District Laboratory Mentor x1

University of Zimbabwe - Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC) is seeking suitably trained, competent, talented, multi-task and qualified District Laboratory Mentor. Position is based at Tsholotsho District Hospital

UZ-CTRC was established in 1994 and has conducted high impact observational studies, implementation studies and Phase I-IV clinical trials in HIV, TB, COVID -19 and associated comorbidities funded by National Institute of Allery and Infectious Diseases, AIDS Malignancy Consortium, Bill, and Melinda Gates Foundation among others. UZ-CTRC has served as a center of excellence in the prevention and control of HIV and AIDS and have contributed to global understanding of HIV epidemiology and pathogenesis, global and Zimbabwean health policy, by providing scientific evidence through our highly equipped and resourced network of laboratories that operate in strict compliance with International best practices guided by GCLP and ISO 15189 standard.

UZ-CTRC is implementing a US Center for Disease Control and Prevention-US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (CDC-PEPFAR) funded Laboratory Systems Strengthening (LSS) program in Zimbabwe from 2023 to 2026 supporting the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC). The LSS program will enhance access to high quality testing towards achievement of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals.

Qualifications and Experience

• A degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or equivalent is required.
• A post Graduate degree in relevant Laboratory Discipline.
• Certification in Medical Laboratory Quality Management System (ISO15189/SLMTA or equivalent.) is required. • Knowledge in Laboratory Quality Improvement Initiatives required.
• Work experience in HIV Viral Load scale-up, EID and TB testing, Laboratory Systems Strengthening, Laboratory QMS and CLI implementation in related/similar setting is required.
• Registered with the Medical Laboratory & Clinical Scientists Council of Zimbabwe. (MLCSCZ)
• At least 5 years’ experience in similar role and settings is required.
• Experience with Laboratory diagnostics and processes is required.
• Work experience in MoHCC Medical Laboratories is an added advantage.
• Computer literacy is required.

Responsibilities

• To provide guidance and support on the establishment, Implementation and monitoring of Quality Management systems at embedded laboratory and cyclic technical supervisory support hubs pursuant to ISO 15189 and the National Certification requirements.
• To facilitate training of mentees on QMS documentation, including technical documents for VL, EID, TB, and AHD tests.
• To supervise program Laboratory Scientists and Data and Sample Management Officers seconded to the MoHCC.
• To assist the hubs to understand and meet set targets for testing, CQI, RTCQI, CLI and National certification program
• To ensure uninterrupted Laboratory service provision by taking pro-active measures to mitigate any threats to service provision.
• To ensure that all examination methods are verified for their intended use.
• Work collaboratively with laboratory teams within MOHCC on inventory management and optimal use of available resources including testing equipment reagents and consumables.
• Work in collaboration with Provincial mentors and Provincial Scientist to improve existing referral systems between hubs and testing laboratories (including specimen and results management).
• Ensure timely processing of Proficiency Testing samples and reporting of the results as well as doing appropriate corrective actions as needed.
• Work collaboratively with the provincial LIMS coordinator to ensure uninterrupted Laboratory Information system
• To capacitate clinicians to perform AHD tests (CD4, CRAG, TB LAM) through facilitating trainings.
• To work closely with health facilities in the catchment area in collaboration with clinical partners and provincial mentors to ensure seamless chain of planned activities.
• To work closely with Laboratory coaches in implementing quality improvement projects.
• Assist lab teams to optimize POC VL/EID/TB specimen flow and tracking of patient results.
• To support continuous quality improvement in Rapid HIV tests and advanced HIV disease rapid tests
• To Support testing points with doing corrective actions
• To carry out SPIRRT audits
• To work with clinical implementing partner coaches and district quality focal people
• To conduct trainings and refresher trainings for testing staff
• 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.
• To monitor and ensure availability of Point of Care testing kits.
• To ensure all required weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports are submitted on time
• To review weekly, monthly and quarterly data to derive useful insights and implement preventive and corrective actions.
• To perform any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor • To conduct performance appraisals for supervisees.