Position: Technical Laboratory Officer – Quality Assurance

Location: Dar es Salaam

Reports to: Laboratory and BSBS Services Advisor

Job summary

In collaboration with relevant and key staff, experts and stakeholders within and outside CIHEB Tanzania, the Technical Laboratory Officer Quality Assurance (TLO-QA) will be responsible for supporting the designing process, implementing and maintaining the USAID Usalama wa Afya Duniani Project’s for quality assurance frameworks as well as those endorsed by parent Ministry of health, the regional and International Standards for quality such as ISO 15189, 17025, 17043, 17011, 1900 etc. He/she will ensure attainment of the projects goals and objectives, and the ultimate improvement in quality of laboratory services in Tanzania. To attain these, the LTO-QA shall have the roles to plan, coordinate, execute and supervise interventions and activities to address the projects goals and objectives on quality.

Tanzanian jobs

Key Responsibilities

• LTO-QA shall report to the Laboratory & BSBS Services Advisor all quality related matters. He/she shall work closely with the MoH when attending the following roles;
• Plan, coordinate and oversee the overall operation of Quality Laboratory Services at CIHEB Tanzania in collaboration with other experts within and outside the project.
• Strengthen the National Laboratory systems and governance across the tiered laboratory network
• Support the integration and operationalization of clinical laboratories and the Surveillance systems for health events/emergencies.
• Design, implement and disseminate key performance indicators and metrics for laboratory services and establish a framework for periodic review
• Provide technical support to annually selected medical Laboratories to attaining national targets on quality and accreditation.
• Support periodic evaluation, assessment and reassessment of medical Laboratories for national, regional and international recognition and ultimately improving the quality of services.
• Provide support in developing, adopting, updating and dissemination of National policies, strategies under CIHEB Tanzania and MoH for improved laboratory operations and technology for Quality.
• Support operationalization of the calibration Centre at the National Public Health Laboratory
• Conduct mentorship and supervision on quality related activities to ensure attainment of intended outcome.
• Support the implementation of External Quality Assessment (EQA) and Internal quality control programs.
• Oversee the implementation of annual Quality Management System Plan (MOH Annual QMS Plan)
• Provide technical assistance to laboratories that have been selected to provide Proficiency Testing (PT) services to attain and sustain international accreditation on ISO 17043.
• Support operational researches and publications for improved quality laboratory services.
• Design and implement a Monitoring and Evaluation framework for improved outcomes on implemented interventions and activities.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity building on identified gaps based on risk assessment, supervisions, evaluations and/or assessments conducted.
• Execute a good communication and partnerships with individuals, experts, group of people and organizations for building up better national and international relations
• Liaise with Technical Laboratory Advisor Biosafety and Biosecurity to facilitate the implementation standards for Biosafety and Biosecurity.
• Any other duty as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements:

• BSC Health Laboratory Sciences, Molecular biology & biotechnology
• Epidemiology, Microbiology, Project Management Monitoring & Evaluation in health and/or Laboratory Management, Public Health, with experience in Laboratory System Strengthening programs in developing countries will be an added advantage
• Specific training/fellowship on Quality Management System with a track record of implementation in Tanzania laboratory networks
• Quality Management System Mentor or Auditor/Assessor is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Quality Management System, or a related area.
• Experience in training and capacity building.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Proficiency in information security and pathogen control measures.
• Strong leadership and project management abilities.
• Experience with USAID projects and familiarity with donor policies and procedures is preferred

Instructions for Submitting Applications:

• All applications should be submitted electronically to: [email protected]
• All applications should include a cover letter that details one’s suitability for the job highlighting key functional areas, expected qualifications, and experiences.
• Candidates should clearly highlight the position that one is applying for in the subject line of the email.
• Candidates should attach a CV/Resume that highlights one’s key achievements in areas relevant to the job.
• Job-related qualifications and experience are the basic minimum requirements that each applicant must meet to be considered for interviewing.
• Applications should include 3 references that are familiar with applicant’s work experience. References should include contact information including daytime phone, and e-mail address.
• All applicants should include daytime phone and email contact information.
• The deadline for application is 10^th January 2025 at 5:00PM EAT. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

CIHEB Tanzania is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified persons to apply regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, or any other status variable.