JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:         Biosafety & Biosecurity Technical Advisor

Reports to:      Senior Laboratory Technical Advisor

Program:         Implementation of Sustainable Laboratory Quality Systems for HIV/TB

Epidemic Control in the Republic of Kenya under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

Location:         Nairobi

About FHI 360:

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of: Biosafety & Biosecurity Technical Advisor for an anticipated multiyear project to provide technical assistance (TA) to the Kenya Ministry of Health (MOH) Division of National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL) National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), and  relevant county Health departments to strengthen HIV/TB laboratory systems and the provision of safe and adequate blood supplies to over 3,000 public health facilities offering antiretroviral therapy (ART) services and the HIV/TB national referral laboratories.

Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project and the selection of the final applicant is subject to donor approval.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position will be responsible for all program biosafety and biosecurity activities. S/he will be expected to work closely with all program staff, and in particular with the Senior Laboratory Technical Advisor to provide technical guidance and capacity building to county staff on implementation of the various guidelines relating to safety. S/he will coordinate the training of facility-based staff on injection safety, infection prevention and control, waste management

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Taking the lead in technical advice on injection safety and infection prevention and control at the county, sub-county and facility level as may be necessary.

Developing, organizing and delivering training of healthcare workers on safe phlebotomy practices

Providing coaching and supportive supervision as may be required from time to time.

Provide technical assistance to the MOH for revision of biosafety/biosecurity guidelines

Work with the county and facilities to promote and implement IPC/Injection safety, OSH and waste management guidelines.

Providing technical support to counties in organizing and implementing waste disposal networks.

Liaising with the facility Health Safety and Environment office and other regulatory authorities on matters of injection safety, infection control and waste management.

Mentorship and participation in laboratory safety and biosafety audits in health facilities under the program as well as provide technical assistance to address issues identified.

Development of tools for mentoring laboratory personnel in implementation of biosafety and biosecurity guidelines.

Participating in biosafety training of healthcare workers as may be required.

Liaising with the county laboratory coordinator, public health officer at county and sub-county level on implementation of the biosafety policies and waste management.

Support implementation, reporting for occupational exposure incidents and surveillance of post-exposure prophylaxis.

Advocate for the uptake and documentation of Hepatitis B vaccination for all health workers.

Developing and maintaining written policies and procedures as required by regulatory agencies and the facility.

Supporting establishment and functioning of IPC/safety/biosafety committees that are comprehensive and address all aspects of safety at facility level including prevention of blood borne pathogen transmission and TB infection control.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Degree in biological science or laboratory sciences within a clinical or diagnostic discipline with 5-7 years of relevant experience or Higher National Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology or equivalent with 7-9 years of experience.
• At least two years’ experience working within biosafety and biosecurity framework. Must be knowledgeable in laboratory practice, occupational health and safety, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC).
• At least four years related work experience within a clinical or research laboratory including experience with quality management systems and implementation as well as SLMTA/SLIPTA.
• Ability and aptitude to provide laboratory technical assistance, capacity building services and to perform quality assurance assessments against accepted national and international standards and regulations.
• Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills including experience in training and mentoring staff and others.

Travel Requirements:

Up to 50% within Kenya

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefit package. Please click here to visit FHI 360’s Career Center for a list of all open positions.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. FHI 360 is an equal employment and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law.

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

Please click here to continue searching FHI 360’s Career Portal.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. FHI 360 is an equal employment and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law.