Point of Care Advisor

University of Zimbabwe - Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC)

VACANT POST – POINT OF CARE ADVISOR

University of Zimbabwe - Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC) is seeking suitably trained, competent, talented, multi-task and qualified Point of Care Advisor. Position is based in Harare.

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

 Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences from a recognized university.

• A Master’s degree in laboratory medicine or related field.
• Specialty training or prior experience with POCT preferred.
• Certification in Medical Laboratory Quality Management System (ISO15189/SLMTA or equivalent) is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated experience building the Point of Care Testing (POCT) capacity of national governments and peripheral health systems.
• Knowledge of ISO 15189 standards, and experience in supporting Rapid Testing Continuous Quality Improvements (RTCQI)
• At least 5 years’ experience in a similar role and settings.
• Work experience in HIV Viral Load scale-up, EID and TB testing, laboratory systems strengthening, laboratory QMS and Clinic Laboratory Interface (CLI) implementation in related/similar setting is required.
• Prior experience in training, mentoring, and supervision of laboratory professionals.
• Fully registered with the Medical Laboratory & Clinical Scientists Council of Zimbabwe. (MLCSCZ)

Knowledge and Skills

• Dedicated team player with excellent interpersonal, communication, report writing and analytical skills both qualitative and quantitative using appropriate data analysis tools.
• Fluent English oral and written communication skills.
• Computer literacy is required.
• Ability to exhibit professionalism and high ethical standards.
• Excellent organizational skills including the ability to multitask.

Responsibilities 

• Provide technical assistance to MOHCC to coordinate, consolidate, and improve integrated testing on POCT for diagnosis and monitoring of HIV, TB and related diseases.
• Work directly with the Directorate of Laboratory services to ensure access to POCT, including strengthening courier systems for both HIV and TB specimens.
• Assist the MoHCC to implement a LIMS which is linked to or interfaced with POCT laboratory data systems within the facilities and connected to a central laboratory data repository.
• Support the Directorate of Laboratory Services to conduct onsite certification of testers and facilities through onsite capacity building activities.
• Evaluate and monitors POCT systems to ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practice
• Ensure all RTCQI activities at district and province level are well coordinated in collaboration with Provincial and District mentors.
• Work in collaboration with other stakeholders and partners to plan and facilitate periodic learning sessions as part of RTCQI/CLI and POCT implementation.
• Supervision of RTCQI/CLI Provincial Officers to ensure program deliverables as provided in the workplan are met.
• Collaborate with POCT equipment suppliers to ensures uninterrupted service.
• Attend RTCQI/CLI and POCT meetings such as Technical Working Group (TWG) meetings for engagement with relevant stakeholders.
• Attend Provincial and District RTCQI/CLI and POCT meetings to address bottle necks in the implementation of the program and visit selected facilities and HIV testing points that may need support.
• Provide VL testing cascade graphics and related data analytics based on the cohort approach for real time decision making.
• Work closely with CQI, LIMS and IST components of the project to make sure all RTCQI/CLI and POCT activities are well coordinated with other pillars of the program.
• To review weekly, monthly, and quarterly data to derive useful insights and implement preventive and corrective actions.
• To ensure an EQA calendar is developed and implemented for all EQA/PT schemes for clinical testing points, District, Provincial and National testing labs for HIV and TB tests.
• To work closely with NMRL and ensure EQA/PT schemes are provided for HIV and recency, Syphilis, Hepatitis RDT PT to all testers at health facilities PEPFAR supported Districts.
• To ensure EQA/PT results are analyzed on time and reported to testers and health facilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior program manager.