POSITION: BLOOD SAFETY TECHNICAL ADVISOR
PROJECT: BORESHA MAABARA (LAB STRENGTHENING)
REPORT TO: SENIOR TECHNICAL ADVISOR
Purpose
The post holder will work closely with Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service (KNBTS) providing technical assistance in blood safety, blood donor care, quality assurance, appropriate utilization of blood and blood products and hemovigilance. This will include support in development/review of policies, strategies, guidelines, job aides; attainment/maintenance of quality management systems; training and mentorship on practice/service delivery and cold chain and blood inventory management among other roles.
Key Responsibilities:
· In liaison with KNBTS, support development/review of relevant policies, guidelines, standards and job aides through involvement in the relevant technical working groups and or taskforce.
· Support adoption and uptake of relevant policies, guidelines and standards by counties and transfusing facilities to enhance sustainability and self-sufficiency of blood transfusion services.
· In coordination with regional PEPFAR laboratory implementing partners, provide training and mentorship to transfusing facilities in areas of blood safety, blood component therapy, management of transfusion reactions and blood cold chain.
- Provide technical assistance to KNBTS on blood safety activities such as collection, testing, handling, processing, storage, transport and distribution of blood and blood products collected from donors for transfusions.
· Support the blood donor services including mobilization, recruitment, donor care, donor notification and linkage to care and treatment
· Support maintenance and functionality of the blood cold chain system at designated sites.
· Support reporting of adverse blood transfusion events and investigation of transfusion reactions/incidents.
· Support implementation of a national hemovigilance system with structured routine reporting.
· Initiate, develop and provide technical assistance in implementation of quality improvement plans to strengthen appropriate handling, transportation, utilization and inventory of blood at designated health facilities.
· Support strengthening and maintenance of good interdisciplinary working relationships between laboratory and clinical staff and enhance the lab-clinical interphase
· Enhance capacity and functionality of Hospital Transfusion Committees.
· Support strengthening of Quality Management Systems (QMS) at the regional blood transfusion centers, satellite blood transfusion services and transfusion facilities.
· Support implementation of QMS to result in compliance to World Health Organization (WHO) guidance, AFSBT accreditation of the blood centers or Laboratory ISO accreditation through SLMTA or as advised by KNBTS and CDC.
· Support implementation of robust internal and external quality assurance programs with close follow-up of preventive and corrective actions as necessary.
· Support utilization of data for enhanced service coverage through supporting implementation of a data demand and information use framework.
· Support the implementation and optimal utilization of the blood establishment computer system (BECS) or other relevant system.
· Assist in formulation of quarterly progress report in relation to the specialty.
· Work closely and complement the laboratory strengthening program.
Qualifications:
· Medical doctor with specialization in hematology and blood transfusion.
· At least five (5) years’ experience in supporting blood safety related initiatives.
· Ability to work independently, under pressure and to adhere to set deadlines.
· Demonstrated ability to work with various government institutions.
· Excellent communication, interpersonal and report writing skills.
· Experience in implementing laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS)
· Experience working with the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Services will be an added advantage.
HOW TO APPLY:
How to Apply:
Kindly send your application, cover letter and current CV with the names of three professional referees tohr@mgickenya.org on or before 18th October, 2016.
Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Only short listed candidates will be contacted
