Job Description

Africa University is a private, Pan- African, United Methodist-related institution located in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The University is also a member of the Association of African Universities and is inviting suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill the following strategic positions

LABORATORY COORDINATOR: ZIMBABWE 2ND ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS DRUG RESISTANCE SURVEY

Background

The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) of Zimbabwe, through the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program (NTLP) in collaboration with Africa University (AU) under a grant sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Tuberculosis Implementation Framework Agreement (TIFA) project managed by John Snow Inc. (JSI), is implementing Zimbabwe’s second anti-Tuberculosis Drug Resistance Survey (DRS-2).

The last drug resistance survey (DRS) was conducted over seven years ago in 2016, and a lack of more recent DR-TB estimates is hampering the planning, and accurate monitoring of performance in the DR-TB program. Therefore, there is a need for a repeat DRS to provide an accurate estimate of DR-TB burden and enable the program to accurately monitor its performance. In this regard, the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (Ministry of Health and Child Care) seeks the services of a suitable person to fill in the position of Laboratory Coordinator to manage the implementation of the DRS-2 Project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of responsibilities:

The Laboratory Coordinator will be responsible and accountable for the administrative and technical operations of all TB laboratory services during the DRS. The laboratory coordinator will be responsible for ensuring overall coordination of the laboratory activities during the drug resistance survey.

Key responsibilities
• Ensure availability of forms and registers, equipment, and reagents for the smooth conduct of DRS,
• Ensure adequate training of lab personnel on specimen procedures (from collection, storage, transportation, processing and communicating results).
• Ensure availability of reagents and consumables to all testing facilities.
• Ensure proper sample referral procedures are followed and respective documentation is available
• Ensure quality diagnostic procedures are followed throughout the DRS
• Coordinate sample processing procedures and closely monitor turnaround times
• Ensuring that diagnostic tests are performed with accuracy and effectively implement TB laboratory quality control and quality assurance programs
• Ensuring availability and use of diagnostic algorithms, guidelines and policies in line with the most recent NTP guidelines
• The Lab Coordinator will be reporting to the Survey Lab Coordinator and will be making weekly progress updates to the SIT.

Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications and Experience
• Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences from a reputable University
• Post-graduate training in Public Health, Clinical Epidemiology, biostatistics or Microbiology is an added advantage
• At least 3 years post graduate experience
• Recognized training in TB diagnostics
• Ability to coordinate health services at national, provincial and district levels
• Proven computer competence with spreadsheet, word processing, presentation and database applications
• At least 2 years’ experience of working in a TB laboratory setup

Period of engagement
The Laboratory Coordinator shall be engaged for an initial period of 5 months in Phase 1 and the contract will be extended by a further 13 months in Phase 2 of the project (Total=18 months).

Reporting
The Laboratory Coordinator shall report directly to the Survey Coordinator and will work closely with the DRS-2 Focal Person at the NTP, DRS-2 co-investigators, DRS Advisory Committee and the AU team.

Recruitment of the DRS laboratory coordinator
The laboratory coordinator will be engaged by Africa University and seconded to the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care, NTLP.

How to Apply

TO APPLY
Interested candidates must submit an application letter, certified copies of certificates, transcripts, national identification (ID & birth certificate) and a detailed curriculum vitae giving full personal particulars including full name, place and date of birth, qualifications, date of availability, current salary, contact details, names and addresses of three referees.
The application pack should be send as a single pdf file to e-mail address [email protected] clearly stating LABORATORY COORDINATOR-DRS-2 in the subject of the email by no later than 1400 hours on Friday, 24 May 2024. Applicants should clearly indicate the post being applied for on the application letter, and only shortlisted candidates will be communicated to.