Laboratory Program Officer – TPDF Program at HJFMRI | May 2024

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF’s support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

This position will be in support of HJF Medical Research International, Inc. Tanzania (HJFMRI) program.

HJF Medical Research International, Inc. Tanzania (HJFMRI) is seeking to hire a Laboratory Program Officer for the TPDF Program.  This position will provide technical advice to HJFMRI Tanzania TPDF Program supported facilities to ensure quality laboratory services are strengthened and mainstreamed into the comprehensive HIV prevention, care, and treatment program. The position shall focus on improving the quality of the Laboratory HIV services provided by TPDF-supported facilities, including providing technical support to supported laboratories in clinical laboratory testing, quality management systems implementation, and on-site staff training and mentorship. The position is based in Dar es Salaam and reports to the Laboratory Advisor, TPDF Program.

• Provide mentorship and onsite training to staff in TPDF Program supported facilities on the performance of clinical laboratory tests, equipment uses, maintenance, and implementation of laboratory quality management procedures.
• Train and mentor staff in TPDF Program supported facilities on Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Organize technical training programs where needed in conjunction with other program staff.
• Respond to on-site problems including equipment failures, utility failures, testing errors, personnel problems, supply chain challenges, and other government issues.
• Technically advice the program on proper collection, transportation, labeling, testing, and storing of patient/client specimens as appropriate.
• Contribute actively to program and departmental meetings and training programs as appropriate, within the locality national and international.
• Contribute to the goals and objectives of the HJFMRI (program review meeting, supportive supervision, data compilation) and partners’ activities.
• Write and review different laboratory technical reports including activity reports, supply chain and other reports to inform program implementation.
• Ensure timely planned preventative maintenance for HIV related laboratory machines in all TPDF supported facilities.
• Oversee proficiency testing to laboratories and point of care testing, monitor response, review results, and conduct root cause analysis and corrective action for failed facilities.
• Collect monthly laboratory quality indicator data from laboratories and follow up on any suboptimal performance.
• Determine reagent and equipment needs working in conjunction with HJFMRI laboratory program advisor.
• Assists with the implementation of new instrumentation, new methodology, and training as needed.
• Perform any other duties or assignments as assigned by supervisor that are necessary to achieve the objectives of this position.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good laboratory practice knowledge and experience of quality management systems implementation.
• In depth knowledge and skills in laboratory mentorship for quality improvement, and good understanding of running laboratory services in limited resource settings.
• Analytical and problem solving with exceptional organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask and work under minimum supervision.
• Proficient in MS Office applications.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and relationship skills, including flexibility, diplomacy, intercultural communicative competence, and respect for colleagues.
• Ability to build and maintain sound relationships with multi stakeholders; competence to build and effectively manage interpersonal relationships at all levels.
• Ability to travel up to 60% of the time to the TPDF Program-supported sites to provide supportive supervision and mentorship to site laboratory staff within the TPDF facilities.
• Demonstrate high integrity and strong values, including confidentiality.
• Diplomatic, culturally sensitive, and enthusiastic for connecting with people of different backgrounds.
• Ability to multitask and work under minimum supervision.
• Ability to meet and communicate schedules and deadlines.
• Demonstrate exceptional professional judgment.
• Fluent in both Kiswahili and English.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory technology from any recognized institution required.
• Membership with the Health Laboratory Practitioners’ Council (HLPC) required.
• At least five (5) years’ relevant experience required.
• PEPFAR (DoD, USAID, or CDC) and experience working with international NGOs in a cross-cultural setting preferred.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable.  Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

ID 2024-4378