Technical Officer - Lab Services

Job title: Technical Officer – Laboratory Services
Primary manager: Senior HIV/TB Sustainability Manager
Dotted manager: Senior Technical Advisor – Laboratory Services
Job Grade: 5
Location: Kagera and Tabora Regions
Number of Positions: Two (2)
Job Summary
The purpose of this position is to strengthen Laboratory Quality Management systems and RAS+ activities in supported sites in Kagera and Tabora regions. Reporting to the Senior HIV/TB Sustainability Manager, the Technical Officer – Laboratory Services, will provide technical assistance to regional, council, and facility teams to strengthen HIV viral load, EID, HIV testing, TB diagnostics, HIV-DR, HPV DNA, monitor sample referral and transportation, quality assurance, laboratory data management, and reporting. The position will work closely with R/CHMTs and other stakeholders to ensure quality laboratory services.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Capacity building
Ensuring good quality clinical laboratory testing in the supported facilities in regional supported sites including:
Conducting needs assessment at supported sites; identify areas for improvement for quality services, including rollout/ scale-up of new technologies.
Ensure availability and proper use of laboratory SOPs, manuals, guidelines, worksheets, and forms at all sites and sections. Assist in the customization of these tools whenever required.
Capacity building in collaboration with the Senior Technical Advisor, Laboratory Services, to prepare and facilitate On-site mentorships and case management support for Health Care workers, including laboratory staff, and other stakeholders as planned/ needed.
Monitor Lab Equipment functionality and Commodities availability.
Coordination and technical support at the supported sites:
Support quality HIV viral load (HVL), early infant diagnosis (EID), HIV testing, TB diagnostic, HPV DNA, HIV-DR testing, and other relevant laboratory services.
Monitor systems for sample collection, packaging, transportation/ referrals, testing, result return, and client follow-up.
Monitor and report stock status for Lab commodities. Perform redistribution as needed.
Identify and address gaps affecting viral load coverage, turnaround time, sample rejection, documentation, and result utilization.
Support appropriate use of TB diagnostic platforms, including GeneXpert/TrueNat for MTB/RIF and other approved technologies
Support and monitor implementation and maintenance of laboratory quality management systems in accordance with ISO 15189:2022.
Strengthen internal quality control, external quality assessment/proficiency testing, LAB_PTCQI, and corrective and preventive actions.
Scale up and monitor utilization of Point –of- Care technologies for VL, EID, and others as per MOH rollout plan
Support districts in planning and implementing laboratory services towards sustainability of Laboratory program
Perform any other related duties as assigned by the supervisors or delegate
Documentation and Reporting of laboratory services
Follow up to receive quality quarterly lab reports, and as needed, data analysis, then share with other levels, including the RAS+ and Senior Technical Advisor Laboratory Services.
Collaborate with other staff, and regularly inform all local stakeholders about the supported laboratory activities in the region/ district
Provide any other information /reports as requested by senior management
Document/ involve in documentation of technical findings e.g. piloting, best practices etc.
Provide quality lab service input to the quarterly and annual, or as needed reports from the supported project councils
To be successful, you will have:
Laboratory Scientist/ Technologist completed from the recognized institution, with a Degree or 3 years Diploma. MPH would be advantageous.
Registered or eligible for registration with the Tanzanian Medical Laboratory Council
At least four years’ bench laboratory experience in general clinical laboratory testing, including HIV testing, CD4, Molecular Biology testing (VL/DNA-PCR testing), HIV-DR testing, and TB Testing – using the available technologies.
Knowledge and skills on Laboratory Quality Management system (QMS)
Ability to conduct Laboratory trainings, mentorships, and Supportive supervision/ Case management support.
Writing and performing Laboratory presentations using data
Ability to plan, develop, and work independently
Familiarity with the National Laboratory guidelines, manuals, and policies
Skills and desired competencies
Clear demonstration of interpersonal skills and ability to communicate (written and oral communication) effectively
Basic knowledge of computer software applications such as MS Word, Excel, and the Internet
Ability to work independently, committed to implementing Laboratory quality standards as required under ISO 15189:2022.
Advert will automatically unpublish on September 27th at 2300h.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No