MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

The AFGHS/MSH Senior CDST and Sample referral TB Laboratory Advisor is responsible in supporting National TB, Leprosy and Other Lung Diseases

( TBLLD) , Ethiopian Public Health Institute and Regional Public Health Institutes (EPHI & RPHIs), national and regional couriers, and project supported health facilities in strengthening integrated specimen referral/transport system with major focus for GeneXpert, culture and DST tests to achieve universal access to WRD and DST and to achieve the targets in diagnosis and Management of DS-TB and MDR-TB patients . The advisor will support the effort to ensure effective systems are put in place for reliable and safe specimen collection, pick-up, transport, and result delivery from/to all sites that require tests to be conducted at their back-up and referral laboratories

H/She will provide technical assistance to the National and Regional reference laboratories/research institutes and health facility laboratories in the project supported regions while continuing the support to ensure sustainability and transitioning to the Government health system.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the national and regional TB reference Laboratories in strengthening culture and DST services with major focus on second line DST to improve the diagnosis and Management of MDR, Pre XDR and XDR-TB patients.
• Provide technical guidance on the optimal utilization of highly sensitive TB screening and diagnostic tool including culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST), GeneXpert, line probe assays, and other molecular diagnostics
• Technically assist the National and Regional laboratories in planning, organizing and provision of CDST and sample referral for TB laboratory related activities,
• Support on the onsite or offsite capacity building for laboratory professionals on TB program,
• Technical support for the national and Regional CDST laboratories for the decentralization of SL-DST,
• Strengthen and support the implementation and management of regional specimen referral linkage activities at all levels including the coordination of postal/alternative ample referral systems,
• In consultation with RRLs, periodically review regional specimen referral network,
• Ensure the availability and proper use of SOPs for TB laboratory tests, specimen and waste management, and preventive maintenance procedures.
• Represent the project and participate in the national and regional laboratory technical working group (RL TWG) meetings,
• Monitor the project performance based on the planned milestones and summit Quarterly and annual TB lab. Performance reports,
• Facilitating the project gains are sustained and transitioned to the Government and local actors.
• Undertake other responsibilities assigned by the supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED MINIMUM

• BSc in laboratory sciences/master’s in public health sciences or above from recognized universities;
• At least 7 years work experience on TB program implementation at public and private health sectors;
• Knowledge & experience of capacity building for health care workers and TB Laboratory professionals,
• Ability to interact and advise senior host-government counterparts on policy and other strategic planning issues,

REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

• Previous experience with an international organization is an advantage,
• Excellent communication, and interpersonal skills, demonstrated leadership, and the ability to work collaboratively with culturally diverse partners,
• Willingness to travel frequently (up to 50% time) within the project supported Regions.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Computer literacy; competency with Microsoft Office, internet, and email system,
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required,
• Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with colleagues and partners.

MSH is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. MSH complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, Section 4212 of the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act, as amended, and all related applicable regulations.

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