National Integrated Specimen Referral System (ISRS) Coordinator at Amref Kenya

PURPOSE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

To improve service delivery and systems capacities to support Laboratory diagnostics, pandemic preparedness and response in Kenya, the ISRS Coordinator will ensure the guideline components (programme management, finances, HR, supplies and equipment, transport and logistics, system design, data systems and M&E) are implemented and the ISRS tracking system is operational throughout the engaging period. ISRS coordinator is envisioned to work in collaboration with the National ISRS committee and the 47 counties to ensure seamless implementation of the system. This position will be embedded within the MOH-Division of National Laboratory Services to ensure sustainability and facilitate vertical and horizontal coordination, collaboration, and communication. The objective of this position is to support the ISRS coordination both at the national and county level. The ISRS Coordinator will be required to maintain an efficient and effective specimen referral system that ensures timely and accurate transportation of specimens from healthcare facilities to diagnostic laboratories, thereby supporting comprehensive disease surveillance, accurate diagnostics, and improved public health outcomes. The ISRS Coordinator will report to the Head, National Laboratory Services, MoH and create linkages with Amref Health Africa, in Kenya.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take charge of the general administration of National ISRS for the Ministry of Health
• Be responsible for the collation and analysis of information from all the network, manage feedback and complaints from the network
• Liaise with all the stakeholders to ensure that ISRS resources are mapped and facilitate the resupply of commodities to the country
• Coordinate quarterly stakeholders’ review meetings on ISRS activity implementation and operationalization
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including IPC standards, biosafety and biosecurity through ongoing training and adherence to established protocols
• Receive and review quarterly report from the county ISRS focal persons
• Serve as the primary point of contact for specimen-related inquiries from internal departments, external partners, and clients
• Maintain detailed records of specimen transfers, including chain of custody documentation, tracking logs, and incident reports
• Generate regular reports on specimen volume, turnaround times, and quality metrics for management review
• Stay informed about relevant regulations and guidelines governing specimen handling, transportation, and privacy
• Ensure the guideline components (programme management, finances, HR, supplies and equipment, transport and logistics, system design, data systems and M&E) are implemented and the ISRS tracking system is
• operational throughout the engaging period.
• Work in collaboration with the National ISRS committee and the 47 counties to ensure seamless implementation of the system

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• Demonstrable minimum of five (5) years of experience in Medical Laboratory System Management or related field experience working with national and counties, especially in programme implementation
• Demonstrable past experience with sample collection, sample referral system and lab testing platform
• Verifiable strong knowledge and work experience in planning and implementing sample transportation strategies including monitoring and evaluation is required
• Persons who have worked with National Task Forces or Technical Working Groups on outbreaks or sample testing will have an added advantage
• Past experience working with collaborative partners that supports sample analysis, sample referral systems and testing in the health sector

Education

• Hold a minimum Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or related field
• Master’s degree in relevant field will be an added advantage
• Registered and have a valid a license from the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologist Board (KMLTTB)
• Familiarity with the Government of Kenya health policies, systems and structures will be a strong asset

Competencies and Skills

• Excellent analytical and report writing skills will be required
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential
• Demonstrated ability to transfer skills
• Capacity to work in a multi-cultural environment, and ability to create a team-based participatory work
• Excellent computer skills
• Fluent in English (comprehension, written, and spoken)