“University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is a State University, Maryland, USA. UMB has a Global Health Program which is delivered through the Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC) and housed by various institutes among them the Institute of Human Virology (IHV). Since 2004, IHV has partnered with the governments of Kenya, Guyana, Haiti, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia to address each country’s growing HIV and AIDS epidemics. The Institute has led efforts to build National Health Systems in each country via strategic international, national, and local collaborations through the design and implementation of unique education, training, and treatment programs addressing each country’s complex HIV/AIDS epidemics.
In Kenya, UMB through the Institute of Human Virology started operations in 2004 under the AIDS Relief Project consortium funded by Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through HRSA/CDC. This was the beginning of UMB’s work in Kenya which has seen implementation of 11 grants to-date.”
MGIC is seeking a suitably qualified persons able to fill the position of Laboratory Specialist. Successful candidate will be stationed in Garissa County.
Under the supervision of Senior Technical Advisor, the Laboratory specialist will be responsible for strengthening of laboratory systems and practices in Garissa and Tana River counties.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Laboratory Specialist will be required to conduct laboratory assessments in regard to capacity, quality control, quality assurance and laboratory needs. He/she will be required to carry out laboratory capacity building, assist in managing laboratory logistics e.g. sample networking and providing technical assistance. He/She will be required to support health care facilities to forecast their reagent needs, offer support towards strengthening of Laboratory infrastructure, equipment, logistics and procurement systems for sustainable and quality services. He/She will also provide technical expertise and guidance in the expansion of access to quality laboratory services by strengthening tiered laboratory networks and specimen referral for CD4, HIV early infant diagnosis (EID), HIV viral load, opportunistic disease detection, TB culture, molecular diagnostic/gene Xpert and HIV/TB drug resistance. He/ She will support implementation of a quality improvement, data demand and information use framework aimed at improving County level capacity in reporting and utilization of data for enhanced service coverage. He/She will also support strengthening of biosafety, infection control, occupational health and safety and medical waste management and will support strengthening of Laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS) ensuring QA/QC/EQC systems are functional.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Science in laboratory science or any other relevant Degree, Higher National Diploma in laboratory science, working knowledge of laboratory ISO 15189/WHO AFRO implementation, demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills with an eye for detail, ability to work independently, under pressure while at the same time adhering to strict deadlines. At least five (5) years’ experience in supporting strengthening of laboratory systems and practices at County and Health Facilities. He/She ought to have previously worked with different government institutions, counties and local partners. He/she should have excellent communication, interpersonal, report writing and project management skills. He/She ought to have direct experience developing and delivering trainings in laboratories. Successful candidate must be registered with the laboratory board (KMLTTB).
HOW TO APPLY:
If you meet the above mentioned qualifications, you are requested to send your cover letter and resume to hr@mgickenya.orgby 25th August 2015. Candidates are requested to indicate “Laboratory Specialist (Garissa)” on the subject line of the email. Only shortlisted candidate will be contacted.
Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.
