Quality Assurance and Biomedical Security Lead

Founded in 1807, The University of Maryland, Baltimore , (also known as the University of Maryland or UMB ) comprises of some of the oldest professional schools including school of dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy, social work and nursing in the United States.

UMB works around the world to enhance capacity of governments, Regional and District Health Management Teams to improve the quality of health services through targeted technical assistance, systems development and institutionalization of quality improvement initiatives. In Tanzania, UMB works through its affiliate, Maryland Global Initiatives Tanzania (MGIT) a not for profit organization.

Program description

The Quality Assurance and Biomedical Security Lead will provide oversight and technical assistance for all NPHL supported laboratories undergoing SLMTA/SLIPTA as well as maintenance of accreditation in all ISO Certified Laboratories including the national equipment calibration center of excellence. This position will support development of policies and provide technical leadership in healthcare waste management (HCWM), injection safety (IS), infection prevention and control (IPC), blood safety (BS), biosafety biosecurity (BB) and occupational safety and health (OSH). S/he will be expected to work closely with all program staff in providing technical guidance and capacity building to National TOTs on implementation of the various guidelines relating to safety.

• Support QMS teams to maintain ISO certification VL/EID labs including the coordination role of the National HIV Reference Laboratory.
• Support the QMS team at the National TB Reference Laboratory (NTRL) to maintain ISO certification as well as GeneXpert service in collaboration with the NPHLS QA office
• Work closely with the NPHLS QA office to ensure QMS activities are aligned to the NPHLS strategic plan and M&E framework
• Build capacity of QA teams at NPHL in implementation of ISO 17043 for the integrated EQA program
• Provide TA to national QMS teams to prepare quarterly QMS progress reports
• Support integration initiatives of EQA program for all tests (framework, networks, notification, and information)
• Support optimal utilization of QMS data/information in improving coverage, efficiency and performance on EQA for HIV/TB core tests as well as provision of quality HIV/TB diagnostic services
• Represent the program at relevant Quality Management Systems forums such as RRI
• Work in collaboration with the relevant MOH departments to develop/review/update and dissemination of policies for Blood safety, Infection Prevention and Control, Injection Safety, Healthcare waste management as well as the Biosafety Biosecurity office to sustain best practices both at national and county level.
• In collaboration with MoH coordinate the training of HCWM on IS,IPC, BB as well maintaining the national training database

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory sciences or Biomedical Sciences or other relevant field from a recognized University. Individuals with a Master’s degree will have an added advantage. Minimum of 5 years’ experience in design and implementation of laboratory Quality Management Systems in reputable laboratories.  Demonstrated experience in implementation of quality management systems including, ISO 15189, ISO 17043 and ISO17025.

Instructions for Submitting Applications:

·       All applications should be submitted electronically.

·       Applications should include 3 references that are familiar with applicant’s work experience. References should include contact information including daytime phone, and e-mail address.

·       All applications should include a cover letter that details one’s suitability for the job highlighting key functional areas, expected qualifications, and experiences.

·       Candidates should attach a CV/Resume that highlights one’s key achievements in areas relevant to the job.

·       Job related stated qualifications and experience are the basic minimum requirements that each applicant must meet to be considered for interviewing.

·       All applicants should include daytime phone and email contact information.

·         Deadline for application is 20th January 2023 at 5:00PM EAT. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.