International Clinical Laboratories (ICL) is one of the largest of independent clinical diagnostic centers on the African continent. ICL has opened its door for service in 2004 with the aim of “contributing to the maintenance and enhancement of the quality of life throughout Ethiopia” by encompassing a system of human and physical resources designed to meet the changing healthcare needs of the population it serves.

It is the only laboratory accredited by the USA-based Joint Commission International (JCI) for six times in a row. The laboratory provides more than 3000 tests in collaboration with its referral laboratories.

Quality Officer position oversees quality control, quality assurance and quality improvement within the overall Quality Management System (QMS) of the laboratory including the development, review, implementation, and communication of all laboratory quality processes.  The Quality Officer provides guidance and consultation concerning quality processes. This position also ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulatory standards such as the Joint Commission International (JCI), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Job Position Competencies,

Quality Management Systems (50% of duties)

• Ensure that the laboratory’s organizational structure is committed to achieving and maintaining quality, advocating for a culture of quality, safety and ethics, and analyzing quality measures to evaluate the costs of maintaining quality.
• Ensure that laboratory personnel and instrumentation meet performance standards
• Ensure that operational processes meet organizational requirements through the application of workflow processes or the development of method validation and performance verification processes and procedures.
• Ensure that there is an effective system to control and manage documents and records.
• Develop and ensure that processes and procedures are in place for detecting and managing nonconforming events and performing internal audits and external assessments.
• Develop and ensure mechanisms for continuous quality improvement.

Laboratory Practice (20% of duties)

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills related to the scientific and technical components of laboratory testing to oversee the policies, processes and procedures related to QA activities
• Comply with regulations and guidelines governing laboratory testing, ensuring staff compliance and evaluating method validation and performance verification results

Management and Leadership (15% of duties)

• Ensure sound management of laboratory operations and the development, implementation and review of internal policies
• Ensure effective management of human resources and model leadership behavior

Communications (10% of duties)

• Deploy formal written and oral communication strategies, display active listening skills, and demonstrate comprehension of written documents and directions.
• Ensure professionalism in communication and prepare professional written reports and oral presentations.

Ethics (5% of duties)

• Adhere to policies and principles governing professional and scientific ethics and rules of conduct, exemplifying integrity and serving as a role model of ethical behavior.

Additional

• Computer Literate
• Able to handle flexible working hours.
• Critical thinker
• Creative problem solver
• Aspire to be the best in the field.
• Eager for relocation

Salary: – As per the company scale

Workplace: – Addis Ababa

Required Number:             01 (one)

Employment Conditions:   Permanent 

Report to: –                          Non Technical Manager  

About You

Qualification and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science, (medical Lab technology, Clinical microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, quality management). An advanced degree may be substituted for experience.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of recent related laboratory work experience.
• Must meet all Government requirements for education and experience.
• Training, education and experience in quality assurance and quality management systems and quality improvement.
• Special consideration will be given to applicants with Certifications in Quality Management.
• Special consideration will be given to applicants with Certifications in Six Sigma or Lean.

Required Skills and Responsibilities: 

• Extensive knowledge of quality management systems and quality improvement tools and techniques such as Six Sigma or Lean.
• Working knowledge of accreditation standards, practices and guidelines sufficient to advise and guide laboratory managers and supervisors as they implement and maintain accreditation.
• Working knowledge of computer and analytical software programs sufficient for evaluation of electronic data, data interpretation, and report development.
• A strong understanding of the principles, practices, and techniques of the various analytical areas of the laboratory.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment, present and explain technical information, and provide advice to management.
• Excellent organization skills allowing the coordination of multi-faceted QA activities.
• Ability to manage complex projects independently and in a team environment, maintaining good working relationships with multi-cultural and multi-discipline staff.
• Ability to analyze and interpret written information and scientific data, compare against established requirements, identify potential discrepancies, and make suggestions for improvement.
• Ability to conduct and report quality assurance audits and reviews to determine compliance status and recommend corrective action plans.

Essential Job Duties

• Ensure compliance with laboratory accreditation, regulatory standards and information management policies by providing leadership and guidance to staff to ensure that quality policies, processes and procedures are established, current and adhered to by all laboratory staff.
• Oversee internal audit processes, external assessments, proficiency testing programs; document control systems; competency assessment; training and other quality processes.
• Identify training needs, as well as design and implement training programs specific to the quality system.
• Recommend best practices to maintain and improve project outcomes or laboratory functions; facilitate laboratory improvement activities.
• Analyze data, identify trends, monitor prevention and correction of quality deviations, and develop reports for management utilizing technical knowledge and laboratory experience.
• Monitor customer satisfaction and performance metrics.
• Identify and report quality issues and problems to management with recommendations for resolution.
• Establish processes and policies for effective and professional communication between laboratory staff and among other interested parties.
• Work with the safety officer to align quality practices, including data analysis, monitoring of trends, prevention, corrections and continuous quality improvement.