JOB ADVERTISEMENT :  LABORATORY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE (QA) ADVISORS - GGH GEORGETOWN GLOBAL HEALTH LLC Cameroun

Last updated on: September 3rd, 2024

JOB DESCRIPTION

Overview of GGH LLC:

The Georgetown University Center for Global Health Practice and Impact (CGHPI) serves countries to improve their population health and wellbeing and to safeguard against health-related threats by advancing the use of evidence and human-centred enterprise architecture on the path towards achieving equity and social justice. To achieve this mission, we catalyse the uptake, spread, and implementation of innovations; triangulate data from different sources, and tailor visualization of the information for each audience; design and implement integrated service delivery models; support communities of practice to inform policy and practice through efficient data use and horizontal and vertical collaboration; disseminate best practices and evidence globally through open source learning networks; build global, collaborative, multi-disciplinary, and interprofessional networks; undertake research that is informed by local needs; and invest in local leadership to own, provide oversight, and sustain implemented interventions. Georgetown University, through CGHPI, is managing an award received from U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) through funding from the U.S President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to support HIV response efforts in Cameroon for achievement of HIV epidemic control to implement a program titled SCORE.

Department: Clinical
Position Title:      Laboratory and Quality Assurance (QA) Advisor, SCORE Project Cameroon
Number of positions: 2
Reports to: Integrated Service Delivery Improvement Advisor _Georgetown
Location of Work: Centre and East Region
Position Summary: The Laboratory and Quality Assurance (QA) Advisor will play a pivotal role in ensuring that SHWARI Health Cameroon’s laboratory practices and quality assurance (QA) protocols meet the highest standards, particularly within the context of the SAFECARE-Cameroon project. This role will focus on HIV testing and monitoring, ensuring compliance with international and national standards while building the capacity of health facility laboratories. The Advisor will also work closely with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to maintain and enhance the quality of laboratory services across SHWARI's programs.

Specific Duties:
Develop and Implement Quality Assurance Protocols:
•    Design, implement, and monitor robust quality assurance (QA) protocols for HIV testing and other laboratory procedures in line with national and international standards, such as ISO 15189.
•    Establish and oversee quality control (QC) processes to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results.
•    Continuously review and update QA protocols to incorporate the latest scientific and technological advancements in laboratory diagnostics.
Provide Technical Assistance and Training to Laboratory Staff:
•    Offer hands-on technical support and mentorship to laboratory staff in health facilities, enhancing their skills in HIV diagnostics and other laboratory procedures.
•    Organize and conduct training sessions, workshops, and seminars for laboratory personnel on best practices in quality assurance, safety, and laboratory management.
•    Develop training materials and curricula tailored to the needs of different health facilities and their staff.
Monitor and Evaluate Laboratory Performance:
•    Implement performance monitoring systems to assess laboratory operations, including the use of quality control measures, proficiency testing, and corrective actions.
•    Regularly review laboratory performance data to identify trends, challenges, and areas for improvement.
•    Develop and maintain dashboards and reporting tools to track performance metrics and ensure continuous quality improvement.
 Collaborate with the Ministry of Health and Partners:
•    Work closely with the Ministry of Health and other partners to ensure that SHWARI’s laboratory practices align with national guidelines and policies.
•    Participate in national and regional laboratory networks to stay updated on emerging trends, guidelines, and standards in laboratory quality assurance.
•    Advocate for the adoption of best practices in laboratory diagnostics and quality assurance across all partner health facilities.
Conduct Regular Site Visits for On-Site Mentoring:
•    Conduct routine visits to health facilities to assess laboratory operations, provide on-site mentoring, and ensure adherence to QA protocols.
•    Identify and address challenges faced by laboratory teams during site visits, providing technical guidance and support to resolve issues.
•    Document findings and recommendations from site visits and follow up on corrective actions to ensure sustained improvements.
Prepare Reports on Laboratory Performance and Quality Assurance Activities:
•    Compile detailed reports on laboratory performance, quality assurance activities, and training outcomes for internal use and external stakeholders, including donors and government partners.
•    Contribute to program progress reports by providing data and insights on laboratory performance and the impact of quality assurance interventions.
•    Present key findings and recommendations to SHWARI’s leadership team to inform strategic decision-making.

Qualifications, Skills and Specification

•  Education:
Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related field is required.
•  Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of experience in managing HIV programs at the district or regional level.
Demonstrated experience in implementing and overseeing HIV care and treatment programs.
•  Technical Skills:
In-depth understanding of the HIV care continuum, including prevention, treatment, and support services.
Familiarity with PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) programmatic approaches and reporting requirements.
Proficiency in health systems strengthening, capacity building, and quality improvement methodologies.
•  Data Skills:
Strong skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Ability to use data to inform decision-making and drive program improvements.
•  Stakeholder Engagement:
Proven ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, health practitioners, and community leaders.
•  Language Skills:
Fluency in French is required.
Working knowledge of English is preferred.
•  Personal Attributes:
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Excellent problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to addressing challenges.

Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Advertised: August 28, 2024 W. Central Africa Standard Time
Deadline: September 10, 2024 COB, W. Central Africa Standard Time

Instructions for Submitting Applications:

1.    All applications should be submitted electronically to https://forms.gle/oVjnpWGqNop6Su6C7 
2.    Please mention in the subject line of the email the position for which you are applying
3.    All applications should include a cover letter that details one’s suitability for the job highlighting key functional areas expected qualifications and experiences    
4.    Job-related stated qualifications and experience are the basic minimum requirements that each applicant must meet to be considered for the next step    
5.    All applicants should include daytime phone contact information    
6.    Deadline for application is the September 10, 2024, Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.    

Georgetown University Center for Global Health Practice and Impact through its local entity Georgetown Global Health Cameroon is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified persons to apply regardless of gender, ethnicity, or any other status variable. Georgetown University Center for Global Health Practice and Impact Does not charge any fees during his recruitment process.