Institute COVID-19 National Reference laboratory Coordinator – Uganda Virus Research Institute

Job Title: Institute COVID-19 National Reference laboratory Coordinator

Reports to: Director, Uganda Virus Research Institute

Background:

Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) was designated as the Uganda SARS-CoV2 COVID-19 National Diagnostic Reference Laboratory. In this role, UVRI as a National Reference lab is expected to provide leadership in building and supporting the necessary laboratory and diagnostic capacity for adequate detection of and response to COVID-19 for the country.

Well as some roles will need UVRI implementation, others will be coordination and ensuring that all the key players continue to make their contributions, are adequately recognized, and supported in their roles. Furthermore, other new players will continue to be brought on board.

In addition, a SARS-CoV2/COVID-19 laboratory Quality Assurance Committee has been set up to assess and verify/approve laboratories to conduct SARSCoV2/COVID-19 testing and to ensure Quality Assurance among SARS CoV2/COVID-19 testing laboratories. The committee will need support in meeting its mandate.

In order to fulfill these roles, UVRI is recruiting a coordinator who will be a public health professional with a laboratory background and management experience, who will be responsible for coordinating the National Laboratory Reference activities in the country on behalf of UVRI. He will provide oversight and ensure the reference laboratory terms of reference are met and support the Quality Assurance Committee in its duties.

Core Duties:

1. Coordination and supervision

• Coordinates and takes charge of regular UVRI stakeholders COVID-19 meetings including taking minutes.

• Attends key meetings as a representative of the National Reference Laboratory to give updates on these activities and to report back to UVRI.

• Coordinates the different stakeholders involved in SARSCoV-2 testing ensuring they are updated on testing algorithms and quality assurance activities and ensure testing is based on validated and approved kits and platforms.

• Coordinates laboratory assessments and accreditations

• Works with stakeholders to coordinate capacity building of COVID-19 testing laboratories.

2. Program management

• Serves as COVID-19 testing subject matter expert, interpreting policies and guidelines, and ensuring testing activities are conducted in accordance with standardized practices.

• Reviews data to quantify productivity, timeliness, and compliance of with testing guidelines.

• Communicates with others who are responsible for different aspects of the pandemic response to ensure seamless integration of activities.

• Prepares periodic national testing performance reports and assay validation reports.

• Present reports to management and other decision-makers

• Recommend changes and improvements based on research findings.

3. Health Education

• Provides scientifically accurate information about COVID-19 testing to community.

4. Quality Assurance and Coordination

• Ensures that responsibilities of the Quality Management Committee are followed up and reports written.

Qualifications:

• Postgraduate degree (MSc) in a laboratory related field
• Public Health / Epidemiology related qualifications will be an added
advantage.

Experience:

• Considerable experience in laboratory techniques especially molecular virology
• Experience working with public health data systems.
• Knowledge of COVID-19 and the management of the public health response to emerging infections preferred.
• 7+ years’ experience working on public health projects with good data analysis or evaluation components.
• Experience working with public health donors.
• Exceptional planning and project management skills
• Capacity building skills and experience, with the ability to work with outside partners/stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and be self-directed, detail-oriented and with a positive attitude.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office suite (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Able to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently.
• Effective problem-solving skills to devise and enact solutions.

Additional Information.

UVRI is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications
from all sections of the Community. Salary and other benefits will be based on UVRI project management scales.

How to Apply:

All Application letters should be addressed and submitted to the Director, Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49 Entebbe not later than 23/4/2021 5:00 pm. Candidates are requested to attach, certified copies of academic and professional documents, curriculum vitae and names, email addresses and telephone contact details of two (2) professional referees, via email mkatusabe@uvri.go.ug and copy to Director@uvri.go.ug.