THPS is an indigenous NGO established under nongovernmental organization act No 24 of 2002 as part of partnership framework implementation plan between the USG and the Government of Tanzania which calls for an uninterrupted transition of PEPFAR funded HIV and AIDS programs into local entities. THPS works in partnership with the Ministries of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children and Regional Administration and local government (PMORALG) with a goal of ensuring accessible high quality health care services to Tanzania's through establishment and strengthening of comprehensive family-focused HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care and Treatment services in Pwani region, Kigoma region and Zanzibar. This is a continuation of the PEPFAR funded broader US Government HIV/AIDS initiatives through Centre for Disease Control Tanzania (CDC) in Tanzania. As CDC prime awardee; THPS is currently seeking committed and motivated Tanzanians to fill in the following position.

POSITION TITLE: National EID Laboratory Mentor

REPORTS TO: Senior Technical Advisor – Laboratory Services

DUTY STATION: Ministry of Health Community Development Gender Elderly and Children – Dar es Salaam

OVERALL JOB FUNCTION

To strengthen the national early infant diagnosis (EID) program in ensuring the laboratory support services for diagnosis of HIV among HIV exposed infants are well coordinated and implemented. To provide technical assistance in the implementation of high-quality laboratory services to improve the performance of the national EID program.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Work closely with Regional and District Laboratory Technologists to support and ensure availability of EID supplies; DBS test kits, supplies, registers and other relevant tools and documents

· Support establishment/strengthening sustainable EID services at regional and district levels and ensure availability of Dried Blood Spot (DBS) sample collection kits and proper sample transportation and return of test result system.

· Provide mentorship to health facility laboratory staff to ensure they perform HIV testing in accordance with National HIV testing algorithms and Quality Assurance requirements

· Establish/strengthening laboratory service for HIV positive pregnant women for disease staging and monitoring treatment efficacy, monitoring ARV toxicity and tests for standard of care (Hb, STI, and opportunistic infections).

· Provide mentorship and TA as required to EID testing laboratory staff in the country.

· Work closely with and provide support to other central level programs and departments; MSD, NACP, PMTCT/RCH to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential supplies for EID services.

· Support strengthening linkage between RCH/PMTCT section and laboratory section at regional and district levels

· Participate in EID data collection, prepare and share technical reports to relevant stakeholders to inform EID program improvements needed

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

· Holder of a minimum of BSc in Medical Laboratory Science from a recognized university

· At least three years experience of working in the laboratory area related to HIV/AIDS testing; diagnosis and monitoring and PMTCT/RCH services.

· Knowledge of national guidelines for prevention of Mother to Child Transmission is an added advantage.

· Ability to work in the field conditions with minimum supervision

· Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Kiswahili

· Basic computer skills with minimum of Microsoft word, powerpoint, and excel

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants should apply through THPS website (www.thps.or.tz) using vacancy link located under career opportunities, attaching their application cover letter one-page maximum and CV four pages maximum by SEPTEMBER 22nd 2017 with a subject line, for example, NATIONAL EID LABORATORY MENTOR. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Please do not attach any certificates when submitting online. THPS is an equal opportunity employer; women and people living with HIV/AIDS are encouraged to apply.