Job Description

The Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI) implements a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded Laboratory Systems Strengthening (LSS) Work Plan for the Ministry of Health and Child Care of Zimbabwe (MOHCC). The following vacancy has arisen within BRTI in collaboration with MOHCC.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight and guidance on good lab practice at each supported district hub to support the implementation, coordination, and delivery of all program activities including CQI, IST, VL/EID testing, EQA, CLI, RTCQI.
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of daily, weekly, and monthly reports as requested.
• Provide laboratory advice and assistance in initiating and improving ongoing laboratory testing.
• Assist lab teams to optimize POC VL/EID/TB specimen flow and testing to achieve set targets.
• Work collaboratively with laboratory teams within MOHCC Laboratories on inventory management and optimal use of available resources including testing equipment reagents and consumables.
• Work in collaboration with Lab Systems Improvement Specialists to improve existing referral systems between hubs and testing laboratories (including specimen and results management).
• Guide and develop necessary tools to conduct the laboratory mentorship.
• Provide guidance on design and implementation of Quality Improvement Projects (QIPs).
• Assist laboratory teams in quality assurance programs.
• Training laboratory personnel in Quality Management Systems as per ISO15189 standard requirements.
• Ensure timely processing and reporting of Proficiency Schemes Testing results as well as appropriate corrective actions as needed.
• Support implementation of RTCQI activities in the district including mentorship, strengthen rapid test Internal Quality Control sample production and testing, availability of SOPs and Job Aids at all testing sites, participate in post-market kit surveillance.
• Always monitor and ensure availability of Point of Care testing kits.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences
• Certification in Medical Laboratory Quality Assurance (ISO15189/SLMTA etc.)
• Work experience in Laboratory QMS implementation, HIV Viral Load scale-up and Laboratory Systems Strengthening is a must.
• Work experience in the MoHCC laboratory.
• Registered with the Medical Laboratory & Clinical Scientists Council of Zimbabwe
• At least 8 years’ experience in Clinical Diagnostics testing.
• Computer literate.

Experience and skills
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience in Laboratory, programmatic implementation, management, and monitoring of Laboratory System Strengthening programs/activities at the district, provincial, and national level, three (3) of which will be at management level.
• Proven track record of having worked in laboratories where quality improvement activities have been implemented.
• Demonstrate the value of critical thinking and further demonstrate self-assessment as a critical approach to objectively addressing gaps.
• Team player with strong leadership and strong communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, results driven, knowledge of MS Office and databases

How to Apply

Interested candidates can submit their detailed CV and cover letter as a single document by Close of Business 16 March 2024 :

The Human Resource Officer
Biomedical Research and Training Institute (LSS), 10 Seagrave Road, Avondale, Harare .

Or email: [email protected]

PLEASE SPECIFY IN THE EMAIL HEADER THE JOB POSITION YOU ARE APPLYING FOR

Please note: only short-listed candidates will be contacted.