Laboratory Officer at Centre for Health Solutions - Kenya (CHS)

CHS/HR/ TBReSET /LO/001/2024  

Overall Job Function

Reporting to the Senior Technical Officer-Diagnostics of the USAID-TB ReSET project, the incumbent will be responsible for providing technical support in the planning, design, and implementation of TB diagnostic laboratory services with a key focus in 16 deep focus counties. The implementation will be collaboratively conducted with the Ministry of Health, Kenya Division of National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Disease Program (DNTLD-P), County Health Management Teams, and Implementing Partners.

 Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, planning, and implementation of laboratory activities for TB diagnostic and monitoring services in 16 deep focus counties for the USAID-TB ReSET activity.
• Provide technical support for the adoption, scale-up, and adaptation of TB diagnostics, including GeneXpert, Truenat, TB LAMP, and LED microscopy.
• Support the optimization of the TB diagnostic network by implementing disease multi-testing and aligning with national recommendations.
• Support the adoption and scale-up of non-sputum-based tests and latent TB testing using IGRA.
• Provide technical assistance in developing and reviewing TB laboratory guidelines, curricula, SOPs, job aids, and other materials.
• Assist in the design and implementation of quality management and quality assurance services and systems, including Microscopy, Truenat, LF LAM, TB LAMP, and GeneXpert.
• Work closely with county lab teams in the forecasting, quantification, and management of TB laboratory supplies at both county and national levels.
• Provide technical assistance in establishing and optimizing TB diagnostic sample transport networks, including the implementation of Culture and DST, and the EID VL courier system for the country.
• To provide technical assistance to facility-level laboratory managers, mWRDs Superusers including: establishing routine workflow; developing/refining SOPs, job aids, log books, and referral forms as needed; planning of lab activities to improve test performance and decrease turnaround time; and developing and implementing an equipment maintenance program.
• Support Implementation and monitoring of efficient documentation of laboratory results at the sites, as well as effective linkages between laboratory and clinical services.
• Support county-level lab managers in establishing routine workflows and developing SOPs, job aids, log books, and referral forms.
• Support implementation of mWRDs service level agreement specifically in collaboration with the DNTLD-P and County health management teams (CHMT)
• Assist in drafting annual reports and other materials such as lessons learned, abstracts, and case studies.
• Participate in program monitoring and evaluation, using data to inform planning and continuous improvement.
• To participate in the committee of experts (CoE) meetings at national and technical working groups at the county levels on TB diagnostics.
• Identify opportunities for organizational growth and sustainability.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Professional requirements

• Degree in Clinical Laboratory Services.
• Registration with KMLTTB and an annual practice license.
• Five years’ experience in managing laboratory services in TB and HIV programs.
• Experience with MOH and donor funded programs is an added advantage.
• Experience with design of programs, SOPs, tools and guidelines.
• Experience in capacity building of laboratory personnel.
• Ability to work well with others and to develop and maintain relationships with project staff, donors, sub-contractors and other partners.
• Ability to identify problems, design interventions and oversee their implementation.
• Must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Kiswahili.
• Outstanding levels of integrity.