Ethiopian Public Health Institute

Name of the Project: Africa CDC Regional Investment Financing Project

Assignment Title: Proficiency Testing (PT) Panel Production Specialist

Salary:  Salary is based on work experience and educational level.

1. Background

The Government of Ethiopia has received financial support from the World Bank to undertake key activities under the Africa CDC Regional Investment Financing Project aimed at strengthening regional infectious disease detection and response systems. Being one of the implementing agencies of the project, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute is planning to hire PT Panel Production Specialist with strong qualification and experience. The objective is to support the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) in designing, producing, and managing PT panels for the national health laboratory quality assurance programs. The specialist will ensure that EPHI meets ISO/IEC 17043:2023 standards as a Proficiency Testing (PT) provider and has the capacity and capability    to ascertain the consistent operation and management of all proficiency testing schemes implemented in the country in accordance with national and international guidelines to strengthen the quality and reliability of laboratory diagnostic services provided across the nation.

1. Job Summary

The PT Panel Production specialist is responsible for the planning, production, quality control and standardization of PT panels. She/he is also responsible for the distribution of PT panels, collection and analysis of results, and provision of feedback reports. The specialist will provide technical support for the development and implementation of PT panel production and EQA program expansion roadmaps, guidelines and protocols to ensure the sustainable production of standardized panels and continuous provision of reliable External Quality Assessment (EQA) services at all levels of the national health laboratory system. 

Specific Tasks / Activities /

• Design and validate PT panels for health laboratories in areas such as microbiology, serology, molecular testing, hematology, chemistry and other laboratory disciplines.

• Collaborate with subject matter experts to align PT panel production system   with diagnostic practices and public health needs.

• Develop protocols for PT panel preparation, including formats like dried tube specimens (DTS) and liquid samples, ensuring consistency and reliability.

• Oversee PT material preparation, including aliquoting, stabilization, packaging, and quality control (QC) measures like homogeneity and stability testing.

• Maintain documentation for all production, QC, and distribution activities in compliance with ISO/IEC 17043:2010.

• Coordinate PT panel distribution, ensuring proper storage, transportation, and tracking of delivery and receipt.

• Manage EQA database to track PT production, distribution, results, and inventory.

• Analyze participant results, provide feedback reports to laboratories, and identify trends or areas for improvement to enhance diagnostic quality.

•  Implement and maintain a Quality Management System (QMS) for PT production in line with ISO/IEC 17043:2023 and ISO 15189:2022 standards.

•  Conduct internal audits and participate in accreditation processes to ensure compliance with quality standards.

• Provide training to laboratory personnel on PT production, management and distribution, PT EQA participation, result interpretation, and development and implementation of corrective action plans, including participation in the development of related training materials, protocols and SOPs.

• Build capacity at regional and sub-regional laboratory levels s to strengthen the implementation and management of PT EQA schemes, including enhancing the   participation of all clinical and public health testing laboratories.

• Prepare detailed progress reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual updates on PT panel production, management and distribution. 

• Maintain comprehensive records of PT panel production, use and other related activities so as to contribute to strategic planning for national EQA programs.

Number required: 1

Methodology

The PT Production Specialist will work closely with the External Quality Assessment (EQA) and other divisions at Laboratory Capacity Building Directorate (LCBD), and relevant stakeholders to establish and maintain local PT Panel Production capacity. The specialist will liaise with national and regional laboratories, ensuring effective coordination and execution of PT EQA-related activities.

1. Reporting Arrangement

The PT Production Specialist will report to the EQA Division Head of the LCBD. The specialist will provide the following deliverables:

• Monthly work plans and progress reports.

• Quarterly and annual PT panel production and performance reports.

• Feedback reports to laboratories and stakeholders.

Job Requirements

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences or other health laboratory related fields.

  • At least 10 years of experience in health laboratory setting.

  • Proven experience in EQA programs.

  • Having training or experience on ISO/IEC 17043 is an added value.

  • Having practical skill in different laboratory testing methodologies, particularly in health laboratories.

  • Having experience in EQA Data analysis and feedback report generation.

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

  • Ability to solve problems and work under pressure.

  • Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and statistical software (e.g., SPSS, STATA).

1.  Job Location, Contract Duration and Remuneration

• Duration of contract:  Until December 31, 2025 with possibility of extension based on availability of budget and performance

• The specialist will be based at EPHI in Addis Ababa, with periodic travel to regions.

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, work experience  letters together with the application. If not attached the copies you may be not short listed.