Job Description:
Position title: Medical Laboratory Mentor
Reports to: Laboratory Technical Advisor
Location: Kigoma Region with frequent field travel up to 75
Job Summary: To provide regional leadership and technical support to ensure THPS supported health laboratories operate in accordance to Tanzania Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) standards, guidelines and protocols. To maintain continuous functionality of health laboratories to support clinical services for HIV care and treatment and other health problems. Specifically she/ he will focus on laboratory quality improvement using national and international laboratory standards and support all laboratory and non laboratory testing to the highest quality possible. The Medical Laboratory Mentor will work in close collaboration with the Senior Laboratory Technical Advisor and THPS regionalteam to ensure the goals and objectives of THPS are achieved.
This position requires a person, who is capable of working independently, fully understands and is committed to implementing quality standards required of an ISO15189 accredited Laboratory.
Key responsibilities:
- To provide technical assistance to facility-level lab personnel, including regular and systematic observation of testing procedures and ongoing site level supportive supervision and mentorship.
- To build capacity of Regional and District laboratory technologists(RTL and DTL) in providing ongoing mentorship and supportive supervision to laboratory and non laboratory health providers in Kigoma health facilities
- Build capacity of laboratory health providers in appropriate lab logistics management to ensure uninterrupted lab services across all THPS supported health facilities
- Support laboratory staff to follow written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for every aspect of pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic phases of the testing process in a laboratory.
- Support Ministry of Health laboratories accreditation programs through Stepwise Laboratory Improvement toward Accreditation in the region and facilitate those laboratories selected for accreditation program National and THPS Targets.
- Ensure compliance to quality assurance standards based on national, ISO and other International standard requirements to all laboratories in Kigoma.
- Support laboratory staff in Kigoma region to implement laboratory quality management system as per national laboratory policy.
- To provide ongoing mentorship to laboratory staff and health care providers on performing quality laboratory services and interpretation of laboratory parameters"
- Assist in the preparation and delivery of proficiency testing for EQA from laboratory and non laboratory sites.
- Conduct mentorship and supportive supervision to those laboratories under accreditation process.
- Conduct training programs/continue medical education as appropriate to address gaps identified during supportive supervision.
- Provide technical assistance to facility level lab managers, Quality Officers and other lab staff including: establishing routine workflows; developing/refining SOPs, job aides, log books, and referral forms as needed; planning of lab activities to improve tests performance and decrease turnaround time; and developing and implementing an equipment maintenance program.
- To provide technical assistance on the roll out of the accreditation ISO 15189 for the zone laboratories and for regional and district laboratories with the WHO guidelines.
- To help implement and monitor efficient documentation of laboratory results at the sites, as well as effective linkage between laboratories and clinical services.
- Work closely to THPS regional team, regional, council and hospital management teams (RHMT, CHMTs, and HMTs) and other laboratory stakeholders to improve laboratory performance.
- Perform any other activities as may be required by his/her supervisor
Qualifications, Experience & Skills required:
- Holder of a Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science, or Molecular Biology and Biotechnology or its equivalent
- Knowledge and skills in general clinical chemistry, haematology, flow cytometry and serology laboratory procedures
- Knowledge and practical experience of use of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Laboratory Quality Standards (ISO15189 accredited Laboratory) implementation
- At least three years experience in laboratory related tests and techniques
- Ability to work under minimum supervision
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Kiswahili
- Basic computer skills with minimum of Microsoft word, power point and excel
==============
POSITION TITLE: HTS, PMTCT and APSC Program Officer in Zanzibar
REPORTING TO: Program Manager
LOCATION: Zanzibar with frequent field travel of up to 75%
OVERALL JOB FUNCTION: The HTS, PMTCT and APSC Program Officer will ensure sustainable, high quality and client focused HIV Counselling and Testing services are provided, oversee the implementation and monitoring of PMTCT and EID and serve as the focal point in the implementation of APSC-related activities in Zanzibar. The position holder will oversee HTC service provision by providing technical support to ZIHTLP, HCPs, ZAYEDESA and ZYF in the implementation of quality HIV Testing and counselling services in health facilities and communities across Unguja and Pemba and ensure that the PMTCT and EID program follows national protocols and strong linkages with the HIV/AIDS care and treatment services are established. S/he will ensure un-interrupted supply of commodities and develop strategies to strengthen referrals between HIV Testing and Counseling points and the relevant healthcare facilities for appropriate referral of clients. He/She will work closely with THPS regional and central team on issues related to clinical adherence and psychosocial support in all HIV/AIDS program areas supported by THPS
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct supportive supervision, mentorship and on the job training to all HTC & PMTCT staff in partner organizations and health facilities including identification capacity gaps and address them.
- Ensure the optimal standard of counselling is achieved by ensuring the use of national guidelines and protocols. Ensure proper documentation of activities using appropriate national HTC, PMTCT/EID data collection tools for accurate record keeping and timely reporting.
- Review partners’ reports and develop quarterly reports and submit to central offices for further proceedings.
- Establish and maintain a strong relationship with Zanzibar stakeholders including ZIHHTLP, site staff and others successful support in implementing PMTCT/EID, HTS and APSC programs.
- Work with ZIHTLP and Hospital Management Teams (HMT) to design and implement innovative strategies for improving the quality of HTC, PMTCT and EID services
- Assist in the development of community linkages and support groups for HIV positive mothers and their families to ensure a network of quality care.
- Work closely with THPS M&E team to ensure monthly reporting of APSC, PMTCT and EID indicators.
- Write regular program reports as required by THPS central office and donors.
- Travel to the sites to oversee program implementation (expected to travel to the field up to 75% of the time)
- Collaborate with other THPS staff and other stakeholders to develop strategies for strengthening referrals and linkages to Care and treatment clinics and ensure the continuum of care for clients.
- Facilitate establishment/strengthening adequate outreaches or mobile HTC service whenever needed.
- In collaboration with Pharmacy and laboratory teams facilitate monitoring and supportive supervision on logistics management
- Support Health Care Providers (HCPs), Peer Educators (PE) and other relevant actors in region to implement protocols on adherence support for clients on HIV care and treatment program
- Conduct periodic assessment of APSC standards of care (SOC) in THPS supported health facilities in Zanzibar.
- Take part in design, training and distribution of relevant job aides and materials related to PMTCT, HTC and APSC.
- Review sub-grantees’ APCS scope of work, plans and progress of performance on quarterly basis
- Provide technical support to sub grantees.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Preferred Skills:
QUALIIFICATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS REQUIRED
- Degree in Medicine, / Assistant Medical Officer or Degree in Nursing/ Advanced Diploma.
- Training on HIV care and treatment, PMTCT, HIV/AIDS counseling and community-based PLHIV groups.
- At least three years working experience in HIV and AIDS care and treatment program including HIV care and treatment, PMTCT and HIV/AIDS counseling.
- Experience in working with community-based PLHIV groups or PLHIV post-test groups.
- Familiarity with health systems in Zanzibar is highly desired.
- Strong supervisory and management skills.
- Ability to work independently with strong problem-solving skills.
- Computer literacy in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are required
- Excellent oral communication and writing skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a team setting
- Willingness and preparedness to travel domestically for at least 75% of the time