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Job Title: Laboratory Program Officer (QMS and Biorisk Specialist)

Location: ABUJA

Duration: 20 MONTHS

Job Summary

The Laboratory Program Officer position is responsible for providing support to QMS and Biorisk programs to ensure smooth implementation, including working with the relevant stakeholders to identify communications opportunities and strategies to achieve improved service delivery and best Biorisk practices. He/she will support the Senior Technical Specialist (MLSD) and Consultants on coordination of laboratory services and systems.

Key Responsibilities

1. Support MLSD to collate reports and conduct analyses of programmatic QMS and Biorisk activities.
2. Support the Laboratory Consultant-Leadership and Advocacy on coordination of Laboratory Services and Systems to compile monthly and programmatic reports.
3. Support periodic QMS assessments and Mentorship visits at supported laboratories using a Continuous Quality Improvement checklist (SLIPTA) structured in line with ISO 15189 quality standards for medical laboratories.
4. Analysis of Quantitative and Qualitative data from the checklist
5. Support the planning and implementation of Grant Management activities e.g. meetings with TA providers and other stakeholders, etc.
6. Support the development and dissemination of standard biosafety and biosecurity guidelines, manuals & training.
7. Support the MLSD to ensure that workplans are regularly monitored, updated, and reported in line with GF policies and guidelines and terms of grant agreement.
8. Attend meetings (i.e. meeting with GF, with SRs during program review, PMU meetings, other stakeholders), document and share the minutes and follow up on the next steps/action points  
9. Support the MLSD and TAs to identify bottlenecks to smooth implementation and follow up on resolution of the challenges
10. Maintain an up-to-date contact list of stakeholders and other implementing partners.
11. Assist with planning of site visits to verify deliverables, implementation progress and address issues as may be required.
12. Provide clear documentation of programmatic achievements and keep management informed on monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
13. Carry out additional duties as may be assigned by the MLSD.

Qualification and Work Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science.
2. Master’s in public health, health sciences, and any other relevant scientific field will be an added advantage.
3. 5 years post-qualification experience working with at least 3 years in a GF or related grant.
4. In-depth knowledge of Quality Management System and Biorisk programming with working knowledge of laboratory systems strengthening in a developing country particularly Nigeria.
5. Working knowledge of major donor policies (Global Fund) as well as international not-for- profit organizations will be an added advantage.
6. Experience with data analysis and interpretation.
7. Perform detail-oriented work with a high level of accuracy.
8. Interact with diplomacy and tact and follow-up on requests with team members in a timely and efficient manner.
9. Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills with ability to work as a team member.
10. Ability to plan and prioritize own work under tight deadlines, as well as to work on own initiative and as a member of a team.
11. Good skills in using word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software (Microsoft Office applications preferred).