Laboratory Officer: CHS/HR/ TBReSET /LO/001/2024
Overall Job Function
Reporting to the Senior Technical Officer-Diagnostics of the USAID-TB ReSET project, the incumbent will be responsible for providing technical support in the planning, design, and implementation of TB diagnostic laboratory services with a key focus in 16 deep focus counties. The implementation will be collaboratively conducted with the Ministry of Health, Kenya Division of National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Disease Program (DNTLD-P), County Health Management Teams, and Implementing Partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the design, planning, and implementation of laboratory activities for TB diagnostic and monitoring services in 16 deep focus counties for the USAID-TB ReSET activity.
- Provide technical support for the adoption, scale-up, and adaptation of TB diagnostics, including GeneXpert, Truenat, TB LAMP, and LED microscopy.
- Support the optimization of the TB diagnostic network by implementing disease multi-testing and aligning with national recommendations.
- Support the adoption and scale-up of non-sputum-based tests and latent TB testing using IGRA.
- Provide technical assistance in developing and reviewing TB laboratory guidelines, curricula, SOPs, job aids, and other materials.
- Assist in the design and implementation of quality management and quality assurance services and systems, including Microscopy, Truenat, LF LAM, TB LAMP, and GeneXpert.
- Work closely with county lab teams in the forecasting, quantification, and management of TB laboratory supplies at both county and national levels.
- Provide technical assistance in establishing and optimizing TB diagnostic sample transport networks, including the implementation of Culture and DST, and the EID VL courier system for the country.
- To provide technical assistance to facility-level laboratory managers, mWRDs Superusers including: establishing routine workflow; developing/refining SOPs, job aids, log books, and referral forms as needed; planning of lab activities to improve test performance and decrease turnaround time; and developing and implementing an equipment maintenance program.
- Support Implementation and monitoring of efficient documentation of laboratory results at the sites, as well as effective linkages between laboratory and clinical services.
- Support county-level lab managers in establishing routine workflows and developing SOPs, job aids, log books, and referral forms.
- Support implementation of mWRDs service level agreement specifically in collaboration with the DNTLD-P and County health management teams (CHMT)
- Assist in drafting annual reports and other materials such as lessons learned, abstracts, and case studies.
- Participate in program monitoring and evaluation, using data to inform planning and continuous improvement.
- To participate in the committee of experts (CoE) meetings at national and technical working groups at the county levels on TB diagnostics.
- Identify opportunities for organizational growth and sustainability.
- Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Professional requirements
- Degree in Clinical Laboratory Services.
- Registration with KMLTTB and an annual practice license.
- Five years’ experience in managing laboratory services in TB and HIV programs.
- Experience with MOH and donor funded programs is an added advantage.
- Experience with design of programs, SOPs, tools and guidelines.
- Experience in capacity building of laboratory personnel.
- Ability to work well with others and to develop and maintain relationships with project staff, donors, sub-contractors and other partners.
- Ability to identify problems, design interventions and oversee their implementation.
- Must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Kiswahili.
- Outstanding levels of integrity.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified applicants are invited to email their application letter and detailed CV as one document with contact details to vacancies@chskenya.org clearly quoting the position you are applying, and reference number as Laboratory Officer: CHS/HR/TBReSET/LO/001/2024 by June 26, 2024.
Centre for Health Solutions – Kenya is an equal opportunity employer.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.
