UNC Project Malawi
DIAGNOSTIC NETWORK SPECIALIST
Job Summary
The Diagnostic Network Specialist coordinates the day-to-day implementation, coordination, positioning, maintenance, cartridge quantification, and result reporting and documentation for the mPIMA Analyser. He/she is required to work closely with the PACMan Study Coordinator to ensuring that facility and implementing partner staff use the mPIMA in accordance with requirements of the manufacturer and study protocol, Good Laboratory Practices and quality requirements.
Main Duties / Responsibilities:
• Overall coordination and supervision of PACMan study laboratory support activities in Lilongwe and Mangochi Districts.
• Work with the PACMan study Coordinator, District Laboratory Supervisors, and MOH and implementing partner staff to implement the mPIMA to advance PACMan study aims and national PMTCT program objects.
• Promote close collaboration between implementing partner and MOH counterparts on all laboratory activities, including the District Laboratory Supervisor, all MOH facility-based laboratory staff, and frontline health workers using the mPIMA, to ensure successful implementation of the work.
• Provide technical and programmatic support to MOH and implementing partner staff using the mPIMA at study sites during the intervention period.
• Establish and maintain linkages with facility and district laboratories during the course of PACMan study.
• In a collaborative manner, work with MOH and implementing partner teams to develop standardized diagnostic pathways for the use of the mPIMA in community settings.
• Support mPIMA-related training activities undertaken by PACMan in the study districts.
• With MOH counterparts, reorganize laboratory work flows and positioning of POC EID and viral load testing instruments to optimize result turn around time and efficient use of available diagnostic network resources.
• Provide longitudinal mentorship/coaching to MOH and implementing partner staff using the mPIMA diagnostic platform.
• With MOH and implementing partner counterparts, implement and monitor systems to ensure the proper storage and management of laboratory commodities to maintain high-quality services and reduce wastage.
• With MOH and implementing partner counterparts, support enforcement of laboratory safety and infection control practices, including proper management of hazardous waste.
• With MOH and implementing partner counterparts, reinforce and monitor internal and external quality assurance practices.
• Supervise the effective implementation of the mPIMA at community level, including trouble shooting any operational issues related to test errors and platform transportation.
• With MOH and implementing partner counterparts, ensure that all PACMan laboratory strengthening activities are in line with the MOH National Laboratory Strategic Plan and DHO laboratory standard operating procedures
• Participate in supportive supervision of all mPIMA activities at study health facilities during the intervention periods.
• Arrange purchases of laboratory supplies as designated under the direct supervision of the Study Coordinator and PI.
• With MOH and implementing partner counterparts, oversee all mPIMA and related procurement and supply chain/logistics management.
• Ensure integration of mPIMA community activities into facility laboratory activities.
• With MOH and implementing partner counterparts, develop and report on key indicators for community-level mPIMA use.
• Assist the PACMan Study Coordinator in the preparation of written reports on study activities.
• Attend regular project staff meetings.
• Act as a liaison between the UNC Project/ PACMan Study and senior MOH and implementing partner lab personnel where designated to do so under supervision of the PACMan Study Coordinator.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the PACMan Study Coordinator, PACMan Study PI, and/or PRISM Program PI
• Work closely with MOH and implementing partner counterparts in the daily operation of the laboratory computer system for reporting results as well as monitoring workload and potential problems
• Maintain confidentiality of patients, patient results and project operations.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences or equivalent specialty
• Active registration, in good standing, with the Medical Council of Malawi
• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in a laboratory or working on district/ provincial level network optimization.
• Experience in supervision and training of laboratory staff.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, especially Word and Excel.
• Fluency in Chichewa and English and demonstrated proficiency in writing in English.
• Willingness to move between sites in Mangochi and Lilongwe districts.
• Willingness to work at odd hours and on weekends as required to successfully carry out PACMan activities.
• Ability to work well in a dynamic team environment alongside counterparts from government and implementing partners as well as health workers, support staff and patients from a variety of backgrounds.
Method Of Application
Please send your applications via email to:
The Country Director
UNC Project
Lilongwe
Email: [email protected]
Deadline for receiving applications:
Thursday, July 18, 2024
Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.