The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable indigenous non-governmental organization implementing a comprehensive family-focused HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment program in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the Government of Nigeria at national, state, local and site levels. The Senior Program Officer will lead IHVN's PEPFAR implementation of External Quality Assessment (Proficiency testing), procure and distribute proficiency testing panels (HIV serology, CD4, EID and VL) to all PEPFAR-supported laboratories and address Proficiency Tests failure through the implementation of corrective actions.

 

OPEN TO: All Interested Candidates 

POSITION: Senior Program Officer, Laboratory 

OPENING DATE: October 15th, 2015 

CLOSING DATE: October 29th, 2015

 

SCHEDULED WORK TIMES: Monday - Friday

 

REPORTS TO: Program Manager, Quality Assurance and Director Clinical Laboratory Services

 

LOCATIONS: Zaria, Kaduna State

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

A Master's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science that is acceptable toMLSCN (for registration) with at least 10 years working experience in Laboratory Quality Control and Proficiency testing program

A certified SLMTan.

 

Essential Skills:

Must possess good program management experience

Must have at least 10 years working experience in diagnostic laboratory

Experience with Proficiency Testing Program Schemes

Good understanding of relevant statistical methods

Should be reliable, proactive and visionary

Must be creative in program design/planning and implementation towards achieving set goals.

Desirable:

 

Experience in Quality Management System implementation

Experience working with Proficiency Testing panel providers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Excellent analytical, planning and organizational skills

Ability to be use initiative (be proactive)

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Ability to work under pressure, with very minimal supervision.

Excellent communication skills in English, written/verbal and diplomacy

Have good interpersonal, relationship management skills and possess the ability to work as part of a team.

Excellent computer skills

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Senior Program Officer, Laboratory shall:

Coordinate Proficiency testing scheme for HIV serology, CD4, DNA PCR for Early infant Diagnosis, Viral loads etc.

Collaborate with Proficiency testing providers for selection, procurement and shipment of proficiency panels.

Train participating laboratories to receive, store, assay, dispose and accurately report proficiency testing panels.

Train participating laboratories on the use of appropriate informatics to register assay, update method, upload results, retrieve reports and trouble shoot.

Constitute the corrective action team to investigate all failed proficiencies.

Identify, train and maintain proficiency of couriers in last mile delivery of external quality assessment panels.

Conduct measurements to determine stability and homogeneity, as well as assigned values and associated uncertainties of the measurands of the proficiency test panels.

Operate the data processing system; conduct statistical analysis; and evaluate the performance of proficiency testing participants; authorize the issue of proficiency testing reports.

Ensure appropriate accommodation for the operation of the proficiency testing scheme. This includes facilities and equipment for proficiency test item, manufacturing, handling, calibration, testing, storage and dispatch, for data processing, for communications, and for retrieval of materials and records.

Coordinate and supervise all technical and support staff.

Oversee and ensure day to day running of the External Quality Assurance Centre.

 

Method of Application

Application letter and detailed curriculum vitae in Microsoft word format should be forwarded to the. Associate Director, Human Resources through this email address: [email protected] .

 

Candidates should indicate appropriate positions and preferred locations in their application letter. IHVN is an equal opportunity employer.