Laboratory and Supply Chain Management Officer Job at AMREF Health Africa – 2024

Overview

Job Title: Laboratory and Supply Chain Management Officer

Amref Health Africa

 

HISTORY/ BACKGROUND:

A non-profit public health organization called Amref Health Africa was founded in Tanzania in 1987 to assist the government in addressing public health concerns such as nutrition, malaria, HIV, TB, and maternity and child health. The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through CDC Tanzania provides funding to Amref Health Africa in Tanzania to carry out a comprehensive clinical cascade project for HIV care and treatment with the goal of accelerating the attainment of the current 95-95-95 goals and the control of the HIV epidemic in Tanzania. Known as Afya Thabiti, the initiative will begin operations in October 2023 and cover facility- and community-based HIV prevention (including VMMC), care, and treatment services in the areas of Mara and Simiyu, as well as the islands of Zanzibar. Afya Thabiti collaborates with and receives direction from the President’s Office Regions Authority and Local Government (PORALG), the Ministry of Health in Zanzibar, the Ministry of Health in Tanzania, and the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children. Nevertheless, Amref Health Africa-Tanzania is publicizing the openings listed below, which will be filled shortly:

 

Job Title: Laboratory and Supply Chain Management Officer

Job location: Zanzibar

Answers to (Reports to): Zanzibar Program Manager

 

 

Summary of Work:

Strengthening Laboratory Quality Services and assisting Supply Chain Management in all supported sites since Zanzibar is the primary responsibility of the Laboratory and Supply Chain Management Officer. In order to reach the current 95-95-95 HIV clinical cascade, s/he will improve the quality of HIV diagnosis and Viral Load Monitoring, provide technical support for the implementation of laboratory services, and make sure that the logistical and supply chain support of all HIV/TB related commodities and medicines is met throughout the supported program sites to prevent potential service interruptions due to shortage.

 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assisting the MOHZ and facilities in putting in place an extensive supply chain and laboratory quality control system by using an evidence-based CQI methodology.
• To improve EID, HVL, HRT, TB, and OI test programs, reinforce External Quality Assurance (EQA)/PT procedures.
• Encourage the use of laboratory quality management systems for other HIV-related tests, laboratory sample transportation and results transmission, and CQI in VL.
• Before being sent to the referral testing laboratory, make sure the initial samples for TB, HIV viral load, and DBS are processed and kept at the proper temperatures.
• Encourage the SLMTA and laboratory quality management systems to be implemented.
• Work along with the MOHZ to guarantee graduation with a minimum of two stars by expanding the coverage of lab participation into SLMTA.
• All supported laboratories should be able to utilize laboratory information systems.
• Assure correct recording of DBS, HIV viral load, and TB samples in lab registers; process and supply data that can be utilized to track the efficacy and efficiency of the sample referral system; and record the number of samples that are rejected compared to those that are recollected for VL, TB, and DBS.
• In charge of making certain that client data entry in the electronic sample referral and results feedback system is accurate and full. (Samples that are rejected are tracked into the system).
• Create and send monthly reports on sample referrals to the appropriate authorities (CHMT, IP).
• Encourage the application of logistics and supply chain management to guarantee consistent commodity availability at all times.
• By enforcing the national guidelines on pharmacy supplies, ensures that locations supported by the initiative comply with national requirements for HIV/AIDS ARV and the related commodity supplies chain management.
• Guarantees that all pharmacies receiving project support have access to and are using electronic and paper-based validated drug management solutions.
• By estimating and budgeting needs for HIV-related commodities, including lab goods, for each individual site or district on a biweekly and annual basis, the Project guarantees a continuous supply of these commodities at all sites it supports.
• Maintain an eye on the movement of pharmaceuticals between pharmacies and project-supported sites, and keep site workers informed about developments and concerns pertaining to new drug formulations, national and zonal stock updates for ARV and OI drugs, and more.
• Make sure job aids and pertinent supply chain management SOPs are available at the locations and encourage their use.
• Together with the DHMTs, determines the training requirements for peer and provider groups. With the help of the most recent national curriculum recommendations, basic and refresher training is arranged.
• Perform any other duties that the supervisor assigns you.

 

Requirements for Qualifications, Experience, and Skills:

• A bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science and prior supply chain management experience are the minimal educational requirements.
• Three years or more of “hands-on laboratory and supply chain management experience” in HIV programs that are facility- or community-based.
• Proficiency using laboratory apparatus.
• Familiarity in using various supply chain management systems and pharmacy modules.
• Working familiarity with database systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• The capacity to operate independently and under pressure.
• Valid license for laboratory technicians.

 

APPLICATION GUIDE:

Please send an application letter and CV as one document specifying your current employer and position, daytime phone contact information, and the names and addresses of three referees if you fit the above requirements and are interested in the positions. Your application must be received by 16.30 HOURS on August 17, 2024, in order to be considered. The job opportunity you are applying for as it appears in this advertisement should be included in the subject line of your email application. If you don’t do that, it can be difficult to get your application back. Email applications and correspondence should be sent to jobs.tanzania@amref.org.