JOB DETAILS:
Position Overview
The Senior Technical Advisor, Laboratory Services will manage the implementation of laboratory-based activities at the HJFMRI Tanzania supported facilities consistent with the PEPFAR principles. The position will coordinate and leverage WRAIR/HJFMRI Laboratory activities and expertise with other U.S. Government, international and host government agencies as it relates to the activities supported in Tanzania and East Africa by the DoD/US MHRP. The position will also coordinate development of laboratory capacity building activities under PEPFAR and MoH. The incumbent will ensure that HJFMRI Laboratory activities are planned and executed with quality, accountability, and measurable impact. The position will represent the HJFMRI laboratory program activities with other USG agencies, donors, as the site representative for lab operations. Most importantly, the incumbent will develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with counterparts and colleagues in the relevant ministries and government entities across the regions supported by HJFMRI. The position is based in Mbeya with frequent travels to Katavi, Rukwa, Songwe, Mbeya and Ruvuma regions to provide technical support and reports to the Program Director.

A. Main Roles and Responsibilities
• Ensure there is a robust supply of all necessary commodities and supplies necessary for the successful provision of high-quality laboratory services in supported regions.
• Oversee the sample collection and transportation infrastructure needed to ensure successful implementation of lab activities supported by HJFMRI.

• Provide coordination and supervision of laboratory team, ensuring activities in the lab are implemented in sync with the clinical, community, and strategic information teams with an emphasis on collaboration and teamwork for success.
• Ensure the Program is well represented on in-country laboratory related technical working groups.
• Provides collaborative assistance to other program personnel and health scientists that require the incumbent’s expertise.
• Liaise with the M&E Department to ensure laboratory components are functional, which includes clarity of indicators, quality of M&E data collection tools, data quality and reporting.
• Facilitate and coordinate Quality Improvement activities/initiatives with the CQI team for Laboratory performance improvement.

• Oversee transport of specimens for repatriation when required.
• Supports HJFMRI research projects, ensuring correct collection and transportation of samples to the testing laboratory.
• Lead the development of budgets and work plans for the laboratory services.
• Provide technical assistance and supervision of specimen storage facilities to ensure correct conditions are met as per standards, all stored specimens are correctly documented and are easily retrieved.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

B. Quality Management Roles and Responsibilities
• Manage all quality management activities for the HJFMRI HIV Program in the Southern Highlands zone.
• Plan and coordinate all activities regarding quality improvement for Laboratories under the WHO SLMTA process.

• Ensure that laboratory services at all supported facilities are in place with adequate quality controls. Ensure that updated laboratory protocols are running smoothly, prepares interim reports as needed.
• Determine the quality assurance materials needs for all supported laboratories and testing sites in the program.

• Ensure timely ordering and delivery of quality assurance materials in coordination with all stakeholders including MSD, DLTS, RLTS, NACP and NHLQATC
• Offer technical support as a mentor for quality improvement and accreditation requirements for supported laboratories.
• Ensure establishment and implementation of quality management systems and practices at all supported laboratories.
• In coordination with the NHLQATC ensure all sites are enrolled in External Quality Assurance (EQA) schemes for all tests performed.
• Supervise and coordinate laboratory equipment maintenance activities for the HJFMRI and supported sites.
• Prepare and submit all required documents for international accreditation of enrolled laboratories.

• Design and implement interventions aimed at ensuring high quality standards in laboratories including remediation at sites that have shown unsatisfactory quality performance.

C.EID and Viral Load Roles and Responsibilities
• Collaborate with the National AIDS Control Program (NACP) in the implementation of routine HIV-VL and EID testing in compliance to PEPFAR, MoH and WHO recommendations and guidelines.
• Support the continued implementation of quality Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) of HIV in HIV-exposed infants in the program. This involves development of training materials, coordination of training and overseeing the transport mechanisms for EID in the program.
• Support the scale up of viral load testing in the program through evaluation and installation of appropriate platforms.

• Supervise the regional teams and facility staff to ensure efficient patient sample collection and transportation schedules are developed and implemented for each health facility.
• Supervise correct transport and reception of specimens and ensures testing in appropriate time scales.
• Ensure all facilities are trained on sample collection, processing, and transportation.
• Ensure health facilities have the appropriate SOPs, Job aids and consumables for EID and VL sample collection and shipment to the testing laboratories.
• Respond to logistical problems regarding VL and EID sample transportation to testing labs and return of results to the health facilities, in a timely manner.

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science is required. Master’s degree in related scientific or laboratory science preferred.
• At least eight (8) years related lab management experience working in PEPFAR funded programs. At least five years of senior level experience required.
• Large donor experience required. DoD, USAID, or CDC and experience working with international NGOs in a cross-cultural setting preferred.
• Knowledge and experience regarding successful implementation of laboratory operations and activities in resource limited settings.

• Knowledge of good clinical laboratory science, quality management systems and standards for accreditation.
• Laboratory management experience and good leadership and monitoring and evaluation.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures.
• Ability to work independently and supervise others.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and relationship skills, including flexibility, diplomacy, intercultural communicative competence, and respect for colleagues.
• Ability to travel in Southern highlands up to 40% of the time building capacity of facility based HCW, RHMT, CHMT and regional HJFMRI staff.
• Willingness to work overtime and weekends.
• Fluent in oral and written English and Kiswahili.
• Analytical, problem solving and exceptional organizational skills.
• Demonstrate high integrity and strong values, including confidentiality.
• Ability to build and maintain sound relationships with multi stakeholders; competence to build and effectively manage interpersonal relationships at all levels.

• Ability to multitask, successfully manage work pressure, with minimum supervision.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.
• Ability to meet and communicate schedules and deadlines.
• Demonstrate exceptional professional judgment.

All applications (cover letter and updated CV with three professional referees, in PDF format) should be submitted to recruitment@wrp.or.tz not later than 13th October 2023. Hand-delivered applications shall not be accepted. To be considered, applicants must put the TITLE OF THE JOB in the SUBJECT LINE. As detailed in the job description(s) below, those who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered.

HJFMRI is an equal-opportunity Employer. Women are encouraged to Apply.