MSH Lab Specialist (TBCARE I Project) Job Vacancy in Juba, South Sudan

Management
Sciences for Health (MSH) is a non-profit organization with a mission to close
the gap between what is known about public health problems and what is done to
solve them, particularly in developing and transitional countries.

Headquartered in the United States, we have operations in more than 30 countries
and employ staff from over 60 nations

Lab Specialist (TBCARE I Project)

Juba, Southern Sudan

Overall Responsibilities

Support peripheral laboratory strengthening and proper functioning of Central
Reference Laboratory in line with NTP plans to expand quality DOTS. Provide
technical assistance to the Central TB Reference Laboratory (CRL) to enable it
to perform its roles of organization and management of the TB microscopy and
culture network.

Provide assistance in establishing/upgrading/rehabilitating new and already
existing microscopy centers required to implement and support the DOTS
expansion strategy in South Sudan.

Provide assistance in the development, dissemination and training on
standardized guidelines, SOP’s, quality assurance, supervision, safety,
laboratory commodity and information management systems.

Assist and work with the NTP to further develop and refine the laboratory
manuals, SOP’s, QA and TB laboratory training curriculum.

Specific Responsibilities

Provide
technical assistance to the CRL in order to perform its roles of
organization, management and quality assurance of TB microscopy services.
To facilitate
the establishment of quality-assured TB culture services at the CRL.
Provide
technical support in ensuring effective supervision of TB laboratories at
all levels.
Support NTP to
set up EQA system and provide quarterly reports on implementation of EQA
for sputum smear microscopy in TB peripheral labs.
Facilitate the
implementation of the national TB laboratory guidelines.
Facilitate
trainings and mentorship of CRL and state laboratory technicians on TB
smear microscopy SOPs, safety and QA guidelines.
Provide monthly,
quarterly, semi-annual and annual progress briefings and reports on TB
laboratory to NTP, USAID, TB CARE I and supervisor.
Contribute to
the preparation of the quarterly and annual project reports.
Any other
assigned duties, assigned by TB CARE I Country leader including assuming
the duties of Country Lead when necessary.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s
Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or related subject and a Master’s
degree in medical microbiology, biomedical science, public health or
relevant related field, essential.
Extensive knowledge
and experience in managing clinical and public health laboratories in
African countries and knowledge and experience of the systems required to
ensure sustainability of services, essential.
A minimum of 10
years’ post qualification experience of which 5 years’ experience must
have been spent working in a specialized TB culture facility working to
recognized international standards.
Familiarity with
manual and automated TB culture and drug sensitivity testing systems is
essential.
Knowledge of new
diagnostic technologies and their likely applicability in S Sudan is
required.
Understanding of
the role of the laboratory in TB DOTS, PMDT and TB/HIV programs in
developing countries, essential.
Practical
laboratory experience specifically in the diagnosis and treatment
monitoring of tuberculosis is essential.
Familiarity with
and experience in implementing local and national laboratory quality
assurance systems for TB microscopy and TB culture are essential.
Knowledge of and
experience in laboratory capacity building, monitoring and supervision in
African countries.
Demonstrated
organizational, managerial and supervisory, skills and abilities; sound
judgment, and high ethical standards; flexible and able to adapt to
changing priorities and deadlines.
Demonstrate
capacity to work in a variety of cultural settings, complex environment
and fragile states.
Proven ability
to build strong relationships, work well as part of a team, and to
incorporate views of other disciplines into his or her work.
Strong analytic,
verbal communication, computer and writing skills. Fluency in English is
required, and ability to work in Arabic plus.
Ability to work
independently, as well as in collaboration with colleagues and partners.
Able to manage,
develop and motivate a team of staff to achieve set objectives.
Demonstrated
computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word,
Excel, Outlook, and Powerpoint.
Willingness and
abilities to travel within South Sudan up to 40% of his/her time.
Willingness and
availability to re-locate to Juba, South Sudan for the period of the
contract.
Qualified person
from Eastern, Southern or Western Africa region would be preferred.