Point of Care Advisor || University of Zimbabwe – Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC)

DUE: 26 SEP 2024

University of Zimbabwe – Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC)
VACANT POST – POINT OF CARE ADVISOR

University of Zimbabwe – Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC) is seeking suitably trained,
competent, talented, multi-task and qualified Point of Care Advisor. Position is based 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 comorbidities 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 center
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 Child Care
(MOHCC). The LSS program will enhance access to high quality testing towards achievement of
the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals.

Qualifications and Experience
• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences from a recognized university.
• A Master’s degree in laboratory medicine or related field.
• Specialty training or prior experience with POCT preferred.
• Certification in Medical Laboratory Quality Management System (ISO15189/SLMTA or
equivalent) is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated experience building the Point of Care Testing (POCT) capacity of national
governments and peripheral health systems.
• Knowledge of ISO 15189 standards, and experience in supporting Rapid Testing Continuous
Quality Improvements (RTCQI)
• At least 5 years’ experience in a similar role and settings.
• Work experience in HIV Viral Load scale-up, EID and TB testing, laboratory systems
strengthening, laboratory QMS and Clinic Laboratory Interface (CLI) implementation in
related/similar setting is required.
• Prior experience in training, mentoring, and supervision of laboratory professionals.
• Fully registered with the Medical Laboratory & Clinical Scientists Council of Zimbabwe.
(MLCSCZ)
• Knowledge and Skills
• Dedicated team player with excellent interpersonal, communication, report writing and analytical
skills both qualitative and quantitative using appropriate data analysis tools.
• Fluent English oral and written communication skills.
• Computer literacy is required.
• Ability to exhibit professionalism and high ethical standards.
• Excellent organizational skills including the ability to multitask.

Responsibilities
• Provide technical assistance to MOHCC to coordinate, consolidate, and improve integrated
testing on POCT for diagnosis and monitoring of HIV, TB and related diseases.
• Work directly with the Directorate of Laboratory services to ensure access to POCT, including
strengthening courier systems for both HIV and TB specimens.
• Assist the MoHCC to implement a LIMS which is linked to or interfaced with POCT laboratory
data systems within the facilities and connected to a central laboratory data repository.
• Support the Directorate of Laboratory Services to conduct onsite certification of testers and
facilities through onsite capacity building activities.
• Evaluate and monitors POCT systems to ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practice
• Ensure all RTCQI activities at district and province level are well coordinated in collaboration with
Provincial and District mentors.
• Work in collaboration with other stakeholders and partners to plan and facilitate periodic learning
sessions as part of RTCQI/CLI and POCT implementation.
• Supervision of RTCQI/CLI Provincial Officers to ensure program deliverables as provided in the
workplan are met.
• Collaborate with POCT equipment suppliers to ensures uninterrupted service.
• Attend RTCQI/CLI and POCT meetings such as Technical Working Group (TWG) meetings for
engagement with relevant stakeholders.
• Attend Provincial and District RTCQI/CLI and POCT meetings to address bottle necks in the
implementation of the program and visit selected facilities and HIV testing points that may need
support.
• Provide VL testing cascade graphics and related data analytics based on the cohort approach for
real time decision making.
• Work closely with CQI, LIMS and IST components of the project to make sure all RTCQI/CLI and
POCT activities are well coordinated with other pillars of the program.
• To review weekly, monthly, and quarterly data to derive useful insights and implement preventive
and corrective actions.
• To ensure an EQA calendar is developed and implemented for all EQA/PT schemes for clinical
testing points, District, Provincial and National testing labs for HIV and TB tests.
• To work closely with NMRL and ensure EQA/PT schemes are provided for HIV and recency,
Syphilis, Hepatitis RDT PT to all testers at health facilities PEPFAR supported Districts.
• To ensure EQA/PT results are analyzed on time and reported to testers and health facilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior program manager.

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.