Job Description
Salary: $30,000
Position Summary
The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) is seeking applications from energetic, motivated, and innovative candidates for a Laboratory Specialist position who will be responsible for training and mentorship on Quality Management System, (QMS), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) testing, Biosafety/Biosecurity, waste management and External Quality Assurance Proficiency Testing (EQA PT), and will provide support in procurement of laboratory supplies and equipment to support Kenya’s public health laboratory system. The scope of work may include private laboratories and other health facilities that may be engaged in diagnostic molecular testing, and will primarily focus on supporting Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) activities with an emphasis on strengthening the public health laboratory network. This individual will liaise with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Ministry of Health (MoH)/National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL), county laboratory coordinators and other collaborating partners in Kenya. The individual implements agreed upon strategies to enhance the public health laboratory network and improve overall surveillance systems. The individual will have a strong understanding of the laboratory systems in Kenya with relevant experience. The candidate will demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills.
This position will be based in Nairobi with occasional travel to other parts of the country where APHL is implementing its projects and will report to the in-country APHL Country Director. APHL (www.aphl.org) works to strengthen laboratory systems serving the public’s health in the United States and globally. The candidate will serve as a full-time APHL staff member for the second Cooperative Agreement year with renewal subject to satisfactory performance, scope of work and availability of funds. APHL Headquarters is located in Silver Spring, Maryland. This position is an in-country position located in Nairobi, Kenya. This position requires traveling within Kenya for work and must follow COVID-19 travel and safety guidelines provided by both Kenya and APHL.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide laboratory training and mentorship on Biosafety/Biosecurity, Quality Management System (QMS), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) testing, External Quality Assurance Proficiency Testing (EQA PT) and waste management.
- Contributes to staff skills development and knowledge gain by individual and group teaching and training, especially in the area of priority diseases and specimen handling as well as development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Support procurement of laboratory equipment, supplies and quality assurance materials.
- Provide training and mentorship on ISO 15189 quality management systems in accordance with internationally accepted standards of practice.
- Support implementation of public health laboratory network enhancement activities including, but not limited to, sample referral and transport mechanisms, quality management systems, data management, workforce development, and biosafety and biosecurity.
- Work with warehouse Logistics Specialist to maintain supplies inventory.
- Liaise with KEMRI DSLP labs and supported Regional Laboratories to ensure uninterrupted supply of consumables and PCR equipment maintenance.
- Coordinate and work with diverse groups or organizations and stakeholders including MoH, KEMRI, laboratory leaders and laboratory facility staff, international development organizations, APHL HQ and CDC.
Other duties as assigned and requested.
Employment Standards- Education and Experience
Required:
- Bachelor degree in medical laboratory science. At least six years plus experience in clinical diagnostic testing or research labs including two years supervisory experience in a clinical diagnostic laboratory.
- Candidate must be registered with Kenya Medical Laboratory Technician and Technologist Board (KMLTTB).
- Demonstrated interest in and an appreciation for quality laboratory service and strong QMS knowledge, skills and experience.
- Knowledgeable of current developments in diagnosis of infectious diseases including molecular methods.
- Experience/knowledge strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards including ISO 15189 or in-country standards.
- Experience engaging with stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team and across multiple partners.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent work record that shows self-motivation.
- Skill in use of Microsoft Office software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to travel within Kenya to work for short-term (1-2 week) assignments at laboratories that may be outside commuting distance to home.
- Ability and flexibility to work from home when necessary and guided to do so, based on COVID-19 safety guidelines from APHL and/or the government of Kenya.
- Fluent in written and spoken English.
Preferred
- Knowledge and experience within public health programs in Kenya.
- Experience working with U.S. Government grants and programs preferred.
Knowledge
- Knowledge and experience on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), diagnostic microbiology, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), and confirmatory and specialized testing for priority communicable diseases.
- Knowledge of laboratory information systems including but not limited to electronic systems.
- Knowledge of laboratory networks and quality management systems.
- Knowledge of current sample referral system within Kenya.
- Knowledge of equipment management planning
- Familiarity of GHSA, the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and strategies being used in Kenya and/or elsewhere to support GHSA, emerging infectious diseases and AMR.
- Knowledge of and ability to interpret international standards documents related to quality in laboratories.
- Knowledge of and ability to evaluate laboratory operations according to national and international standards including ISO 15189.
Skills
- Synthesize information and translate into action.
- Skilled in laboratory techniques, molecular testing, quality management system, accreditation, mentorship.
- Strong verbal communication and presentation skills are required (English).
Abilities
- Ability to maintain an approachable attitude, act consistently and provide realistic advice in the context of resources. - Ability to effectively engage and collaborate with partners and stakeholders with varying priorities. Ability to work with stakeholders to prioritize the needs and guide the planning process.
Work Environment
Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee could be exposed to outdoor weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment may vary from light to moderate depending on the location.
Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a colleague to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the colleague is required to sit for long periods at a time; type using a computer keyboard; visually read information off of a computer monitor; talk, hear, and orally communicate information over the telephone. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and color vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Criteria for Evaluation
Performance evaluation will be based on the abilities in meeting the criteria outlined herein.
Reports To: Country Director
Direct Reports: None
Position Description Status
The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are illustrative ones anticipated for this position. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) reserves the right to amend or change this job description to meet the needs of its programs. This job description and any attachments do not constitute or represent a contract.
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Association of Public Health Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer.