Job Description

Vacancy for Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) Ethiopia

and Medical Laboratory Technologist to be based in Harar, Ethiopia. The role is to support development of a medical research laboratory of a new Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance site in Harar, Ethiopia. This is a collaboration between Haramaya University, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Emory Global Health Institute.

CHAMPS laboratories are located at the College of Health and Medical Sciences, and at Hiwot Fana Hospital in Harar at present, although laboratory work in Kersa District is possible in the long term.

The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance Program is seeking applications from energetic, motivated and innovative people interested in becoming part of the exciting new phase of developing a quality assurance program within the Hararghe Health Research Partnership laboratories. 

Haramaya University, Oromia, Ethiopia

Haramaya University is one of the oldest Universities in Ethiopia, with its first intake in 1954. It is about 17km from the city of Harar, 40km from Dire Dawa (where there is a regional airport), and 510km East of Addis Ababa. The College of Health and Medical Sciences is based on a campus in Harar town to facilitate training of students in nearby hospitals. This campus also hosts the office of the two Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSS).

Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance network (CHAMPS)

The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance network (CHAMPS, http://champshealth.org/) is a new global health surveillance network funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aimed at understanding the causes of child death in developing countries, particularly sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The Emory Global Health Institute, which houses the U.S. office of the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI), is the lead partner in the network and has worked with the London School of Hygiene to develop the collaboration with Haramaya University. 

Responsible to: Laboratory Director

No. of posts: 1

Duration of contract:1 year with possible extension

Key Responsibilities

The successful applicant will be responsible for all the Quality Assurance and Quality Control aspects of the Hararghe Health Research laboratories (HHR) in Harar. S/he will work closely with the laboratory staff, data analysts and field workers and will work as part of the HHR Laboratory team under the Laboratory Director. His/her functions will be, but not be limited to the following;

Specific Tasks and Responsibilities 

• Oversee a quality assurance/control program appropriate for tests performed in the HHR Laboratories.
• Implement improvements to laboratory testing procedures to improve efficiency, resource utilization, decrease turnaround time, etc., utilizing new and established laboratory policies and procedures.
• Develop, perform, and manage an audit program that encompasses all phases of laboratory practices and field sample collection and provide assurance that, documentation, and record-keeping requirements are met.
• Perform scheduled and unscheduled checks on bench scientists, Technologists and Technicians.
• Administer the proficiency testing and External Quality Assurance schemes.
• Maintain current and accurate records of all relevant communications, audits, corrective action plans, and effectiveness monitoring.
• Maintain current and accurate records of all personnel qualifications, certifications and contact information.
• Review, track and communicate information regarding process variations and quality control samples as required by laboratory quality assurance procedures.
• Check validation systems for all pieces of equipment to ensure maximal function (service schedules, daily panel runs, etc.)
• Ensure daily maintenance charts are well documented.
• Perform/supervise training and documentation for lab staff.
• Review and maintain all laboratory SOPs
• Review test results and reports for accuracy, completeness and compliance to requirements to ensure that quality assurance standards and regulatory requirements are met.
• Maintain familiarity with laboratory procedures to effectively perform laboratory quality assurance functions.
• Liaise with the other CHAMPS groups in developing and implementing HHR QA GCP/GLP objectives
• Train staff on quality control/assurance issues.
• Plan and work towards ensuring HHR laboratories achieving ISO 15189 accreditation, national accreditation, and/or are clinical trials accredited.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.  

Job Requirements

Essential requirements

• Must hold a Masters degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Medical Technology or equivalent.
• Must be licensed by appropriate regulatory body
• At least two years’ experience in research/clinical diagnostics activities
• Good knowledge of GLP/GCLP
• At least two years’ experience in quality assurance/quality control activities

Desirable Qualities:

• Fluency in both written and spoken English 
• Ability to work and make decisions independently.
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work well in a team
• Proven leadership skills, and ability to take initiative  

How to Apply

• Haramaya University Human Resource and Development Directorate office, Administration Building 1^st Floor, Room No. 114 at Haramaya’
• College of Health and Medical Sciences, Human Resources Office, Harar Campus. .
• Haramaya University Liaison Office at Addis Ababa, Arat Kilo. Former Germany Cultural Institute Building Office No.15.
• Or Send your application letter with your CV to mahlu.mek@gmail.com