Job Opportunities at Kiambu County

Job Purpose / Job Summary

The head of laboratory diagnostic services is responsible for the overall management, planning, evaluation and supervision of the County laboratory services .

The holder of this position shall ensure delivery of quality laboratory services to patients and manage people and resources of the diagnostic section in the most effective and efficient way.

Head of Lab Services Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop/review, interpret and implement laboratory policies and procedures and ensure that they adhere to national and international standards;
• Provide technical guidance, advice and support for medical laboratory and supply chain management;
• Ensure equitable deployment and distribution of medical laboratory personnel and equipment in the county;
• Monitor and evaluate laboratory services within the county and propose training interventions if necessary;
• Supervise medical laboratory services, laboratory projects, and laboratory programs;
• Coordinate training and capacity building for laboratory and allied staff
• Establish performance standards to which to measure, competence, effectiveness and efficiency of medical laboratory staff;
• Conduct operational research;
• Supervise supportive assistants.;
• Any other responsibilities as designated by head of division.

Minimum Desirable Academic Qualification for the Head of Lab Services Job

• Bachelors degree or equivalent in a laboratory related field Masters degree in laboratory related field
• Professional qualifications
• Professional Membership Senior Management Course (SMC)
• 3 years experience, at least 2 in middle management position and 1 year experience in public sector
• 5 years of experience, 3 years in middle Managerial position and 2 years of experience in public sector

Types of Experience and Attributes Required

• Meets the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution;
• Proven record of results in the previous employment;
• Evidence of successful change management in previous employment;
• Kenyan citizen;
• Team player;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent analytical skills;
• Competent ICT skills;
• Statistical analysis and interpretation;
• Proven record of results in managing change;
• Emotional intelligence;
• Capacity to train, mentor and coach;
• Capacity to provide leadership to the section, motivate employees and ensure high productivity;
• Comprehensive understanding of laboratory and diagnostic procedures.

Tools and Equipment

The Job holder is responsible for the various ICT, communication and stationary devices used on the job.

Level of Supervision / Guidance Required

The holder of this position is expected to work independently with head of division, who will, provide the overall supervision on a needs basis.

Contacts

• Frequent contact is required with the head of division to update on progress, consult with, if necessary and plan on activities.
• Periodic contact is required with other section heads.
• Daily contact is required with supportive assistants. Authority, Decision Making and Accountability
• The holder of this position is accountable for his/ her decisions and actions.
• He/she makes routine operational and technical decisions within the section in consultation with the head of the division on any matters that are not routine.
• He/she is expected to show initiative, exercise discretion and be proactive in discharging the duties and responsibilities under this position.

Physical Requirements

• This position involves mainly office work based at County Health Headquarters with requirements of travel within the County.
• Work may sometimes extend past working hours and into the weekend.

Head of Lab Services Job Performance Standards

• Policies and procedures reviewed, understood and implemented within the County;
• Periodic evaluation of laboratory practices and implementation progress; Technical assistance available;
• County laboratories adequately staffed and equipped;
• Periodic training needs assessment conducted;
• Periodic evaluation of laboratory services;
• Training programs conducted;
• Supervisory visits conducted;
• Performance standards established, reviewed and utilized;
• Periodic operational research conducted.