Laboratory Program Manager Since 2002, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, CHAI (formerly the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative), has been assisting developing countries in implementing large-scale, integrated HIV care, treatment, and prevention programs. CHAI is currently active in Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Eastern Europe. In support of national HIV/AIDS programs, CHAI provides technical assistance, mobilizes human and financial resources, and facilitates the sharing of best practices across projects. CHAI has also negotiated agreements with leading pharmaceutical companies that have lowered the cost of HIV/AIDS and malaria diagnostics and treatment in the developing world by 30-90%. Our ultimate objectives are to make high-quality HIV/AIDS and malaria care and treatment available to all who need it, and to partner with governments and other stakeholders to strengthen healthcare systems and develop sustainable strategies to overcome obstacles to scale-up. In 2006, CHAI commenced its mission in Papua New Guinea and work to assist the National Department of Health in scaling up HIV care and treatment in urban and rural communities. Currently CHAI has an established presence in the National Capital District (NCD), Eastern Highlands, Western Highlands and Southern Highlands but aim to impact the health system at the National level. We are an innovative program that is on the forefront of addressing the HIV epidemic while strengthening primary health systems. CHAI is currently seeking candidates for the position of Laboratory Program Manager to work with the CHAI team in PNG. The CHAI Laboratory Program manager will work closely with the Central Public Health Laboratory Team and relevant stakeholders to carry forth the current CHAI Laboratory Component Program to ensure achievements and successes of the Workplan indicators using technical expertise, analytical skills, planning. The Laboratory Program Manager will oversee the effective running of the National EID Testing program and will liaise with the Clinical Pediatric team to evaluate the impact of the EID program in Papua New Guinea. The Laboratory Program Manager will continue to oversee the expansion of the POC and the strengthening of the laboratory-based CD4 testing programs and the implementation of the National HIV Viral Load program. The Laboratory Program Manager will continue to strengthen the adoption of quality assurance schemes for the National Rapid HIV testing. The Laboratory manager will review, evaluate and accelerate the adoption of new and innovative laboratory technologies/assays to streamline the results delivery for the EID program and other HIV-laboratory related tests results. The Laboratory Program Manager will promote NDOH/partner coordination and support resource mobilization, strengthen access to essential HIV testing services such as EID, CD4, chemistry and haematology, and VL testing; promote sustainable solutions for equipment service and maintenance challenges, strengthen the relationship in the HIV logistics supply chain management systems for lab commodities. The Laboratory Program Manager will provide the technical expertise to the monitoring and evaluation CHAI team to strengthen data management and reporting to key stakeholders as needed. The Laboratory Manager will recognize areas of research and publications for the CHAI Laboratory Program and will have the opportunity to impact positively the broader HIV-related lab and diagnostics capacity in Papua New Guinea to improve systems for patient care and monitoring. The position will be based in Port-Moresby but will require some travel in the Highlands and other provinces of Papua New Guinea, as needed. The position requires a highly motivated individual with outstanding laboratory technical skills and a strong analytical and problem solving record. The Laboratory Manager is required to work with government officials and partners, and must have excellent communication and negotiation skills and a high degree of self-confidence and must continue to forge strong relationships with the National Department of Health (NDOH) and other government agencies and partners. S/he must be able to function independently and have a strong commitment to excellence. S/he should also exhibit a series of personal qualities including passion for the work at hand, perseverance, dedication, resourcefulness, responsibility, tenacity, independence, energy, and work ethic. The Laboratory Program Manager will work as part of the CHAI –PNG team to provide overall direction in the area of HIV/AIDS related laboratory services and will assist CHAI’s agenda in the country for scale up of ART as it relates to laboratory. The Laboratory Program Manager will report to the Laboratory Advisor and the Deputy Country Director for Program. Responsibilities: • Work with the National EID Testing Program Coordinator to review, evaluate and ensure that the program (sample transport network, sites communication, result reporting, assay quality etc..) is running effectively and testing is accurate • Provide technical support for training and mentoring for molecular testing techniques to ensure efficient and quality testing, improved data management systems, and utilization of data for program management (EID, VL testing) • Support the continued implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the rapid HIV with confirmation at site program • Provide the technical expertise to the Central Public health Laboratories and other provincial laboratories, when applicable, to continue to improve all the quality assurance programs related to HIV testing services: Rapid HIV test, CD4, VL, EID in particular • Assist in Laboratory Management activities including the implementation of the SLMTA model, through guidance and coaching of the National and Provincial Laboratory Managers • Oversee completion and positive achievement of the CHAI Rural Initiative Laboratory activities by assisting the Highland Regional Officer • Support CPHL in implementation of national viral load plans including strategic and operational planning for sample and results transportation, costing, and technology selection decisions, algorithms, etc • Work HIV Logistics Team to ensure a sustainable and strong model for HIV Laboratory commodities procurement and distribution linking the CPHL team • Liaise with overseas and national suppliers of laboratory reagents/consumables to establish solid pricing and supply of products that are part of the PNG HIV Laboratory needs • Create effective and sustainable training programs, quality assurance and, data management to support accelerated roll-out for new diagnostic technologies; • Work with monitoring and evaluation (M&E) team to measure the impact of POC testing and other lab services interventions implemented by CHAI • Provide technical advice to NDOH/CPHL on lab systems strengthening related issues (SMLTA, sample transport, technology selection) • Develop program budgets and cash forecasts, and ensure activities are executed according to work plan and approved budgets, and • Coordinate activities with the CHAI Care partner consortium, including coordination of external technical assistance as necessary • With the NDOH, CHAI care partners and consultants, guide the development or refinement of materials related to HIV/AIDS laboratory. • Serve as a resource to the NDOH in the development or revision of laboratory policies and protocols and assistance with the evaluation of ongoing programs, and the development of new and/or expanded programs for the care and treatment of HIV/AIDS • Compile progress reports and deliver presentations related to program activities • Other roles and responsibilities as designated Qualifications: • Master’s Degree (preferably in Business or Public Health) from a recognized institution is desired • B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology • A minimum of 4 years’ experience in private or public Laboratory settings as a Laboratory manager; • Lab and diagnostics-related experience, either in a programmatic or clinical setting; knowledge of workflow related to EID, CD4, POC, Viral Load, understanding the clinical underpinnings of these programs, and general market dynamics of their respective technology platforms and reagents. • Experience managing and developing and managing demanding work plans and tight budgets; • Experience developing training materials • Ability to navigate government processes with multiple influencers, and at negotiating and achieving consensus; • Strong analytical skills and technical proficiency with MS Excel and PowerPoint; • Ability to solve challenging problems without extensive structural or operational support; • Able to adapt to fast-paced and changing environments, both internally and externally; • Excellent business-oriented verbal, visual and written communication skills; and • English language fluency, both written and verbal required. Preferred Qualifications: • Experience on the bench in either microbiology, molecular diagnostics, flow cytometry (CD4 testing), Hematology, Chemistry • Previous successful experience supporting national lab systems, Central Labs or partner/donor-supported labs in resource constrained environments • Demonstrated growth in responsibility in current or previous roles • Passion for living and working in challenging environment • Work experience in developing countries strongly preferred • Prior experience working for CHAI preferred Apply for this job online:→ bit.ly/19vSaBy
Posted on: Sun, 08 Sep 2013 03:29:52 +0000