University of Zimbabwe - Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC)
DUE: 26 SEP 2024
University of Zimbabwe – Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC)
Vacant Position – Laboratory Surveillance Advisor (x 1)
The University of Zimbabwe – Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC) is seeking a suitably
trained, competent, talented, multi-task and qualified Laboratory Surveillance Advisor based at
UZ-CTRC in Harare. UZ-CTRC was established in 1994 and has conducted high impact
observational studies, implementation studies and Phase I-IV clinical trials in HIV, TB, COVID -19
and associated co-morbidities funded by National Institute of Allery and Infectious Diseases, AIDS
Malignancy Consortium, Bill, and Melinda Gates Foundation among others. UZ-CTRC has served
as a centre of excellence in the prevention and control of HIV and AIDS and have contributed to
global understanding of HIV epidemiology and pathogenesis, global and Zimbabwean health
policy, by providing scientific evidence through our highly equipped and resourced network of
laboratories that operate in strict compliance with International best practices guided by GCLP
and ISO 15189 standard.
UZ-CTRC is implementing a US Center for Disease Control and Prevention-US President’s
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (CDC-PEPFAR) funded Laboratory Systems Strengthening (LSS)
program in Zimbabwe from 2023 to 2026 supporting the Ministry of Health and Childcare
(MOHCC). The LSS program will enhance access to high quality testing towards achievement of
the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals.
Purpose of the Position
To provide technical advice and support to the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC)
laboratory network’s infectious diseases surveillance systems (HIV, TB, influenza, emerging dangerous
pathogens and public health laboratory networks) in the context of IDSR and IHR. Under the overall
guidance and supervision of Senior Program Manager, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Health
and Child Care Laboratory Surveillance Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) activities in the country, particularly the HIV drug resistance, biorepository and
other laboratory related surveillance activities, supporting the strengthening of laboratory networks,
developing documentation on laboratory quality management systems and biosecurity/biosafety.
Education (Qualifications):
• Essential: Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or equivalent with post graduate training in
microbiology or related science.
• Desirable: Master’ level degree in public health or epidemiology
Experience:
• Essential: At least 10 years’ experience of practical and operational application and
management of laboratory services,
• Experience in planning and implementing laboratory trainings at national and regional levels.
• Desirable: Experience in disease surveillance prevention and control at national and/or
international level. Experience of working with the Ministry of Health and Child Care would be an
asset.
• Experience in evaluating novel diagnostics assays for emergency use authorization during
outbreak response.
Skills:
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, Power Point, etc)
Functional Skills and Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge and skills in:
• Surveillance and monitoring systems
• Epidemiological or statistical data collection, assessment, analysis, and evaluation in a public
health context
• Epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response, with emphasis on all-hazard approach,
event-based and indicator-based surveillance, descriptive epidemiology, and principles of
public health in communicable disease surveillance and response
Strong knowledge of:
• Infectious diseases, including HIV, TB, influenza, and emerging dangerous pathogens.
• Infectious disease control from a public health perspective
• Competency and knowledge in:
• Biosafety standards, methodology, and techniques, including molecular biology, virology,
bacteriology, and biosafety.
• Quality Assurance Systems for laboratories
Demonstrated abilities:
• Work under pressure to make decisions, elaborate strategies, and organize priorities under
tight deadlines.
• Coordinate activities and undertake multiple tasks.
• Strong analytical skills and good judgment including use of advanced Data analysis software
such as R, Stata.
• Knowledge of PowerBI.
• Sense of prioritization and attention to detail
• Discretion and tact in handling and preserving confidential information.
• Liaise with people at all levels and proactively search for information.
• Self-motivated, flexible, able to innovate, and professional commitment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to negotiate and convince officials with tact and
diplomacy.
• Write clearly and concisely, with strong presentation skills.
• Work in a multi-disciplinary environment.
Responsibilities
• Support the development of norms, standards, polices, plans, guidelines, and other laboratory
tools for laboratory performance in the frameworks of disease surveillance and response.
• Support the expansion of national laboratory networks (TB, HIV, diarrhoeal diseases, influenza
laboratory network, emerging dangerous pathogen network and national reference public health
laboratory networks) for disease surveillance and response.
• Support the implementation of the laboratory component of country plans on antimicrobial
resistance such as the CADRE HIV drug resistance survey.
• Coordinate laboratory training courses and meetings in liaison with public health laboratory
networks and prevention, detection, preparedness, and response activities.
• Strengthen laboratory quality management systems through documentation of best practices and
trainings.
• Support strengthening of the national sample biorepository as part of laboratory surveillance.
• Coordinate support to the MOHCC in strengthening biosafety and biosecurity including proper
handling of specimens with the aim of improving country capacity and capability in bio-risk
reduction and containment of highly infectious pathogens.
• Promote collaboration between public and animal health laboratories in the framework of the One
Health Concept in collaboration with other partners.
• Provide technical assistance to MOHCC for genomic sequencing and detection of emerging
pathogens of public health significance.
• Conduct real-time surveillance data analyses (including genomic sequencing data) for epidemic
forecasting and detection in liaison with the Directorate of Laboratory Services.
• Participate in regular laboratory site visits and meetings to assess and evaluate the
implementation of surveillance activities, identify gaps, and recommend corrective actions based
on key performance indicators.
• Support analysis and dissemination of scientific information and knowledge based on surveillance
data.
• Oversee updating and maintaining the related reporting and information systems, documenting
the response and laboratory strengthening activities, as and when required.
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the supervisors.
TO APPLY
Interested candidates should forward applications and detailed curriculum vitae to the below
email address not later than 26 September 2024: –
[email protected]
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Canvassing candidates will be disqualified.