Scope of Work:
The Quality Advisor will provide technical and programmatic oversight to the quality assurance and improvement components of a CDC-funded HIV Testing Services project in Malawi. The Quality Advisor will be responsible for developing HTS performance standards, assess existing gaps in meeting standards, and developing a plan of action to achieve the desired health outcomes through quality improvement. Additionally, acting as an advisor, s/he will support capacity building activities focused on strengthening quality management systems of local clinical laboratories in high-volume testing locations.
This position is contingent upon award. Malawian nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Provide programmatic leadership for and oversee the strategic planning of quality improvement activities in support of the program goals and objectives
- Implement activities and ensure that the project is technically sound, evidence-based and responsive to the needs of the country, its people, and the donor
- Write and/or review technical components of materials and publications related to quality improvement activities in the project
- Develop and maintain excellent relationships with colleagues and donors in target districts
- Draft, edit and proofread technical materials and reports of project quality improvement activities and results to the donor, including progress and annual reports
- Maintain productive and consistent communication with project and technical staff
- Work with M&E staff to develop indicators and targets related to quality improvement, as well as monitor progress
- Provides technical assistance in implementation of quality testing procedures including new diagnostic technologies.
- Builds capacity of health facilities and laboratories to assess supply chain needs (forecasting, quantification and redistribution) of test kits as part of quality improvement process
- Provides technical support to facility laboratory technologists on laboratory management.
- Provides technical assistance/guidance on laboratory testing processes, with focus on HIV testing, EID, and proficiency of HIV test results.
- Conducts development, pre-testing, implementation and review of laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be applied in HIV testing services.
- Ensures SOP’s are available and are adhered to for DBS sample collection and processing including POCT where available
- Coordinates performance and documentation of daily internal quality control and participation in external quality assessment to MOH supported facilities for HTS services.
- Coordinates with the National MOH Laboratory Services (at CHSU) development and reviews of the SOPs and guidelines for Quality of HIV testing services
- Ensures External Quality Assurance, Internal Quality assurance of test kits
- Ensures regular HTS supportive supervision of HTC counsellors at site level
- Ensures counsellors perform regular Quality control on test kits and undergo proficiency testing bi-annually to ensure quality of testing
Qualifications:
- Clinical and/or master’s degree in public health, international health or a related field
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in implementation of HIV related quality assurance and/or medical laboratory activities in a CDC or USAID-funded project.
- Competent in development and implementation of work plans, M&E activities and reports.
- Demonstrated competency in laboratory activities.
- Skills in at least two or more of the following technical areas: strengthening service delivery programs, training, pre-service education, performance and quality improvement, M&E.
- Ability to liaise with senior central MOH and District Council government officials and senior members of the donor community.
- Demonstrated in-depth understanding of the Malawi health care system, particularly the public health system.
- Familiarity with CDC and PEPFAR administrative, management and reporting procedures and systems.
- Ability to work in a complex environment with multiple tasks, short deadlines and intense pressure to perform.
- Ability to travel unrestricted within Malawi and internationally.
- Malawian nationals strongly preferred.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please visit our website: www.jhpiego.org for more infomraiton.
Apply at:
Job ID# 2016-2651
