PLs and health facilities to ensure that client samples for HIV VL, EID, CD4 and TB (from community and facility service delivery points) are correctly collected, processed, and transported and that results are returned in a timely manner.
- Provide technical assistance for Laboratorians in supported facilities to ensure maintenance and efficient use of instrumentation for Flow cytometry for CD4 phenotyping and Gene Xpert for MTB/RIF diagnosis.
- Support supply, management and reporting for laboratory consumables, reagents, and RTKs to prevent stock outs and eliminate wastages.
- Facilitate technical assistance for recency testing and HIV rapid testing continuous quality improvement program at supported HTS points, diagnosis of opportunistic infection and monitoring, and HIV viral load services.
- Provide technical assistance to strengthen laboratory systems through the implementation of ISO 15189 requirements and the SLMTA/SLIPTA accreditation processes.
- Review and provide regular updates on implementation of strategies for Laboratory Services to SO and CO Teams including laboratory specific reports, weekly and monthly presentations to State teams; contributions to monthly and quarterly State and Program reports as well as other updates based on request.
- Work closely with the State Epidemic Control Advisor and the State Laboratory Advisor to develop project work plans, monitor progress towards program objectives and timelines, including regular reporting to and communication with Project leadership and CDC.
- Work closely with the State Ministry of Health, SPIU team and other relevant Stakeholders to strengthen the State’s capacity for effective and efficient Laboratory Systems for patient diagnostics and monitoring; equipment maintenance; laboratory reference guides and standard operating procedures as well as infection prevention and control.
- Document project training and technical assistance activities and contribute to the production and dissemination of technical reports, guides, manuals, success stories, and other printed resources and toolkits.
- Stay up-to-date and serve as a repository on new information and knowledge in ART clinical management and programming.
- Routinely attend and provide appropriate technical leadership in program meetings, executing resolutions within her/his purview as appropriate.
- Carry out any other tasks that may be assigned by Supervisor.
Minimum Recruitment Standard
- Bachelor Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or its equivalent and an Associate member of the Medical Laboratory Sciences Council of Nigeria.
- At least Seven (7) years’ experience in laboratory systems optimization and service delivery management within the context of PEPFAR HIV programs.
- Experience in PEPFAR laboratory commodity procurement procedures and equipment as well as stock tracking and inventory management required.
- Experience with lab-related data management systems including but not limited to Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) preferred.
- High level of proficiency in relevant computer applications, particularly Excel
- Excellent interpersonal, management, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently with strong problem-solving skills.
- Fluent English oral and written communication skills; ability to interact professionally in English and oversee development of comprehensive program reports
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send a detailed resume and a one-page cover letter as one (1) MS Word document explaining suitability for the position to Human Resources Unit through this email address: [email protected]
APPLICATION MUST EXPLICITLY STATE YOUR FULL NAMES, THE POSITION OF
INTEREST WITH PREFERED LOCATION as the subject of the email.
Candidates are advised to provide three professional referees with email addresses and phone numbers.
Eligible female applicants are encouraged to apply. ECEWS has a competitive compensation package and is an equal opportunity employer (EOE)
ECEWS does not charge candidates a fee for a test or interview.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
