The Laboratory Systems Strengthening (LSS) Consultant will provide technical expertise to improve the quality, capacity, and sustainability of laboratory services, often in resource-limited settings. He or she will focus on strengthening diagnostic networks, quality management systems, biosafety, and data systems to support public health surveillance and disease response.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Planning and Assessment: Conduct gap analyses and diagnostic assessments of national/regional laboratory networks to develop costed improvement plans and strategic, sustainable laboratory systems.
- Quality Management Systems (QMS): Support implementation of QMS based on ISO 15189 standards and the WHO Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) framework.
- Diagnostic Capacity Building: Enhance testing capacities for priority pathogens (e.g., HIV, TB, Malaria, AMR, Emerging threats) by introducing new technologies such as molecular diagnostics (PCR, GeneXpert) and NGS.
- Lab Information Systems (LIS) & Data: Strengthen LIS for improved data management, reporting, and interoperability with surveillance systems to reduce turn-around time for lab results.
- Mentorship and Training: Design and facilitate training programs for laboratory personnel on lab techniques, SOPs, biosafety/biosecurity, and quality assurance.
- Supply Chain Management: Facilitate the procurement, distribution, and tracking of lab reagents and consumables to reduce stock-outs.
- Policy and Guidelines: Assist clients in developing contemporary lab policies, SOPs, and biosafety adherence.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- Education: Master’s degree (or PhD) in Medical Laboratory Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Virology, or a related field; a Public Health degree (MPH) is highly desirable.
- Experience: 2–3+ years of relevant experience in laboratory management or systems strengthening, preferably in low-resource settings.
- Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of ISO 15189, SLIPTA, WHO Biosafety Manual, and molecular diagnostics.
- Donor Experience: Proven experience working on donor-funded projects (e.g., USAID, CDC, Global Fund) and in supporting government health structures.
- Soft Skills: Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and report-writing skills, with the ability to work independently in a multicultural environment.
- Languages: Fluency in English is required; proficiency in French, Portuguese, or other regional languages will be a plus.
Common Deliverables
- Laboratory capacity gap analysis reports.
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and laboratory manuals.
- Training curricula and lab assessment reports.
- National Laboratory Strategic Plans.
- Monthly or quarterly technical activity reports
HOW TO APPLY
Please send CV and qualifications to jobs@clivelikumbi.co.za
