The Ethiopian Public Health Institute receives financial support from CDC Ethiopia to strengthen the national health laboratory system for increased accessibility and improved quality of HIV and TB core diagnostic and monitoring tests. To achieve this goal, the institute is planning to hire a competent PT production and Quality control officer with best qualification and experience who can play a crucial role in the national efforts to advance the capacity and capability of the country’s health laboratories for the provision of quality laboratory test results at all levels of the healthcare service delivery system. The PT production and Quality control officer will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the development and production of Proficiency Testing (PT) materials while ensuring compliance with national and international standards.

The objectives of the assignment are to:

• Strengthen the national capacity for sustainable production and management of quality-assured PT panels.

• Improve and enhance the existing systems for overseeing, coordination and management of PT panel production and distribution to External Quality Assessment (EQA) participant laboratories.

• Ensure that proficiency testing EQA programs meet regulatory and accreditation requirements (e.g., ISO/IEC 17043).

• Promote collaborations among technical experts, laboratory staff, and external suppliers for uninterrupted production of high-quality PT materials.

• Strengthen the national system to ensure the timely and efficient  delivery of PT samples to EQA participating laboratories at all times

1. Scope of Work

• Planning: Develop schedules for the production and distribution of PT samples, ensuring alignment with national calendar for the implementation of  proficiency testing schemes.

• Production and preparation of PT materials for distribution: Coordinate the timely production of PT materials, proper storage and preparation  for distribution, includes overseeing  safe  packaging, transportation and prompt delivery  to participant laboratories while ensuring the overall  integrity of the materials.

• Quality Assurance: Implement and maintain appropriate quality control measures for the production process to ensure that PT samples meet the required standards.

• Collaboration: Work with laboratory experts, suppliers, and other stakeholders to procure materials and coordinate production activities.

• Data Management: Maintain accurate records of the production process, including inventory management, distribution records, and feedback from participating laboratories.

• Compliance: Ensure that PT samples and processes comply with relevant national and international regulations and standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 17043, ISO/IEC 17025).

• Problem Solving: Identify and resolve any issues related to the production and distribution of PT samples in a timely manner.

Key Responsibilities

• Production of Proficiency Testing Materials:

• Will produce PT materials in the laboratory setting in accordance with predetermined schedule 

• Oversee the proper production of PT samples, ensuring that they meet the necessary quality requirements and satisfy the quantity required.

• Coordination and Logistics:
  Plan and coordinate the production, labeling, packaging and distribution of PT materials to participating laboratories, ensuring timely and efficient accomplishment of the planned scheme.

• Documentation and Reporting:
  Maintain proper documentation related to the production, distribution, and quality control of PT samples. Generate periodic reports on the performance of all individual  processes and activities.

• Quality Control and Compliance:
  Ensure that all aspects of the PT production process adhere to the relevant standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 17043) and implement corrective actions if necessary.

• Collaboration:
  Work closely with  staff members of the  EQA and other Divisions of the Laboratory Capacity Building Directorate, the National and Regional Reference Laboratories,   suppliers, and  partners in the coordination of PT panel  production and management activities, and implementation of EQA schemes nationwide.

• Others Executes other activities as assigned and directed by her/his immediate supervisor.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in laboratory sciences and Master’s degree in Clinical Laboratory science, MPH or a related field.

• Experience:

  • Minimum of 8 years of work experience in clinical laboratory settings, proficiency testing or related programmatic areas.

  • Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17043 standards and proficiency testing EQA schemes.

• Skills:

  • Strong organizational and project management skills.

  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Competent in broad range of technical processes in clinical laboratory diagnostic methods and technologies.  

  • Able to work as part of a team, but also independently with minimal supervision

  • Ability to solve problems and work under pressure

1. Reporting

• The PT production and Quality control officer will directly report to the Head of External Quality Assessment (EQA) Division of the Laboratory Capacity Building Directorate.

• Provides regular updates/reports to the senior management and relevant stakeholders as per direction and guidance from the immediate supervisor. 

1. Performance Expectations 

• Timely and efficient production of PT materials.

• Adherence to quality standards (ISO/IEC 17043, ISO/IEC 17025, etc.).

• Successful coordination of logistics and delivery of PT samples.

• Positive feedback from laboratories and stakeholders regarding the quality and timely availability of adequate PT materials.

• Minimal production or distribution issues affecting the regular conduct of proficiency testing schemes.

1. Contract Duration and Remuneration 

• The contract will be for one year period with a possibility of extension based on the performance and need of business continuity.

• Remuneration will be based on the organization’s contract staff salary scale 

How to Apply

Note  Interested applicants can register in Online through only THIS LINK send their CVs and relevant documents at the address given below within 07 days from the first appearance of the announcement

Remarks: Please attach copies of transcripts, academic degree or recommendation letters together with the application. If not attached the copies you may be not short listed.