Regional Lab Advisor

Job summery

Under the guidance of the regional director, the laboratory advisor supports the design and implementation of laboratory program in general including viral load specimen referral/testing, DBS sample referral/EID testing, Quality RHT, AHD laboratory screening service and the overall Quality Assurance to Gambella RHB /Gambella Regional Referral Lab.

Main duties and responsibilities:

As the Laboratory Advisor to the region, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:

• Provide high level technical assistance to RHB/RRL in planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of laboratory programs.
• Provide high level technical assistance to RHB/RRL to identify performance gaps/ challenges and working strategies to improve VL testing coverage and suppression.

Identify performance gaps and support RHB/RRL to implement quality improvement initiatives to increase access and quality of the viral load services.

• Provide TA support to print and distribute specimen referral SOPs and mapping and remapping.

Provide TA to RHB/RRL to print and distribute viral load demand creation tools, specimen referral SOPs, request forms, registers, and different provider support tools.

• Provide high level technical assistance to RHB/RRL to sustain routine Viral Load Monitoring (RVLM) service in Gambella region.
• Provide TA support to RHB/RRL in the establishment/ strengthening of tracking system (line listing) for routine VL testing for clients that need to be tested based on the national guideline recommendations.
• Provide TA support to RHB/RRL to support health facilities to increase access to viral load testing and result utilization by improving clinic-laboratory interface and strengthening viremia clinics.
• Support RHB/RRL and testing sites to ensure comprehensive and uninterrupted specimen referral services for viral load, EID, CD4, and Gene Xpert testing services.
• Provide high level technical assistance to the RHB/RRL to strengthen AHD screening and management practice.
• Provide high level technical assistance to the RHBs/RRLs to implement new HIV related testing technologies/methods.
• Support viral load testing sites and referring health facilities to reduce backlog samples and data to improve viral load testing Turnaround Time (TAT)

Provide TA to the RHB/RRL to plan and conduct capacity building activities.

Provide technical support to the RHB/RRL viral load specimen referral network mapping and remapping process.

• Facilitate timely equipment maintenance and testing commodities refill.
• Provide high level technical assistance the RHB/RRL to ensure a strong supply management system.

Provides technical support to RRL to strengthen implementation of International/ National External Quality Assessment Scheme (IEQAS/NEQAS) and Regional External Quality Assessment Scheme (REQAS) in the region.

Provide technical support the RRL/RHB to strengthen implementation of Point of Care (POC) RHT Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and certification programs.

Provide technical support to the RRL to implement WHO AFRO Laboratory accreditation process.

Coordinate and provide technical assistance in planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of viral load monitoring of Gambella region.

Participate in the regional office weekly and monthly performance review meetings.

Participate in health facility mentoring, joint supportive supervision with the RHB and the RRL.

• Follow and ensure all the RHB/RRL to conduct SIMS for respective high load health facilities.
• Prepare and evaluate annual work plan with targeted benchmark indicators and evaluate them quarterly and harmonize annual, semi-annual, and quarterly basis.
• Participate in the regional offices monthly performance review meetings.
• Support the RHB in preparation of continuation application (CA)
• Participate in joint supportive supervision with the RHB and hospital-based mentors.
• Represent ICAP-Ethiopia in different forums when assigned by the supervisor.
• Present and participate actively in monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual ICAP performance review meetings.
• Prepare and submit weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual activity reports.
• Ensure that all lab related targets are met.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the regional and central supervisor.

MSc degree or above in Laboratory Science or related from recognized university.

Minimum of 5 years work in country experience, including laboratory support to HIV program

Has TOT/ basic training on EID/VL testing, specimen referral, rapid HIV testing, CD4, TB diagnosis and DST, LQMS, SLMTA, and PT preparation and interpretation, etc.

Experience in teaching, mentoring, organizing, and conducting related training.

Experience in mentoring and assessing WHO-AFRO SLIPTA and accreditation.

Experience in development of national/ regional documents related to specimen referral, testing and laboratory accreditation process.

Excellent interpersonal and coordination skills.

Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Computer skills (MS Office, power point, excel and statistical packages.

Need based travel as scheduled by regional directors.