Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Laboratory Advisor will provide technical laboratory leadership, including technical assistance and capacity building support,
for ICAP’s proposed CDC-funded project, Expanding Access to Quality Laboratory Service (EQUALS) in the Kingdom of Lesotho under PEPFAR (CDC-RFA-GH20-2044).
This position is subject to final approval by the CDC.
Major Accountabilities:
• Provides technical expertise and direction, strategic vision, and management guidance to all laboratory-related project activities.
• Ensures sustained capacity to deliver quality laboratory services in the country to improve clinical outcomes and treatment and prevention services of HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and related diseases.
• Trains and mentor’s laboratory staff to improve human resources capacity to improved laboratory workflow and efficiency.
• Develops new and revises current guidelines, policies, strategic plans, and standard operational plans to improve laboratory infrastructure and ensure increased access to laboratory services.
• Provides technical expertise in assessing existing laboratory systems, capacity, and services, and supports the design and implementation of sustainable laboratory strengthening strategies.
• Ensures laboratory staff adheres to requirements of national and international standards to improve the accuracy and reliability of laboratory tests and achieve laboratory accreditation.
• Oversees the development and implementation of innovative and sustainable laboratory test delivery services to reduce turnaround time.
• Supports the M&E Technical Advisor in improving laboratory data capture for program
management and surveillance.
• Provides project-related guidance and direction to highly skilled laboratory specialists from ICAP, the Ministry of Health (MOH), and key national stakeholders.
• Supports the implementation of national laboratory strategic and operational plans, guidelines, manuals, training materials, and standard operational protocols.
Education:
An advanced degree in laboratory medicine or related field.
Experience, Skills, and Minimum Qualifications:
• At least 10 years of experience working in a large clinical or research laboratory, with significant
experience in microbiology, laboratory management, and renovation.
• Prior experience with relevant technical laboratory procedures related to HIV/AIDS and TB.
• Demonstrated experience in quality assurance, quality control, protocol development, specimen
management, and electronic information systems within a laboratory context.
• Experience implementing laboratory accreditation and laboratory strengthening programs.
• Proven ability to effectively mentor and advise laboratory professionals; experience overseeing the training of staff engaged in laboratory activities and improvements.
• Written and spoken English proficiency.
• Nationals or permanent residents of Lesotho are highly encouraged to apply
Travel Requirements:
The positions will require travel (up to 25%) to various districts and health facilities within Lesotho.
Application Instructions:
• Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit their application via ICAP career page –
https://icapacity.icap.columbia.edu/ on or before September 25,2020 at 12:00 noon.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Columbia University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.