Technical Officer, Laboratory Services at FHI 360

Requisition: 2021200859

Supervisor: Senior Technical Officer-Lab Services

Basic Function

• Liaise with the STO-Lab Services to provide technical support and implement high quality laboratory services for FHI 360 Nigeria programs with a particular focus on facilities and communities supported by EpiC Activity project.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide technical support related to the laboratory services and management component of HIV/AIDS care and treatment program.
• Provide technical assistance in capacity building for laboratory services to FHI 360 and facility staff.
• Provide technical support on laboratory quality assurance issues.
• Contribute to development of lessons learned from programs and projects related to laboratory management of HIV/AIDS and liaise with Technical Coordinator to apply these lessons and modify existing program.
• Represent the project and FHI 360 to stakeholders on issues of laboratory management of HIV/AIDS.
• Remain informed on current programs in the field of laboratory management of HIV/AIDS and related development fields by reviewing current literature and staying alert to any implication of such experience and research for department activities as outlined by the technical supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• B.Sc in Laboratory Sciences or related field with 5-7 years post national youth service experience and a minimum of 3 years’ experience in provision of laboratory support for HIV/AIDS.
• Or Master's Degree in Laboratory Sciences or related field with 3-5 years post national youth service experience and a minimum of 3 years’ experience in provision of laboratory support for HIV/AIDS.
• Knowledge of advanced laboratory procedures, diagnosis and management related to HIV/AIDS care and treatment is required with some experience in an international development area preferred.
• Certification of license to practice as a medical laboratory scientist is required.
• Experience in Laboratory TB services is an advantage.  
• Familiarity with Nigerian public sector health system and NGOs and CBOs highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes:

• Knowledge of health and development programs in developing countries in general and Nigeria specifically.
• Laboratory management and training experience and ability to understand full range of issues around the laboratory management of HIV/AIDS, including provision of counseling and testing services.
• Knowledge of Quality Assurance and Quality Control.
• Knowledge of Laboratory Equipment and techniques for the following categories of assays: HIV rapid and confirmatory testing, hematology, biochemistry, CD4/CD8, HIV viral load, HIV DNA qualitative test, HIV viral resistance (genotype and phenotype) and management issues related to the clinical management of HIV/AIDS, including ART.
• Knowledge of Nigerian laboratory setting, including government and non-government settings.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the social, political and ethical issues surrounding HIV infection.
• Ability to work well with others and to develop and maintain compatibility among project staff, subcontractors, consultants and recipients of assistance.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and deliver high volumes of work with minimal supervision.
• High degree of proficiency in written and spoken English communication.
• Well-developed computer skills.
• Ability to travel within Nigeria 25% time.