The Ugandan Jobline

Job Title:  Program Officer – Laboratory Services – Lab Hub   

Organisation: Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP)

Duty Station: Luweero, Uganda

About Organisation:

Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP) is a non-profit biomedical research Organization, whose mission is to mitigate disease threats through quality research, healthcare and disease surveillance. MUWRP was established in 2002 by a Memorandum of Agreement between The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF) and Makerere University (Mak) to undertake medical research to test HIV vaccines. Over the years, MUWRP’s portfolio has progressively expanded to include vaccine research for Ebola and Marburg viruses, surveillance of influenza and influenza- like viruses and other emerging infections in humans and animals; also epidemiological, basic and implementation research in HIV treatment, care and prevention programs in the Districts of Kayunga, Mukono, Buvuma and Buikwe.

Job Summary: The Program Officer- Laboratory Services- Lab Hub will take lead for the strategic planning for PEPFAR program laboratory services and generation of workplans and budgets to support laboratory activities in the two districts. Initiate and coordinate laboratory capacity building programs and engage and support relevant stakeholders on effective implementation of lab services.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Planning

• Participate in the COP planning process and take lead in planning and budgeting for laboratory services in the program workplan and budget
• Participate in program target setting, redistribution and dissemination for proper planning, implementation and monitoring
• Provide technical guidance to the program sub grantees for annual and activity work plans and budget development.

Capacity Building and Technical assistance

• Coordinate and support implementation of laboratory capacity building programs that include but not limited to; CMEs, cross learning sessions; on job/off site trainings, coaching and mentorship
• Contribute to capacity strengthening initiatives for sustained provision of quality HIV testing services through development of capacity building plans to address identified needs, identifying and addressing training needs and availing HIV testing reference materials.

Program implementation

• Lead implementation of laboratory services related activities as detailed in the approved annual PEPFAR program workplan
• Provide appropriate technical and supervisory support to lab hubs operations and HRH utilization for continued and effective functionality of lab hub services
• Oversee and support the implementation of consistent and robust laboratory quality management systems through SLMTA implementation at Lab Hubs and LQMS at lower facility labs.
• Offer the necessary support to accredited labs to ensure maintenance of the accreditation status
• Ensure effective participation in designated EQA programs for HIV, GeneXpert, CD4, etc., for both HIV testers and other lab personnel and ensure implementation of appropriate corrective actions whenever required
• Collaborate with the MOH/CPHL/UNHLS, supply chain warehouses and other relevant ministry technical teams to provide technical assistance in planning, implementing, and monitoring of new testing methodologies, access to laboratory logistics; equipment servicing and maintenance
• Represent MUWRP in related external engagements such as meetings, workshops, TWGs, IHPT/MHRP calls

Program monitoring and reporting

• Contribute to the development of program data collection and reporting tools aligned to MUWRP and PEPFAR program goals and objectives.
• Support the periodic collection of accurate, consistent and timely programmatic data as may be required by MoH/ PEPFAR/IHPT/HJF/MUWRP to support reporting monitoring and evaluation of program performance
• Participate in periodic performance reviews with facilities for improved performance monitoring
• Participate in the planning and conduct of data/service quality assessments and other evaluations as may be required.
• Serve as the laboratory focal person in the execution of basic program evaluations and other relevant operational research which may be initiated from time to time.

Knowledge sharing and learning

• Identify, document, disseminate, adapt and scale up best practices and innovations
• Write abstracts to improve knowledge sharing and MUWRP visibility.
• Perform other related duties as may be assigned

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in biomedical laboratory technology, medical laboratory sciences or a related science laboratory field from a recognized institution.
• Additional postgraduate training in biomedical sciences/ Public health will be an added advantage.
• Training in laboratory quality management systems is a prerequisite.
• At least six years of working experience at supervisory level, in charge of a quality assured field laboratory program in a busy public health program.
• Certification and Licensing: Should be licensed by the Allied health professional’s council
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently to achieve set goals.
• Ability to meet very tight deadlines
• Ability to professionally communicate in writing and verbally or other means deemed appropriate.
• The incumbent will from time to time be required to lift some lab supplies to the lab after delivery at the hospital premises.
• Ability to permanently reside in Luwero/Nakasongola
• Ability to frequently travel to the MUWRP PEPFAR supported sites in Kayunga, Mukono, Luwero, Nakasongola Buikwe and Buvuma Islands

How to Apply:

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online at the link below.

Click Here

Note:

• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online by submitting an application letter, resume, copies of academic certificates in a 1 PDF or word document, including three referees (who are not relatives) and one of which should be your current supervisor. Indicate their daytime telephone contacts and email addresses.
• Please specify location preference location
• Any form of canvassing will lead to disqualification
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Deadline: 9th July 2024

For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline

Related Jobs