Laboratory Quality Manager (Multi-Campus)

CARIBBEAN PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY (CARPHA) JOB DESCRIPTION PART A 1 Job Information Type of Contract: CORE Associate Consultant Title/Department: Laboratory Quality Manager (Multi-Campus) Category Grade: P4 Duty Station: Jamaica/Trinidad/St. Lucia Date Prepared: July 28, 2026 First Level Supervision: Assistant Director – SDPC Second Level Supervision Director, SDPC Objective/Overview of the Programme

CARPHA’s mission is to provide strategic direction, in analysing, defining and responding to public health priorities of Member States, in order to prevent disease, promote health and to respond to public health emergencies. To support solidarity in health, as one of the principal pillars of functional cooperation, in the Caribbean Community. 3 Organizational Context / Job purpose: (Job summary - a concise statement of the role’s overall purpose and how it contributes to CARPHA’s mandate, strategic objectives, and service delivery, the role of the individual within the team e.g. team member, specialist, advisor, Facilitator, Coordinator/Manager, representative, expert, authority in the field, etc.) available guidelines and degree of independence, nature and purpose of contact within and outside the Organization.

The Laboratory Quality Manager (LQM) ensures that CARPHA’s multi-campus laboratory services operate to internationally recognised quality and safety standards, maintaining accreditation and continually improving service delivery. The LQM designs, implements, and monitors a unified Quality Management System (QMS) and safety programme across the CARPHA Medical Microbiology Laboratory (CMML, Trinidad), Environmental Health and Sustainable Development Department (EHSD, Saint Lucia), and Medicines, Quality Control and Surveillance Department (MQCSD, Jamaica), contributing directly to CARPHA’s mandate by strengthening laboratory quality, reliability, and regional public health capacity. 4 Key of Responsibilities (Main responsibilities. Use action verbs (e.g., Leads, Manages, Coordinates, Develops, Implements). Focus on results and outputs rather than tasks.

1. Leads and strengthens the integrated multi-campus QMS in alignment with ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 15189, WHO/PAHO guidance, and CARPHA policies.
2. Maintains accreditation status by coordinating internal audits and supporting external assessments.
3. Oversees harmonised document and records control across all campuses.
4. Manages the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) system and verifies timely closure of findings.
5. Defines and monitors Quality Indicators, including Turn Around Time (TAT), Proficiency Testing/ External Quality Assessment (PT/EQA) performance, Quality Control (QC) pass rates, audit closure times, and complaint resolution.
6. Coordinates multi-campus proficiency testing and inter-laboratory comparisons.
7. Leads the safety programme, maintains risk registers, and supports biosafety compliance.
8. Coordinates the design and delivery of the annual training programme, ensuring completion of quality, safety, and technical training requirements.
9. Coordinates equipment qualification, calibration, and maintenance documentation.
10. Supports procurement processes for laboratory resources, materials, and services in collaboration with departmental technical and administrative personnel, including verification of vendor and service performance.
11. Engages Member States, regulators, and partners on quality and accreditation matters.
12. Prepares technical reports and contributes to scientific outputs.
13. Supervises and guides staff undertaking quality and safety duties, monitors performance, and contributes to staff development initiatives.
14. Prepares, maintains, and updates the Emergency Management Plan and Business Continuity Plan in collaboration with relevant CARPHA officers.
15. Manages service provider engagement for instrument and equipment servicing, reviews service reports, and supports activities during service visits.
16. Leads risk identification, assessment, and documentation activities, including annual risk review meetings across all areas of laboratory operations.
17. Implements agreed policies relating to pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical procedures and methods ensuring that standard operating procedures (SOPs) are adhered to at all times.
18. In collaboration with the quality management team conducts an annual Management Review in accordance with established SOPs.
19. Performs other related duties as required

The list of duties in the job description should not be regarded as exhaustive. There will be other duties and requirements associated with the job and, in addition, as a term of your employment you may be required to undertake various other duties as may reasonably be required.

Expected Outputs: Define tangible and measurable deliverables linked to CARPHA’s goals, e.g.: technical reports, policy briefs, laboratory analyses, training sessions, improved service delivery outcomes, compliance with quality standards (ISO, WHO/PAHO, CARICOM), and capacity-building contributions.)

