Senior Technical Officer, Laboratory Services

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization that focuses on improving lives through a comprehensive approach to health and development. Established in 1980, FHI 360 operates in more than 60 countries worldwide, employing over 4,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to addressing the interconnected challenges of health, education, and economic development, with a mission to provide innovative solutions that improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Officer (STO) for Laboratory Services will play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of laboratory services within the HIV care and treatment project funded by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This position involves providing technical expertise and assistance in implementing high-quality laboratory services at project health facility sites in Osun State. The STO will be responsible for laboratory capacity development, ensuring compliance with quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) standards, and monitoring laboratory activities to align with national regulations and accreditation requirements. The role requires a deep understanding of laboratory management issues related to HIV/AIDS, including advanced HIV diseases, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve project goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical expertise in the implementation of laboratory services for HIV care and treatment projects.
• Conduct quality control inspections and maintain quality control records.
• Review and monitor QA and QC activities to ensure compliance with established policies and regulations.
• Collaborate with project headquarters and state-level laboratory teams to enhance laboratory capacity.
• Train and mentor laboratory staff on best practices and quality management systems.
• Ensure the availability of laboratory commodities and manage logistics effectively.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with project staff and health facility personnel.
• Prepare reports and documentation related to laboratory services and quality assurance activities.
• Participate in the development of laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures. 1
• Travel within Nigeria as required to support project activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a BMLS or AMLSCN in Medical Laboratory Sciences or a related field, with 7-9 years of post-national youth service experience, including a minimum of 5 years in laboratory support for HIV/AIDS. Alternatively, a Master's degree in Laboratory Sciences or a related field with 5-7 years of post-national youth service experience and at least 5 years in laboratory support for HIV/AIDS is acceptable. Certification or license to practice as a medical laboratory scientist is mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate experience in managing laboratory services, particularly in health facility settings, and have a strong understanding of quality assurance systems and laboratory analysis techniques.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) or Associate Medical Laboratory Scientist of Nigeria (AMLSCN) is required. A Master's degree in Laboratory Sciences or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have a solid educational foundation in laboratory sciences, with a focus on HIV/AIDS care and treatment.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in laboratory services, particularly in the context of HIV/AIDS. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in providing laboratory support for HIV/AIDS, with a strong background in quality assurance and laboratory management. Experience in an international development organization is preferred, as is familiarity with advanced laboratory procedures related to HIV/AIDS care and treatment.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory. Knowledge of local languages may be advantageous but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may require travel within Nigeria up to 25% of the time. FHI 360 is committed to safeguarding and ensuring a safe environment for all employees and beneficiaries. The organization adheres to equal opportunity and affirmative action principles, ensuring that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without discrimination. The job posting is not a contract of employment, and management reserves the right to revise the job description as necessary.