Job Description
Location: Nairobi,
Program: KENPHIA,
Reports To: KENPHIA Project Director,
Background
The Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity (Ciheb) — Kenya is a local non-governmental organization collaborating with the Ministry of Health and County Health Management Teams to strengthen health systems for improved quality of healthcare in Kenya. Ciheb Kenya is collaborating with the county governments of Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Nairobi, Kisumu, and Migori to support the implementation and expansion of high quality, sustainable and comprehensive HIV prevention, care and treatment programs and expansion of COVID-19 vaccination with funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
The Senior Laboratory Advisor will be responsible for overseeing all Lab activities at the central Lab, Satellite lab and in the Field including but not limited to Sample collection, receipt, transportation, testing and storage of high-quality biologic specimens to measure specific HIV seroprevalence, HIV incidence and other biomarkers for the project. He/ She will be based in Nairobi at the NHRL with frequent travel to the satellite labs and to the field for supervision.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Support KENPHIA to conduct a baseline assessment of the NHRL and identify satellite laboratories for the study and follow through to equip and ensure the preparedness of the laboratories for the survey
• Develop and/or update training materials, sample referral/network systems and data management systems to appropriately capture the project requirements as per the protocol
• Build capacity and provide technical support to all Field, satellite and Central lab (NHRL) staff on KENPHIA lab procedures, techniques and other activities
• Develop and ensure the implementation of precise laboratory policies, supervisory checklist, SOPs and manuals to implement a large-scale national population-based household survey with biomarkers
• Lead the development of work plans for Incidence (Recency) testing, HIV DR testing, ARV metabolite testing and any other tests as per protocol for KENPHIA and perform routine Quality Assurance measures in all phases of biomedical testing
• Coordinate the development of quality control materials and panels, shipment, distribution and analysis for the survey, working with technical leads to develop a laboratory chain of custody to ensure participant samples are tested and participant results are returned in time to the appropriate facilities
• Work with all stakeholders to develop and/or update policy and guidelines for national specimen networking, repository and use through the National Laboratory TWG
• Oversee, develop and implement a Sample Storage Plan in collaboration with key stakeholders for proper storage of KENPHIA samples for both short and long-term sample integrity for the MoH Kenya
• Monitor and provide technical support to procurement and logistics for all laboratory supplies needed for testing of KENPHIA samples and communicate stock needs to the warehouse
• Ensure laboratory specimen data are correctly captured in the study database to ensure accurate and well tracked testing and assist with routine data analysis and interpretation of laboratory results from the KENPHIA project and provide feedback on ways to improve/streamline lab procedures and systems
• Provide clear and concise periodic Laboratory reports for internal and external audiences to monitor progress towards achieving the project milestones
Qualifications:
• A Master’s degree or higher in any laboratory field with 10 years’ experience and a valid KMLTTB license
• Extensive knowledge in HIV and TB laboratory diagnostics, QMS including PT proficiency and Data management using Laboratory Information Management systems, specifically CAPI and/or LDMS
• Experience working in complex large-scale USG donor funded Laboratory Strengthening programs is required, population survey experience will be an added advantage
• Demonstrated expertise working in a leadership capacity coordinating multiple stakeholders including donors, senior government and county officials and policymakers
• Demonstrated skills in the technical aspects of Lab strengthening with Excellent oral and written organizational skills and knowledge of the Kenyan health system
• A systematic approach to tasks, hands-on, detail oriented and motivated self- starter with ability to lead and work as part of a team