1. Accreditation maintained, with external findings closed within required timelines.
2. Harmonised and effectively implemented QMS across all three campuses.
3. Quality Indicators monitored, analysed, and reported routinely.
4. Structured safety programme implemented, with updated multi-campus risk registers.
5. Equipment qualification and maintenance schedules met consistently.
6. Accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual quality and safety reports produced. PART B KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES List and describe essential competencies to perform the job 6 COMPETENCY DESCRIPTION Leadership & Management Demonstrates the ability to guide, motivate, and empower others to achieve high performance while modelling CARPHA’s values. Encourages continuous learning, provides constructive feedback, and supports the growth and development of self and others. Fosters an inclusive, accountable, and results-oriented environment that enables teams to excel. Communication and Collaboration Communicates clearly, respectfully, and professionally with cultural sensitivity to support effective information sharing across teams, departments, and Member States; tailors’ messages to different audiences. Works cooperatively across departments, campuses, and Member States; values diverse perspectives; builds relationships that support shared goals. Results Orientation and Accountability Delivers expected outputs on time and to established department standards; takes ownership of tasks; follows through on commitments. Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking Uses evidence, sound judgment, and innovative approaches to identify and resolve challenges. Customer Focus and Service Excellence Shows commitment to understanding and responding to the needs of Member States and stakeholders. Provides timely, professional, and courteous support while upholding CARPHA’s service standards. Proactively seeks opportunities to improve service quality and strengthen stakeholder trust. Integrity and Professional Ethics Acts with honesty, transparency, and fairness, ensuring confidentiality and trust in the organisation. Adaptability and Resilience Responds positively to change, ambiguity, and crisis conditions; remains productive under pressure. Technical Expertise (List and describe, in order of priority, the abilities required to perform the job, include technical, managerial and soft skills required.) • Expert knowledge of ISO 17025/15189-aligned Quality Management Systems. • Strong understanding of biosafety, risk management, and laboratory safety systems. • Demonstrated experience in internal audits, CAPA coordination, PT/EQA oversight, and accreditation maintenance. • Proficiency with QMS document control systems, LIMS, and standard office software. • Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving abilities. • Excellent communication, training, and stakeholder-engagement. Education (Qualifications)

Essential:

Bachelor’s in laboratory science (Chemistry, Microbiology or related) and formal QMS training. Master’s degree Biological, Chemistry, Biochemistry Sciences, or a related field Auditor certification Occupational Health and Safety certification. Experience

Essential: At least 5 years of experience in laboratory quality management with audit and Proficiency Tests/External Quality Assurance (PT/EQA) experience. Desirable: Demonstrated experience in managing multi-site quality management systems and accreditation maintenance.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of English. Knowledge of French and/or Spanish would be an asset. IT Skills

Proficiency in MS Office, LIMS, QMS document control systems and Performance Management Systems will be an asset. Scope and Complexity

The role spans medical microbiology, environmental health, and pharmaceutical laboratories across three countries, requiring the standardisation of systems while addressing campus-specific needs. It involves complex coordination, multi-disciplinary engagement, and operation within highly regulated and technically demanding environments. Functional Relationships

Internal:

❑ Engages daily with CMML, EHSD, MQCSD staff to ensure quality and safety compliance. ❑ Reports functionally to the Heads of Department for CMML, EHSD, MQCSD. ❑ Liaises with Procurement, Finance, and IT for operational support; and coordinates with Facilities to maintain safe and functional work environments. External: ❑ Collaborates with accreditation bodies, regulators, suppliers and service providers. ❑ Represents CARPHA in regional and international forums to promote laboratory best practices and strategic initiatives. Authority (Specify the areas where the jobholder has decision-making authority and where higher approval is required.)

The LQM may approve routine audits, minor SOP updates, CAPAs, and training activities. Major SOP changes and procurement decisions require approval from supervisors. Accountability

The Laboratory Quality Manager is accountable for ensuring the effective and efficient functioning of the multi-campus Quality Management System and safety programme. This includes:

• Ensuring the cost-effective use of laboratory quality and safety resources, including calibration, maintenance, audits, and training activities.
• Delivering the annual quality and safety work plan and meeting accreditation-related requirements and timelines.
• Ensuring that internal audits, CAPAs, document control procedures, risk management activities, and external assessments are completed to the required standard.
• Guaranteeing the integrity and reliability of quality-related data and reports that directly impact CARPHA’s regional surveillance, laboratory performance, and organisational credibility.
• Minimising risks related to laboratory quality, safety, and regulatory compliance by ensuring timely corrective/preventive actions, adherence to accreditation standards, and continuous monitoring of quality indicators. 16 Working Conditions (Describe whether the job is office-based, requires travel, fieldwork, or exposure to health and safety risks)

This role is primarily office-based with periodic travel to the CARPHA campuses. The job holder is required to routinely enter into lab spaces with biological and chemical hazards. Problem Solving Requirements

