District Laboratory Support Scientist at PACT

Job Description

Pact Overview

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. The promise of a healthy life. Of a decent livelihood. Of sustainable natural resources that benefit communities. Now more than ever in its 42 -year history, Pact is helping millions of people who are poor and marginalized discover and build their own solutions and take ownership over their future.

Pact enables systemic solutions that allow those who are poor and marginalized to earn a dignified living, be healthy, and take part in the benefits that nature provides. Pact accomplishes this by strengthening local capacity, forging effective governance systems, and transforming markets into a force for development.

Department Overview

Pact, a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC, is implementing a USAID-funded project, USAID/Zambia Integrated Health Activity (ZIH)contract. ZIH is supporting the USAID and PEPFAR objectives of 95/95/95 and providing service delivery and technical assistance to improve Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (RNMCH) and Family Planning & Reproductive Health (FP/RH) services. USAID ZIHA will improve, sustain, and further integrate HIV/AIDS, MNCH and FP/RH services at the health facility and community levels and ensure that client-centered, high-impact, high-quality services are available to all Zambians. Pact has an immediate need for highly competent country citizens to fill this position.

Job Summary

The purpose of this job is to facilitate VL EID sample courier services in the catchment Hub and associated satellites. It involves; sample collections, sorting, separation register completing including eLab management processes, refrigeration, cold chain maintenance in transit, results sorting and results delivery to facilities in order. VL Demand creation and process management at each facility including supporting and reporting back Laboratory Quality Management aspects as noticed on the ground. Also, the Job will involve but not limited to Equipment functionality and updating of potential sites requiring VL associated Equipment such as Centrifuges, fridges and MoH approved analyzers. The District Laboratory Support Scientist will be critical members of ART teams in the districts, health facilities and communities. The incumbent, who must be fully registered with the Health Professions Council of Zambia, will report to the Provincial Laboratory Manager at the Region

Key Responsibilities

Provide visibility and Strengthen laboratory services in all USAIDZIH supported health facilities within the Hub Catchment area.
Work with other partners to ensure that the GRZ agenda on VL EID laboratory services in the catchment area is promoted.
Conduct sample collections, sorting, separation, register entering, results sorting and delivery.
Be part of the Hub Catchment VL demand creation team and ensure facilities have the necessary supplies and registers needed for VL/EID services.
Ensure that all clients due for VL /EID are not being missed by the facilities.
Ensure that laboratory equipment is always in good working condition in all USAIDZIH supported facilities within the Hub Catchment
Facilitating support to VL associated SOPs for sample collections, transportation and storage.
Working closely with GRZ counterparts at District Hub level to implement and strengthen the sample referral system in place.
Provide regular feedback to the Provincial Laboratory Services Manager and local supervisor teams.
Work with the GRZ counterpart to plan and organize stock adjustments to avert stock outs of essential laboratory commodities.
Ensure that motorbikes carry out courier services in line with planned routes.

Basic Requirements

Experience: 4 years plus
Education Level: Degree/Diploma
Qualifications: Degree/Diploma in Biomedical Sciences
Software: MS Office
Knowledge Of: Zambia consolidated guidelines in ART management
Skills To: Good oral and documentation communication skills
Ability To: Work effectively with GRZ through DHOs and health facilities.
Other Requirements: Must be registered with the Health Professions Council of Zambia and a Member of the Biomedical Society of Zambia

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, citizenship status, genetic information, matriculation, family responsibilities, personal appearance, credit information, tobacco use (except in the workplace), membership in an employee organization, or other protected classifications or non-merit factors.

Interested and Qualified candidates should send their application letter and CV to [email protected] indicating the Job Title in the Subject line on or before the due date 31 March 2024.