Laboratory specialist - tbihssFHI 360

The "TB Innovations and Health Systems Strengthening (TBIHSS)" project is a 5-year USAID funded project that aims to strengthen national and regional level implementation of the National TB Strategic Plan by providing state-of-the-art capacity building and technical expertise to scale-up TB and DR-TB prevention, detection and treatment. The Project will identify and help implement proven approaches to improve prevention, increase case detection rates, decrease default rates, and increase treatment success and cure rates across the continuum of care.
JOB SUMMARY:
In close collaboration with the Laboratory and Diagnostics Team and in consultation with the Laboratory and Diagnostics Technical Advisor, the Laboratory Specialist conducts TB laboratory strengthening activities of the Project including but not limited to providing technical assistance and support to the Department of Health (DOH), National TB Control Program (NTP), National TB Reference Laboratory (NTRL), regional TB culture and DST centers and other stakeholders at the regional and provincial level. Provides technical assistance on quality management system of selected TB culture centers, introducing, and implementing innovative and sustainable strategies on laboratory connectivity solutions, specimen referral system, quality assurance for Xpert MTB/Rif and implementation of the country's TB laboratory network strategic plan 2018-2022 at the national, regional, and provincial level. Ensures on-time development and submission of the Project's annual work and financial plan and facilitates seamless implementation of all laboratory-related activities in USG Sites.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Laboratory Specialist, conducts the following key responsibilities of the Project:
Provide technical assistance to selected TB culture and DST laboratories on establishing quality management system to achieve ISO 15189 accreditation-ready status including continued support to the National TB Refence Laboratory on ISO 15189-related activities.
Plan and conduct activities related to optimized specimen referral system in selected Project Sites while exploring other innovative and sustainable mechanisms of specimen referral and transport.
Support the team in the implementation, monitoring and possible scale-up of laboratory connectivity or other innovative and sustainable digital solutions to improve the laboratory information system of the NTP.
Facilitate establishment of NTRL QA system for Xpert MTB/Rif and its implementation within the TB laboratory network.
Capacitate the NTRL in the development or manufacture of their own EQA panel for Xpert MTB/Rif
Provide technical assistance to the NTRL in strengthening the TB laboratory biosafety and infection prevention and control.
Disseminate and localize the LNSP 2018-2022 to the regions and provinces within Project Sites.
In collaboration with the local team of laboratory specialists, periodically submit project reports, updates and milestones to the Laboratory and Diagnostics Technical Advisor and to the Project's SI Team.
Perform other roles and responsibilities as needed.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Proven capability and direct experience in clinical TB laboratory functions and services.
Proven clinical laboratory auditing skills and experience with ISO 15189 or other established local and international standards.
Working knowledge of quality assurance including pertinent national and international regulations and guidance, particularly related to TB.
Demonstrated ability and aptitude to perform laboratory quality assurance audits and assessments against accepted local and international standards and regulations.
Knowledge in molecular biology of TB and diagnosis of TB and DR-TB infection.
Direct experience in developing and facilitating trainings in scientific areas related to TB.
Proven capability and experience in facilitating discussions between stakeholders and other USAID implementing partners.
Excellent interpersonal skills with high regards to diplomacy and maintaining harmonious working environment.
Good in both written and spoken English, formal communications with stakeholders, and report writing.
Resourceful and creative thinker with the ability to develop simple and efficient solutions and recommendations.
Excellent attention to detail.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
Usual office working conditions.
Ability to travel domestically up to 50% of the time.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in biological or laboratory sciences within a clinical or diagnostic discipline or specialty in microbiology is an advantage.
At least 5 years combined related work experience in clinical laboratory performing TB culture and drug susceptibility test, molecular laboratory procedures such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), line probe assay (LPA) and other WHO-recommended rapid diagnostic tool, laboratory quality management system and audits such as ISO 15189, SLIPTA or SLMTA and related work experience in TB laboratory network and/or experience in local and international non-profit organization handling and overseeing TB-related activities.
Experience in working at regional or higher-level TB laboratory is an advantage.
This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.
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FHI 360

Manila City, Metro Manila
Permanent
Full-time