Laboratory Services Officer

The Laboratory Officer (LO) provides technical leadership to ensure high-quality, efficient and sustainable laboratory services that support comprehensive HIV and TB prevention, care and treatment programs in the region and surveillance projects. The officer directly manages the Temeke Specialized Laboratory, which serves as a referral and testing center for HIV Viral Load (VL), HIV Drug Resistance (HIVDR), HIV Early Infant Diagnosis (EID), HPV DNA and other specialized testing. 

S/he works closely with AMREF program, regional and council laboratory teams, health facility laboratories, and partners including MoH, NACP, NTLP, NHL-QATC, CDC, Implementing Partners and other stakeholders to strengthen laboratory systems, quality management, and integration of advanced molecular testing platforms. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Service Delivery: 

• Plan, organize, and oversee daily operations of the Temeke Specialized Laboratory to ensure efficient workflow, service delivery, optimal performance, compliance with biosafety standards and timely delivery of high-quality test results. 
• Ensure proper sample reception, processing, storage and result dispatch systems to optimize turnaround times and data integrity. 
• Supervise and coordinate staff schedules, workload distribution and duty rosters to ensure adequate coverage for all testing sections (VL, EID, HIVDR and HPV DNA). 
• Supervise and mentor regional and council program officers to ensure effective collection, management, transportation and processing of samples across supported facilities. 
• Conduct mentorship, training and on-the-job capacity building for laboratory staff and healthcare workers at Temeke Specialized Laboratory and supported facilities 
• Provide overall technical and coordination for implementation of AMREF -supported laboratory services for HIV and TB care and treatment programs in the region. 
• Review and approve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), job aids, manuals and documentation to ensure consistency and compliance with quality standards. 
• Coordinate preventive maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting and servicing of laboratory equipment to ensure minimal downtime 
• Ensure reliable availability and accountability of laboratory commodities through accurate consumption, forecasting, quantification and supply chain management in collaboration with the program logistics team and Medical Stores Department (MSD) 
• Work in Collaboration with SCM advisor to monitor stock levels, maintain accurate inventory records, and coordinate timely requisitions through Amref and MSD systems. 
• Strengthen laboratory workforce competencies in molecular diagnostics, biosafety, data management and QMS implementation. 
• Lead coordination of HIVDR surveillance and monitoring activities at Temeke Specialized Laboratory, ensuring adherence to CADRE protocols 
• Ensure integrity of HIVDR data, proper storage of specimens and reagents, and timely submission of results to relevant authorities (CTLC, CADRE e.t.c) 
• Strengthen collaboration with other laboratories to build strong laboratory network to ensure continuity of testing activities 
• Ensure prudent use and accountability of financial, human and material resources allocated to laboratory activities. 
• Oversee biosafety and biosecurity compliance at Temeke Specialized Laboratory and supported facilities. 
• Develop contingency and corrective action plans for identified laboratory system gaps or risks. 
• Orient new staff and students on laboratory procedures, safety, and quality practices. 

Data Management and Quality Improvement 

• Ensure that Temeke Specialized Laboratory and supported facilities implement and maintain laboratory quality management systems (QMS) in alignment with ISO 15189 and SLMTA standards. 
• Coordinate participation of Labs in internal quality control (IQC) and external quality assessment (EQA) programs, including proficiency testing for VL, EID, CD4, HIVDR, HIVRT and HPV DNA assays 
• Maintain accurate documentation of quality activities, including non-conformities, corrective actions, and continuous improvement records. 
• Support continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives and guide laboratories toward accreditation readiness and maintenance. 
• Lead quality audits, proficiency testing reviews, IQC reviews and accreditation processes 
• Ensure adherence to test validation and verification protocols for all assays. 
• Conduct staff performance appraisals, identify training needs and support professional development through mentorship and in-service training. 
• Ensure accurate and timely sample registration and entry of laboratory test results into laboratory information system (LIS) and tools. 

• Analyze laboratory performance data and provide routine feedback to staff and program team for improvement 
• Prepare periodic performance reports (daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly) on laboratory testing activities, achievements, and challenges 
• Track and monitor laboratory quality indicators and contribute to data-driven decision-making to improve sample quality, turnaround times, testing error rate, equipment downtime, reagent stockouts, capacity utilization etc. 

Compliance and Standard 

1. Contribute to maintaining fidelity in the laboratory procedures and processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency and reliability in laboratory results and data 

1. Promote medical and laboratory ethics, patient confidentiality and non-discriminatory service delivery. 

1. Promote stigma free and confidential services that respect patient rights and dignity.