The Laboratory Quality Manager addresses a wide range of quality, safety, and accreditation-related challenges across three laboratory campuses. The role requires the application of sound scientific judgement, technical expertise, and strategic thinking to maintain accreditation and resolve quality issues in a timely and effective manner. The LQM must:

• Troubleshoot complex quality-related problems, including non-conformities, audit findings, equipment failures, and inconsistencies in PT/EQA or QC results.
• Adapt quality and safety strategies to meet changing regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and public health priorities across multiple campuses.
• Anticipate future risks, identify systemic weaknesses in the QMS, and develop proactive solutions that strengthen laboratory performance and compliance.
• Balance scientific, operational, and regulatory considerations when addressing challenges that impact accreditation, service delivery, or Member State confidence.
• Escalate issues requiring higher-level decision-making while providing evidence-based recommendations and contributing to the formulation of solutions. The nature of the role demands innovation, resilience, and the ability to operate under pressure—particularly during external assessments, outbreaks, or when quality deficiencies have potential regional impact. 18 Communication & Influence (Indicate the level of interaction, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and representation at regional/international levels.) The position requires a high level of interaction, coordination, and professional judgement across internal and external stakeholders. By communicating effectively across CMML, EHSD, and MQCSD and representing CARPHA in regional and international spaces, the jobholder strengthens multi-campus alignment, reinforces stakeholder confidence, supports accreditation and regulatory decision-making, advocates for laboratory quality and safety priorities, and advances CARPHA’s mission to safeguard public health across the region.

Internal Interaction:

• Engages routinely with staff, quality management focal points, managers, and Department Heads across the CMML, EHSD and MQCSD laboratories to support consistent implementation of the multi-campus QMS and safety programme.
• Facilitates structured communication among the three laboratory campuses through regular meetings, written reports, performance updates, audit-readiness discussions, CAPA follow-up, risk reviews, and training coordination, ensuring that expectations, decisions, and corrective actions are clearly communicated and tracked.
• Provides technical advice and evidence-based recommendations to Department Heads and Managers on quality, safety, accreditation, risk, and service-delivery matters affecting CMML, EHSD, and MQCSD.
• Liaises with CARPHA Procurement, Finance, IT, Facilities, and Health and Safety functions to resolve operational issues, support laboratory continuity, maintain safe working environments, and ensure timely access to systems, supplies, equipment servicing, and infrastructure support.

External Interaction:

• Collaborates with Member States, national public health laboratories, national medicines regulatory authorities, national medicines quality control laboratories, environmental health and partner laboratories, suppliers, service providers, and other technical stakeholders to gather feedback, support training, provide technical guidance, and strengthen confidence in CARPHA laboratory services.
• Interfaces with accreditation bodies, assessors, proficiency testing providers, technical partners, and relevant regional and international agencies to support compliance with applicable ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 15189 requirements and to promote continuous improvement across all three laboratories.
• Advocates for harmonised laboratory quality and safety standards, effective risk management, reliable testing services, and sustainable quality systems that respond to Member State needs and regional public health priorities.
• Represents CARPHA, as delegated, in regional and international networks, technical working groups, assessments, workshops, consultations, and conferences, contributing to policy dialogue, laboratory strengthening initiatives, and the promotion of best practices in quality, safety, accreditation, and public health laboratory systems.

19 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) (Specify the metrics used to measure the role’s success (timeliness, quality, efficiency, impact, compliance)

• ≥95% external audit findings closed on time.
• 100% internal audit completion annually.
• ≥90% PT/EQA satisfactory performance.
• QC pass rate ≥95%.
• Risk register updated quarterly.
• ≥90% critical equipment maintained on schedule.
• 100% mandatory staff training completed.

20 Supervision & Leadership (Describe the number and type of staff supervised, guidance provided, and leadership responsibilities.)

• The Laboratory Quality Manager provides functional leadership and coordinated guidance to quality and technical staff across the three CARPHA laboratory campuses—CMML (Trinidad), EHSD (Saint Lucia), and MQCSD (Jamaica). The role does not directly supervise a fixed team at each campus but exercises cross-campus leadership by standardising QMS and safety practices, guiding staff in implementing quality procedures, and ensuring consistent adherence to accreditation requirements.
• The LQM offers technical direction to senior technologists, quality focal points, and other laboratory personnel involved in audit preparation, document control, CAPA implementation, and safety activities. The role also contributes to staff development by designing and delivering quality and safety training programmes, mentoring laboratory personnel, and supporting continuous professional improvement.
• The position requires strong collaborative leadership across multidisciplinary teams and campuses, ensuring cohesive implementation of quality systems and fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. 21 Validation/ Approvals First Level Supervisor:

Second Level Supervisor:

Executive Director:

Post Holder: Signature: Date: