BACKGROUND
The Kingdom of Lesotho is among four countries participating in the Southern Africa Tuberculosis and Health Systems Support Project funded by the World Bank. This is a five year project with overall objectives to: (i) improve coverage and quality of TB control and occupational lung disease services in targeted geographic areas of the participating countries; and (ii) strengthen regional capacity to manage the burden of TB and occupational diseases.
Lesotho is one of the 30 high TB burden countries in the world with an estimated annual incidence of 788 TB cases per every 100,000 population. Seventy four percent of TB cases are co-infected with HIV. TB treatment success rate has not gone beyond 74%, TB case fatality ratio is high and only a small proportion of TB re-treatment cases are offered testing for drug resistant TB bacilli. The mortality rate in TB/HIV co-infected TB patients is 223 per 100,000 population. Additionally, MDR-TB is on the rise with 3.2% and 6.8% of new and retreatment respectively TB cases are estimated to have MDR-TB. Despite Lesotho’s high burden of TB, TB/HIV and MDR-TB cases, the TB case detection rate is 49% which means more than half TB are not diagnosed and treated.
The Ministry of Health National Tuberculosis Control Program wishes to contract qualified and experienced candidates for the mentioned positions:
Laboratory Data Clerk
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Senior Laboratory Technologist/Principal Laboratory
Technologist, the Laboratory Data Clerk is responsible for implementation of quality and
safety precautions, data collection, compilation and maintenance of laboratory records. This position is based in Maseru, Lesotho and will require frequent travel to the field.
Scope of work
1. Implementation of quality and safety procedures
- Daily adheres to departmental specific safety standards
- Daily cleans, disinfects working environment and update logs
- Daily monitors environmental temperatures (room, fridge, freezer)
- Daily receives and enter TB patient’s data in Laboratory System and/or TB laboratory register.
- Daily records verified findings and results into the laboratory information system
(LIS) or TB laboratory log book.
- Daily files patient records
- Daily dispatches patients/ client results
- Monthly compiles patient data for analysis.
Monthly archives analysed patient data.
Duration of Assignment
Initial two year contract subject to review after two years with possibility of extension dependent on performance
Qualifications and Experience
- Diploma in Data Management / Information Management or related qualification on clinical data.
- Two (2) years’ experience in data management
- Data entry experience especially in Health Setting
- Computer literacy, especially excel will be an added advantage
Laboratory Mentor
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of Laboratory Quality Manager, the Laboratory Mentor is responsible for defining the requirements for Quality Management System (QMS), providing coaching and mentorship on implementation of QMS, evaluating effectiveness of QMS program in all laboratories and compiling bi-annual report.
Main duties:
1. Define the requirements for quality management system (QMS)
- Develops and updates Quality Management System requirements
- Defines requirements for QMS implementation as stipulated in the Laboratory Quality Manual
- Co-ordinates implementation of QMS program by laboratories
- Co-ordinates establishment and monitoring of quality indicators
QMS
- Develops and maintains a system for standardizing QMS program
- Mentors laboratories to align their work with professional requirements
- Develops Standard Operating procedures for quality improvement initiatives
- Evaluates Quality improvement initiatives conducted by the TB Laboratory based on the available standards
- Monitors effectiveness of the quality improvement initiatives
- Conducts laboratory audits to assess implementation of QMS
- Compiles non-conformity report for identified gaps
- Conducts meetings with assessed laboratories to draw action plans and improvement projects
- Monitors implementation of action plans and quality improvement initiatives
- Develop strategies and plans for continuous quality improvement initiatives
- Compiles and analyses QMS performance
- Presents QMS performance in annual review meeting
- Bi-annually submits QMS report to Laboratory Quality Manager
Knowledge and skills
- Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences with 5 years working experience plus good competency, training and leadership skills
- Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences plus 2 years specialist training, 8 years
working experience plus outstanding records on competency, training and leadership skills
- Certificate in Laboratory Quality Management Systems and Laboratory Audits
- Demonstrate active participation in implementation of Quality Management Systems (QMS)
Medical Microbiologist
Job Summary
The overarching objective of the position is to provide high level technical expertise and support to the Ministry’s laboratory team especially the TB laboratory and the respective affiliated laboratories to ensure efficient planning and timely implementation of project laboratory activities.Under the general supervision of Chief Laboratory Technologist, the Medical Microbiologist is responsible for the institution of quality service system and safety precautions, conduct and monitor novel techniques, conduct trainings, monitor laboratory inventory management system, implement efficient laboratory data management, referral network systems and provide laboratory advisory services to clinicians.
Scope of work
- Contributes towards quality assurance performance within the department including taking part in all relevant external quality assurance programmes. The main priority of which will be facilitating the laboratories in achieving full accreditation with international recognized standards.
- Establish and maintain systems and procedures for smooth implementation and operationalization of project laboratory activities including strategic planning, assessment and introduction of new diagnostic methods and forward planning for laboratory equipment and consumables requirements.
- Undertake regular visits to project laboratories and other agencies supporting implementation (infrastructure unit, procurement and disposal units) to identify implementation bottlenecks and bring them to the attention of the Lab Manager for prompt resolution.
- Participate in Laboratory stakeholder’s meetings and in the laboratory and surveillance community of practice at country and regional level.
- Ensure adequate quality assurance procedures are maintained with respect to samples processing, reagent preparations and equipment use.
- Participate in the development, review and implementation of laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Supervise the performance of the complex microbiological, biological and chemical tests in addition to supervising specific units in the laboratories.
- Participate in regular mentorship to laboratory technologists based at the district laboratories In addition, facilitate regular trainings such as good clinical and laboratory practice (GCLP), laboratory safety, quality control and other relevant training to maintain acceptable standards of laboratory operations
- Conducting continuous laboratory education to existing staff at national and district level on new technologies including current trends in microbiology techniques.
- Strengthening linkages between laboratory and disease surveillance activities and clinical activities
- Assist in implementing best practices in having an integrated laboratory information management system (if present)
- Daily ensures availability and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Monthly conducts quality management reviews to monitor staff performance, equipment, and reagents.
- Quarterly conduct safety inspection and risk assessment.
- Periodically assess analytical methods to maintain acceptable turnaround time.
- Periodically conduct staff competency of both newly recruited and existing staff
through re-training and re-assessment
- Conduct refresher trainings for Junior staff
- Trains subordinates to perform special tests to improve their knowledge and skill.
- Undertakes research studies to establish norms and disease patterns in the population.
- Prevalence survey laboratory evaluation based on guidance from the PI
- Participate in the Ministry of Health’s research initiatives where necessary
- Weekly monitors equipment performance to establish reliability and good
- Performs special tests for further investigations or confirmation of preliminary findings to help in the diagnosis and treatment of patients
- Conduct monthly analyses of external quality control data to track quality improvement
- Provides advisory consultation to the medical officers on complex results for clarification and interpretation.
- Daily cross check and authorize patient reports to ensure that results released are accurate and reliable
Duration of Assignment
Initial two year contract subject to review after two years with possibility of extension dependent on performance.
Qualifications
- MSc in medical Microbiology plus two (2) years working experience in medical microbiology
- BSc Hon. in Medical Microbiology plus 4 years working experience in Medical Laboratory. Advanced degree in microbiology with speciality in TB desirable.
- Work experience in a busy public health laboratory in management and practice in a supervisory position will be an added advantage.
Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Medical Officer
Job Summary
The MDR Medical Officer will coordinate implementation of Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB (PMDT) working with the National TB and Leprosy Programme (NTLP) to ensure coordination of MDR-TB activities. These efforts will be helpful over the long-term when the Government of Lesotho takes over management of the MDR-TB hospital.
Scope of work
- Responsible of the managerial aspects of the programmatic management of drug-resistant TB
- Supervise the models for delivering DR-TB treatment and care (hospital and ambulatory care / nationwide)
- Monitor community engagement to support universal access to diagnosis, care and treatment of DR-TB
- Coordinate with appropriate offices in the Government that all DR_TB Drugs will be properly register, imported, storage and distributed in the country.
- Responsible of the quality control of the following reports: Six monthly report of detection of TB cases with rifampicin resistance and multidrug-resistance; Six-monthly report of enrolment of TB cases with rifampicin resistance and multidrug-resistance; Quarterly report on interim results of TB cases with rifampicin resistance and multidrug-resistance on second line TB treatment; Annual report of final outcomes of TB cases with rifampicin resistance, multidrug-resistance and extensive drug resistance on second line TB treatment.
- With the NTLP Manager, assist in coordination of MDR-TB services between NTLP and Partners in Health (PIH) Country Office
- Facilitate the implementation of Global Fund grants in support of PMDT and other grants focusing more on MDR services in the country
- Take part in clinical management of DR TB patients, TA and mentoring of health staff at the MDR-TB hospital
- Participate in the development of policy guidelines, training manuals, and mentorship guidelines, operational research proposals and data collection and dissemination tools.
- Support the development of active Drug Safety Monitoring (aDSM) tools and protocols in preparation for the introduction of new MDR-TB drugs and regimens.
- Share best practices and contribute to the knowledge base through participation in scientific forums and community of practice in continuum of care for TB and MDR-TB at country and regional levels
- Participate in supervision of districts with the PIH team on a weekly basis
- Oversee data recording and reporting of MDR-TB patients and provide feedback to NTLP and the World Health Organization (WHO).Monitor and evaluate MDR TB surveillance/surveys
- Participate in capacity building of other health care workers through training and support supervision
- Participate in research activities of the programme
- Participate in health campaigns relative to TB prevention and control
- Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Medical Director, NTLP Manager
- Collaborate with the PMDT Advisor at PIH to provide coordinated assistance to the MDR-TB program
- Work with local partners on PMDT related issues
- Contribute to the development and formulation of approaches and positions regarding PMDT in the framework of comprehensive TB control
Driver/ Administrative Assistant
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Administrative secretary in the National TB Program the driver / Admindtrative Assistant will be responsible to transport the NTLP staff and the SATBHSS project staff to all areas of work and assist with administrative work and clerical services for Project implantation unit.
Scope of Work
- Management of staff leaves for all project staff by keeping up to date records(Leave register)
- Logistical Management of all necessary stationary and consumables by making sure procurement is always timely and efficiently distributed
- Mainitance of mail register for incoming and outgoing correspondences internal and external
- Filling of documents, Memos, contracts and leave forms
- Ensure there are efficient and functional office equipment and management in terms of servicing and contract management
- Responsible for photocopying when necessary
- To transport NTLP and project staff in a safe and efficient manner at all times, through strict adherence with specified driver schedule and timetables and all statutory driving regulations.
- Check safety of vehicles on daily basis by checking tyres, fuel and faults that can be managed.
- Update log books of vehicle on daily basis for proper recording of mileage and ensures that all journeys are properly authorized.
- Secure vehicles’ equipment and ensure that the vehicle is securely parked with locking devices at all times.
- Ensure that the vehicle assigned to him is regularly maintained and serviced.
- Maintain an extremely high level of personal hygiene and appearance at all times, as well as maintain vehicle in an excellent state of cleanliness at all times.
- Deliver and collect messages and documentation as requested by office in order to support efficient daily operations of the office.
- To assist in the production of documents and photocopying when required.
- To assist administrative Secretary with registering and dispatching of letters/documents.
- Perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.
Qualifications
- Diploma in Business administration
- At least one year office work experience
- At least two years’ experience as a driver
- Be able to speak and write English
- The applicant should be a law abiding and respectful person
- The incumbent should have a minimum knowledge of personal hygiene and should have an understanding of cleanliness towards him/herself and the vehicle
- Should be prepared to work long hours, over weekends and holidays whenever necessary.
Required Competencies
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following competencies:
- Communication: Regular and timely clear written and verbal communication with relevant department and strong interpersonal skills
- Fluency in English and Sesotho
- Quality oriented, Problem solver, Attention to detail
Compensation:
A competitive salary will be offered as per Kingdom of Lesotho norms for public officers and World Bank guidelines
Interested and suitability qualified candidates should forward their applications personally or electronically indicating the advertisement and position on the subject line of letter and envelope together with detailed curriculum vitae indicating work experience, current remuneration and copies of testimonials (day time telephone contacts, names and telephone contacts of 3 referees to reach the undersigned not later than April 7, 2017) to:
Procurement Manager
Procurement Unit
Ground Floor, Room G03
Ministry of Health
Corner Constitution & Linare Roads
Kingdom of Lesotho
Further information can be obtained from the following during office hours [08h00 to 16h30 local time]:Procurement Manager
Procurement Unit
Ground Floor, Room G03
Ministry of Health
Corner Constitution & Linare Roads
Kingdom of Lesotho
boopanentai@gmail.com, rangoananam@yahoo.co.uk and qlejota@gmail.com
Only shortlisted and successful candidates will be contacted.
