Consultant for Support of Laboratory Strengthening in Tanzania

American Society for Microbiology (ASM) International Affairs’ Global Laboratory Strengthening Program (LabCap) Program Seeks Consultant for Support of Laboratory Strengthening in Tanzania

In Tanzania, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-Tanzania and the Tanzanian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW), ASM has been asked to strengthen microbiology services for the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS-related opportunistic infections and other infectious diseases.

ASM LabCap is seeking a qualified clinical microbiologist to work as a consultant in Tanzania. The purpose of this consultancy is to provide coordination and some technical support to ASM’s microbiology capacity building programs in Tanzania under the guidance of the ASM Senior Program Specialist (SPS) who manages ASM’s Tanzania program and is based at ASM headquarters in Washington, DC.

The consultancy will be based in Dar es Salaam for a period of at least six months, start date to be determined. Local travel may be required.

The responsibilities of a consultant may include, but are not limited, to the following:
Technical Support (40%)
• Providing in-country oversight of the regional mentoring program. Coordinate and support the mentoring activities
• Conducting monitoring visits to sites receiving mentorship support (frequency to be determined)
• Providing onsite technical support (bench training) to the clinical laboratory network to introduce/improve testing procedures and quality management systems as needed in the areas of bacteriology and mycology
• Assisting with customization of existing mentor materials for microbiology or creation new materials as needed
• Participating in training efforts for development of new local mentors in coordination with ASM consultants.
• Advancing project objectives and identify needs through advocacy and diplomatic skills to further define and adjust workplans.

Administrative Support (60%)
• Assisting with the development and organization of ASM meetings, workshops, and quality assurance programs for clinical microbiology services. Provide logistical support for procurement of required supplies and travel arrangements. Participate in the aforementioned activities.
• Planning and logistics for arrangement of conference calls
• Serving as ASM representative during CDC or partner-organized in-country trainings or select meetings on the behalf of the SPS
• Assisting ASM with in-country communication
• Assisting other ASM consultants in-country (these other consultants will lead their respective projects)
• Assisting with preparation of local progress and evaluation reports
• Assisting with the monitoring of program expenses
• Reporting progress to ASM. Submit reports according to a pre-established plan e.g. weekly and respond to ad hoc reporting needs.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, Microbiology, Biology or other related science (Master’s degree preferred) or Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) with Laboratory Medicine training
• Fluency in oral and written English
• Work experience in resource-limited countries, preferably with an in depth knowledge of the Tanzanian microbiology laboratory network.


• Minimum three years of experience working in a clinical hospital or public health laboratory
• Experience in the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS-related microbial opportunistic infections, including media preparation, specimen collection/transport, specimen processing, microscopy, culture, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing
• Experience with the implementation of laboratory quality management systems including biosafety, equipment maintenance, purchasing/inventory, document control, reporting, quality assurance (internal quality control and external quality assessment), and personnel (workflow, competency assessment)
• Knowledge of international laboratory standards and accreditation, including ISO 15189 and SLIPTA
• Experience with bench training of technical staff
• Proven ability to work in a team environment and strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Computer skills, primarily MS Office
• Valid passport
• Registration with Tanzanian Health Laboratory Professionals Board

Compensation:
Monthly consulting rate to be negotiated. Work-related travel costs to be reimbursed. Position not eligible for benefits.

To Apply: 
Submit a cover letter and a detailed CV by email (with “Consultant Tanzania” as subject) to labcap@asmusa.org. Please explain your interest in the position, what you can bring to the job and names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three references who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. Position closes April 30, 2013.