ASSOCIATION FOR REPRODUCTIVE AND FAMILY HEALTH (ARFH) JOBS : SENIOR TECHNICAL OFFICER – LABORATORY SERVICES

The Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH) is seeking experienced candidates for a new funding opportunity in Nigeria.  The purpose of this program is to support local and indigenous Nigerian service delivery facilities, both public and private (for-profit and 419 Scam-based) to provide comprehensive HIV prevention, care and treatment activities.  Specifically, the program will provide and expand community-and facility-based HIV/AIDS services, including prevention, care and support, and treatment in public and private facilities in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  The position may require frequent travel throughout the country and the candidate may be required to work in any State approved by the clients.
JOB TITLE: SENIOR TECHNICAL OFFICER – LABORATORY SERVICES
LOCATION: Abuja
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Senior Technical Officer, Laboratory Services will provide technical expertise and leadership in implementing high quality laboratory services within the care and treatment project in Nigeria, including laboratory capacity development at project health facility sites.
Coordinate the design, planning and implementation of the laboratory component of HIV testing and counselling, HIV/AIDS care and treatment and early infant diagnosis, including collaboration with state and community level project clinical staff, laboratory specialists and laboratory health facility staff.
Provide technical assistance in capacity building for laboratory services at health facilities and other settings as appropriate.
Facilitate the implementation of the injection safety and waste management guideline and policy and ensure adequate screening of blood and blood products in the laboratories at health facilities.
To carry out quality control functions/ activities, in collaboration with the facility staff, including quality control inspection schedules and the collection of quality control records, ensure the availability of quality records and documents.
To develop and monitor quality control and quality assurance activities of the laboratory in order to determine conformity with established policies, national regulations, or accreditation requirements.
Develop guidelines, tools and recommendations related to the implementation, monitoring and quality assurance of laboratory services for HIV/AIDS care and treatment in collaboration with technical staff within ARFH and at national, state and local agencies in Nigeria.
Develop guidelines, tools and recommendations related to the implementation, monitoring and quality assurance of laboratory services for OI and TB care and treatment in collaboration with technical staff within ARFH and at national, state and local agencies in Nigeria.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
Masters level degree in laboratory sciences, biological science or related field with 5-7 years experience or Doctoral level degree with 4-5 years post national youth service in practical settings and a minimum of 3 years experience in laboratory services including a minimum of 2 which must be on an HIV laboratory management support donor funded program.
Certification / license to practice as a medical laboratory scientist is a plus. Familiarity with Nigerian public sector health system, donor agencies, NGOs and CBOs is also required.
TO APPLY
Applicants should send their comprehensive Curriculum Vitae and cover letter in as an attachment (MSWord document) explaining suitability for the job to programs2011@arfh-ng.org. Not later than 25th May, 2012.