Laboratory Officer at Lagos State Ministry of Health

Overall Objectives

• Support implementation of the laboratory technical services, logistics and supply chain management of laboratory commodities and institutionalization of Quality Management System (QMS) across all Global Fund-supported sites.

Specific Objectives & Duties

• Ensure grant objectives and targets are achieved, and that the Global Fund policies and procedures are followed across all supported laboratory management provision of laboratory services.
• Facilitate the development, adaptation, and implementation of policies and standard operating procedures as well as other tools.
• Support institutionalization of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and an efficient biosafety and infection control program across all supported healthcare sites including the LASUTH PCR laboratory.
• Conduct routine supportive supervision and provide mentorship to laboratories in supported sites on laboratory commodities supply chain management and Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Ensure understanding of biomedical interventions required in public health such as outbreak containment, blood safety, and infection control plans, Logistics and supply chain management, budgeting, and costing for the development of work plan quality strategies.
• Facilitate the monitoring of quality improvement projects and build the capacity of program & Laboratory staff to ensure the institutionalization of quality culture.
• Provide leadership and guidance to facility staff in citing non-conformances and clearing them.
• Monitor the performances of key laboratory indicators through technical reviews and proactively identify potential issues, inform the Coordinator, and make recommendations for amelioration and resolution of challenges promptly
• Provide support and coordinate the logistics management of all laboratory and PCR commodities and supplies including rolling out tools for quantification and tracking of supplies at grant-supported sites and ensuring timely and consistent reporting.
• Work with the Implementing Units to facilitate the development and review of laboratory policies and procedures and ensure compliance with standard requirements and national regulations.
• Support and strengthen all capacity-building efforts of molecular laboratory procedures and diagnostics for all the grant-supported laboratories.
• Contribute to the strengthening of the PCR laboratory network with other institutions and stakeholders.
• Strengthening LASUTH PCR laboratory data management to improve data utilization.
• Assist with developing solutions and systems to improve specimen referral and transportation systems as it relates to the operationalization of an Integrated Sample Referral Network
• Provide technical support on laboratory equipment inventory, maintenance and management across supported Laboratories and facilitate regular communications on this with the relevant vendors and in-house services.
• Prepares, collaborates, and presents technical reports on the results of laboratory activities, laboratory program implementation and laboratory quality issues, as well as progress made by the Global Fund and other implementing partners towards achieving full coverage of diagnostic testing needs.
• Support the coordination and leveraging of resources with other stakeholders to implement planned laboratory program activities.
• Liaises with technical specialists and other partners on technical reviews and program management.

Experience and Qualifications

• A Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences.
• A Master’s Degree in a health field will be an added advantage.
• At least 5 years of work experience in related non-governmental/donor-funded public health programs.
• Experience with laboratory systems strengthening efforts and practices across disease programs [including HIV, TB and Malaria] and donors.
• Proven track record of successful stakeholder engagement and collaboration within the Nigerian laboratory services landscape, including Implementing Partners and international organizations.
• Experience in designing and implementing laboratory system-strengthening interventions.
• Experience in institutionalization of Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Experience developing or supporting the development of laboratory systems guidance documents, strategic frameworks, concept notes, SOPs, manuals, etc.
• Experience designing and executing capacity-building events, including the development of training manuals and training facilitation.
• Experience in supply chain management and M&E as it relates to laboratory services

Desired Competencies:

• Strong management, supervisory, and capacity-building skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including professional-level English language skills.
• Competency in Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint and Excel skills.
• Ability to work independently and strong team player.
• Sound knowledge of the Government of Nigeria structures and policies relevant to the management and oversight of donor-funded programs particularly the Global Fund.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to respond effectively to deadlines.
• Ability to work under high-pressure situations.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment and produce positive results.