KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation

KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation (KNCV) is one of the leading international non-profit organizations dedicated to fighting tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. We are an international center of expertise for TB control that stimulates effective, efficient and sustainable tuberculosis control strategies in a national and international context. We are an organization of passionate TB professionals; including medical doctors, researchers, training experts, nurses and epidemiologists.

Over the past century we have built a wealth of knowledge and expertise, initially by successfully driving back TB in the Netherlands, and subsequently by partnering in the fight against TB in over 40 countries worldwide. In addition to TB control, KNCV is active in the field of Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and COVID-19 prevention and control.

We operate from a central office in The Hague in the Netherlands and additional country offices worldwide). KNCV raises funds from individual, institutional and corporate donors.

Background

Declared a public health emergency and pandemic in March 2021, the COVID-19 has since infected over 184 million people worldwide and caused nearly 4 million deaths so far. Critical gaps remain in various countries in terms of tools to better limit transmission and address treatment and care to avoid mortality due to COVID-19. While vaccinations have been available for over 6 months now, many countries are lagging in their vaccination efforts and access which makes equitable access to other commodities such as quality affordable diagnostics that can identify cases early as well as access to key commodities for care and treatment.

By accelerating access to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions within existing health systems leading to improved uptake of effective COVID-19 test and treatment solutions within health care systems it is anticipated that the public health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is reduced.

KNCV is currently recruiting a Diagnostic for a project focusing on enhancing accelerated access to diagnostics, care and treatment innovation for COVID-19 that will be implemented in up to five countries including Ethiopia.

 Purpose of the position

The purpose of the position is to lead and coordinate activities related to laboratory and diagnostics of the project with primary responsibility of supporting the expansion of antigen based rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDT’s) in varies settings. The Diagnostics Officer works closely together with the project team, the Department of Health (DOH), National stakeholders involved in COVID-19, project beneficiaries and other stakeholders to successfully implement the project. S/he reports to the Project Manager of the project in the Addis Ababa office, in Ethiopia.

Duties and responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the diagnostic/laboratory work of the project;
• Provide technical support to Project supported COVID-19 laboratory diagnostics sites, strengthening of existing and introduction of newer rapid diagnostic technologies;
• Work closely with COVID-19 surveillance team, laboratory coordination team, case management section and laboratory technical staff at project supported sites;
• Support laboratory expansion of Ag based RDT; Participate in the evaluation and introduction of Ag RDT;
• Support the adherence to national COVID 19 laboratory procedures and testing protocols;
• Develops appropriate supply chain strategy to mitigate any issues with consumable supplies and ensures supply meets testing demands and forecasts per the project implementation strategy;
• Support in improving Specimen Management System in the project supported areas;
• Provide routine technical support for handling and processing of specimens;
• Support the implementation of Quality Control processes;
• Support in improving laboratory Information and Data Management System;
• Support  the performance of routine and preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment;
• Perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned;
• Support the COVID-19 Testing Laboratory team, tasked with ensuring that the COVID-19 Testing Laboratory produces the best quality laboratory data possible;
• Support development of appropriate laboratory safety policies and procedures, training, and adherence to standard;
• Develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs);
• Support laboratories adhere to correct use of PPE;
• Responsible for planning daily, weekly workload in alignment with the project timeline and ensuring issues are recorded and communicated appropriately;
• Ensure that all activities performed by his/her team adhere to all standards;
• Participate in country coordination mechanism, technical meetings and relevant workshops.

What does KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation offer?

•  A full time (40 hours) fixed-term contract until August 31, 2022;
• An informal work atmosphere in an international environment where initiative is appreciated;
• A highly-motivated team of experienced, self-driven colleagues;
• The salary is dependent upon education and relevant working experience;
• KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation has its own Employment Conditions Scheme.

Who are we looking for?

 Education

•  B.Sc. in medical Laboratory Technology/Science and master’s degree in medical laboratory sciences or equivalent.

 Knowledge/Experiences

• Minimum 7 years, post qualification experience including experience working with COVID-19 Diagnostics;
• Must have worked in a medical diagnostic laboratory for a period of at least five years: Proven  familiarity with in-country stakeholders active in the field of COVID-19;
• Sound knowledge of basic principles, techniques and safety procedures and Quality management in the laboratory system;
• Proven experience in and affinity with specific technical areas related to the project, i.e. access to diagnostics and care innovation for COVID-19;
• Experience with laboratory information systems;
• Experience in developing and implementing diagnostic strategies;
• Supervisory, training, management and monitoring skills of lab technicians;
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English.