BBS Medical Laboratory Officer

About the organization:

Zim-TTECH is seeking highly qualified and experienced applicants to be considered for the above-mentioned post in Harare. The successful candidate will be based at NMRL, Harare. Zim-TTECH is a registered Private Voluntary Organization (PVO 125/23). Its activities occur primarily in the technical areas of health system strengthening; epidemiology and strategic information strengthening, health workforce development; operations research and evaluation; prevention, care, and treatment of infectious diseases. The contract shall run up to the 29th of September 2024.

Position Summary

The position reports to NMRL Coordinator/BBS Survey Laboratory Advisor. It is responsible for measuring the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and risk behaviors among key populations in selected towns in Zimbabwe, and to measure progress towards achieving the 95-95-95 targets. The successful candidate will complement staff at NMRL and collaborate with other laboratory scientists to ensure training of personnel, proper receipt, processing, result return and storage of survey laboratory samples.

Responsibilities:

• Assuming the responsibilities of the BBS focal person at the NMRL by overseeing all central laboratory, activities and ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Receiving and processing samples from the provincial laboratories within stipulated timelines.
• Receiving blood specimens from the Sites in accordance with BBS survey SOPs.
• Separating and aliquoting of plasma specimens and preparation of DBS specimens.
• Managing temporary storage of plasma and DBS specimens in ODK.
• Performing quality assurance and quality control of biomarker retesting.
• Conducting HIV/AIDS confirmatory testing using Geenius assay.
• Performing PIMA CD4, Gene expert HCV, NG/CT testing.
• Overseeing stock management of survey lab materials at NMRL, including timely requests, recording, receipt, and ensuring correct storage.
• Resolving quality assurance and quality control and any data, testing, and result discrepancies at the NMRL.
• Managing all non-confirming events emanating from sites and the lab.
• Assisting with resolution of biomarker discrepancy results through additional testing and return of results.
• Cleaning and equipment maintenance and adhering to laboratory Health and Safety procedures.
• Using ODK, ship specimens from satellite labs to the central lab in accordance with BBS SOPs.
• Assisting BBS lab activities as required and performing any other BBS related duties as assigned by the BBS Lab Advisor.
• Management and proper filing of records.
• Performing any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science.
• 5 years’ experience in laboratory systems, optimization and service delivery management within the context of HIV/AIDS programs.
• Experience in surveys and in working within a team setup and with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Exposure with lab-related data management systems, including but not limited to Laboratory Management Information Systems (LMIS) preferred.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent interpersonal management and communication skills and ability to work independently with strong problem-solving skills.

Commitment to Diversity

Zim-TTECH recognizes that disparities in health around the globe stem from inequity. Therefore, the organization encourages and supports the multiple identities of staff including, but not limited to, socio-economic status, age, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity and expression, culture, spiritual practice, geography, mental and physical disability. Zim-TTECH strives to become a local, national, and international leader in developing and maintaining increased representation and recognition of each of these dimensions of diversity among its staff.