Description

Title: Senior TB Laboratory Advisor

Reports to: Director of PIH-Lesotho

Location: Maseru, Lesotho

Contract: full time (long-term)

Organizational Profile:

Partners In Health ("PIH"), headquartered in Boston, MA, is an internationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. Through its service delivery, training, advocacy and research, PIH works globally to bring the benefits of modern medical science to those most in need and to serve as an antidote to despair. PIH operates sites for clinical care, research and training in 10 countries (Haiti, Peru, Russia, Boston, Rwanda, Lesotho, Malawi, Kazakhstan, Mexico, the Dominican Republic) and has a growing network of affiliated organizations and initiatives in several other countries, including Nepal, Burundi, Mali, Liberia, Guatemala, and Togo.

This is an exciting time for PIH. The organization is taking on immense challenges, while its new found visibility has brought the opportunity to influence even greater changes on the global stage. As the work continues to expand, PIH seeks individuals committed to the mission and values of the organization (see PIH values) to join the team.

PIH Lesotho (PIHL) works to support the Lesotho Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (LMoHSW) at the district and national levels, to improve the health and promote the rights of the people of Lesotho by ensuring universal access to high quality, comprehensive care. PIH Lesotho manages and operates eight health facilities in the remote mountain districts, with targeted programs to improve health outcomes for HIV and TB patients, pregnant women and children under 5, all in the context of comprehensive primary care. PIHL also manages the national MDR-TB treatment program, including the MDR-TB hospital in Maseru.

Position Summary:

The Senior TB Laboratory Advisor will work closely with the Lesotho National TB Reference Laboratory (NTRL) which is located in Maseru, Lesotho. The NTRL performs smear microscopy, culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST) in solid and liquid media, and rapid molecular testing for samples sent from all over the country. The Senior TB Laboratory Advisor will be responsible for (1) advising how to improve the quality of smear, culture and DST at the NTRL and peripheral laboratories; (2) advising how to improve laboratory management including procurement of reagents and long-term strategic planning; (3) training of NTRL staff in advanced diagnostic techniques currently not available in Lesotho. The Senior TB Laboratory Advisor will work under the direct supervision of the PIH-Lesotho Director.

Responsibilities:

Work on a daily basis with the NTRL laboratory team, especially the NTRL Director.
Monitor and evaluate routine laboratory data with the objective of improving quality and turnaround time for laboratory tests such as smear, culture, and DST.
Participate in development of new QA/QI initiatives to improve NTRL services.
Review protocols for biosafety and infection control within the NTRL.
Review protocols for reagent procurement and management within the NTRL.
Conduct training in advanced diagnostic techniques such as second-line DST for the NTRL team.
Assist in EQA activities for peripheral laboratories in Lesotho
Assist in preparation of quarterly and annual reports related to the NTRL.
Provide short-term technical assistance to other countries in the region, under the supervision of the PIH-L Director.

Qualifications:

English proficiency required.
Proficiency in smear microscopy, culture in solid and liquid media, and first- and second-line DST.
More than two years of field experience providing technical assistance to TB laboratories in developing countries.
Field experience in Africa is strongly preferred.
Proven experience in collaborating with multidisciplinary, multicultural teams.
Computer skills in word processing and spreadsheet programs including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Strong communication, writing and presentation skills
Ability to work under pressure, handle multiple assignments, prioritize work flow, adapt to fluctuating workload, and meet deadlines.

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