Position Description
Title: Laboratory Quality Specialist
Reports To: DCOP
Location: Nairobi,
Kenya
Kenya
Management Sciences for Health (MSH) saves lives and improves health by helping
public and private organizations throughout the world to effectively manage
people, medicines, money, and information.
Working from more than 35 country offices and our
Arlington, Virginia and Cambridge, Massachusetts US headquarters, our staff
from more than 74 nations is highly regarded for its technical expertise,
integrity, and commitment to making a lasting difference in health.
Arlington, Virginia and Cambridge, Massachusetts US headquarters, our staff
from more than 74 nations is highly regarded for its technical expertise,
integrity, and commitment to making a lasting difference in health.
We live our mission to save lives and improve the
health of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people by closing the gap
between knowledge and action in public health.
health of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people by closing the gap
between knowledge and action in public health.
MSH seeks candidates for a USAID-funded program in Kenya that will build and
expand upon previous successful TB control programs and will work with, and
provide technical oversight to the Division of Leprosy, TB, and other Lung
Disease (DLTLD).
This project will seek increase drug sensitive Tuberculosis
(TB) and drug resistant (DR-TB Case Detection (CDR) and Treatment Success Rate
(TSR) in Kenya to meet targets for reducing the burden of TB; MDR-TB and TB/HIV
co-infection. This position is contingent upon project award.
(TB) and drug resistant (DR-TB Case Detection (CDR) and Treatment Success Rate
(TSR) in Kenya to meet targets for reducing the burden of TB; MDR-TB and TB/HIV
co-infection. This position is contingent upon project award.
Overall Responsibilities:
The Laboratory Quality Specialist will be
responsible to develop, co-ordinate and audit a comprehensive TB Laboratory
Quality Management Program for TB microscopy laboratories in accordance with
recognized standards of practice.
responsible to develop, co-ordinate and audit a comprehensive TB Laboratory
Quality Management Program for TB microscopy laboratories in accordance with
recognized standards of practice.
He/she participates in conducting assessments, and
in the design, training, testing, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of
laboratory and point-of-care diagnostic services and systems.
in the design, training, testing, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of
laboratory and point-of-care diagnostic services and systems.
He/she participates in stakeholder technical
working groups and meetings that continuously advocate for evidence- based
standardization and harmonization of laboratory tests, methods and equipment
within the national system.
working groups and meetings that continuously advocate for evidence- based
standardization and harmonization of laboratory tests, methods and equipment
within the national system.
In addition, the incumbent is expected to provide
technical leadership in national roll out of GeneXpert and other modern
technologies to improve TB and DR-TB diagnosis and surveillance.
technical leadership in national roll out of GeneXpert and other modern
technologies to improve TB and DR-TB diagnosis and surveillance.
Specific Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Division of Leprosy, TB
and Lung Disease (DLTLD) of the Ministry of Health and with other partners
in identifying and implementing the Project’s priority activities for TB
microscopy quality improvement in Kenya. - Assist the laboratory working group of the
DLTLD/CRL to finalize and implement the technical and operational Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all TB microscopy services and quality
assurance of TB microscopy. - Assist DLTLD/CRL and data management staff to
implement a TB Laboratory Management Information System in the microscopy
laboratories and to collate the data from these centers. - Review the current system for supervision of
the district hospital and health center microscopy sites and work with the
DLTLD and CRL to make improvements and provide quarterly supervisory
reports to the DLTLD and feedback to the health facilities. - Work with the CRL staff in the planning,
implementation, monitoring and evaluation of TB microscopy services. - Support the ongoing GeneXpert machine roll out
in Kenya. - Provide support and Technical assistance to
promote specimen referral and other laboratory related DR-TB diagnosis and
surveillance activities. - Support DLTLD in developing or revision of key
policies, guidelines and SOPs. - Also provide TA in the commodity selection,
forecastion, distribution and ration use of TB laboratory related reagents
and supplies. - Perform any other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical
Sciences/Medical Laboratory Sciences (or equivalent qualification) with a
minimum of five years post-qualification experience working in a
diagnostic laboratory, essential. A higher qualification is an added
advantage. - Post-qualification experience in performing TB
microscopy is essential. - Current registration with the Kenya Medical
Technicians and Technologist Board (KMMTB) mandatory. - Understanding of the role of the laboratory in
TB Control and case detection. Familiarity with the diagnostic protocols
for case detection employed by the DLTLD in Kenya, required. - Knowledge and experience of implementing
internationally-recognized internal and external quality assurance systems
for TB microscopy, in a developing country, required. - Able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously
and to work independently with minimum supervision. - Excellent report writing, communication and
diplomacy skills. Team player with ability to establish and maintain
effective working relationships with subordinates associates, other
department directors and managers and external bodies. - Computer literacy; competency with Microsoft
Office, data bases, internet and email systems required. - Fluency in written and spoken English
essential. - Willingness and availability to travel to
district hospitals and health centers within Kenya.
Management Sciences for Health is an equal
opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, physical
or mental handicap, or status as a disabled or Vietnam Era veteran of the U.S.
Armed Forces.
opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, physical
or mental handicap, or status as a disabled or Vietnam Era veteran of the U.S.
Armed Forces.
To apply please go to: https://jobs-msh.icims.com/jobs/6268/laboratory-quality-specialist/job