Head of Laboratory

Organization Information

Reports to: Head, Medical Support Services
Directorate/Department/Organ: Medical and Health Services
Division: Medical Support Services
Number of Direct Reports: 1
Number of Indirect Reports: 1
Job Grade: P4
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Regular

Purpose of Job

To provide technical leadership for the effective management of the AU Laboratory to help in achieving the objectives of the AU.

Main Functions

•    Provides technical and intellectual support in the management of various partnerships relevant for the division and directorate;
•    Identifies best practices and monitor effectiveness of the division/directorate’s support to AU;
•    Contributes to the development of the departmental strategies and business continuity plan and participate in/ensure their implementation
•    Involved in negotiations;
•    Fosters and ensures implementation of large-scale and long-term initiatives related to strategic partnerships;
•    Supports the organization of thematic networks, consultations and meetings on development cooperation and international relations;
•    Develops training materials and provides necessary training and support to Organization Units;
•    Provides technical resource allocation and policy guidance on matters relating to system -Implementation projects and maintenance.

Specific Responsibilities

•    Verifies and releases laboratory results in a timely manner.
•    Supports Doctors in the selection of laboratory investigations in the management of patients.
•    Participates in the monitoring of response to therapy of communicable and non-communicable diseases and work with them to optimize treatment outcomes.
•    Participates in the preparation of new SOPs/ reviews existing ones for the management of specimens and procedures.
•    Ensures that all laboratory procedures are performed in accordance to the MHSD/ WHO/ other international guidelines and best practices.
•    Ensures the highest possible standards of infection prevention and control, provide a safe environment for clients and a conducive working environment for all laboratory staff.
•    Participates in the AU Medical Board in determining the necessity for medical evacuations.
•    Evaluates the periodical performance of laboratory staff, and directs the rest of the staff evaluation to be performed accordingly.
•    Ensures participation in External Quality Assurance Systems (EQAS).
•    Prepares and signs agreements with Laboratory Service Providers.
•    Prepares budget for laboratory and shares it with the Head of Division, Medical Support Services.
•    Leads the improvement of the laboratory, periodically quantify, prioritize and identify equipment and consumables for procurement.
•    Reviews and captures data of suppliers/tender documents and contracts including purchase orders, follow-up with procurement unit and suppliers for evaluation and tender awards.

•    Ensures the maintenance of all laboratory equipment as required by the manufacturer.
•    Ensures that preventative maintenance on all laboratory equipment are carried out as agreed and on schedule.
•    Continuously evaluates service provision for physicians/clients and makes recommendations for improvement where necessary.
•    Ensures that the 24 hour AU Laboratory coverage is carried out on a shift basis (for day time, night time, weekends and public holidays).
•    Contributes to training programs and workshops for continuous medical education for the laboratory and MHSD.
•    Mentors, trains and supports young Medical Graduates, Clinical attachés and Interns.
•    Participates in the development and delivery of health promotion, disease prevention and occupational Health and Safety programs of the Directorate (including HIV and AIDS in the workplace).
•    Represents the laboratory in interactions with other units/ departments within and outside the Directorate.
•    Participates in the organisation of relevant meetings, congresses and conferences with stakeholders.
•    Provides advanced problem solving, troubleshooting, interpretation, consultation, verification of specimen quality and test results.
•    Performs any other relevant duties assigned by the immediate Supervisor

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

•    Must have a Medical Degree (MD or MBBS plus BMBCh) with Ten (10) years’ post qualification work experience within a government hospital or private practice, or international organization is essential which 6 years should at expert/specialist level and 3 years at supervisor level.
•    Must currently be working in a combined clinical and laboratory role (mandatory).
•    Relevant Must be licensed to practice medicine as a Laboratory Medicine Specialist in his/her home country or country of residence, as at the time of application (mandatory).
•    Experience as head of a clinical unit, section, service or department will be an advantage.
•    Clinical specialization in one of these specialties of Pathology (Haematology, Chemical Pathology, Microbiology/ Virology, Anatomical Pathology, Parasitology) will be mandatory:

Membership/ MMED of a professional Regional College of Pathologists listed above with eight (8) years work experience in a clinical role.
OR
Fellowship of a professional Regional College of Pathologists listed above with five (6) years work experience in a clinical role.

Required Skills

•    Leadership and Management Skills
•    Knowledge and working understanding of international and regional guidelines for managing medical conditions.
•    Interpersonal and negotiation skills
•    Planning and organizational skills
•    Clinical skills.
•    Research and analytical skills
•    Ability to work in teams and in a multicultural environment
•    Knowledge and working understanding of Microsoft office suite, stock management software packages and Hospital Information Systems
•    Knowledge and working understanding of AU policies, processes and standards
•    Report writing, communication and presentation skills
•    Proficiency in one of the AU working languages, fluency in another is an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Insight ….
• Developing others ….
• Change Management….
• Managing Risk….

Core Competencies

• Building Relationship ….
• Accountable and Complies with Rules..
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence ….

Functional Competencies

• Conceptual Thinking
• Job Knowledge Sharing;
• Drive for Results
• Continuous Improvement Orientation ….