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Ethiopia - HIV Laboratory Expert
Scope of Work (also available in PDF format)
Country: Ethiopia
Placement site: Addis Ababa, with frequent travel to other locations as needed
Assignment Title: HIV Laboratory Expert
Assignment Code: ETH-010
Length of assignment: six months to one year (full time)
For additional information, please view our PowerPoint presentation, “Ethiopian Diaspora Volunteer Program: Strengthening the Ties with the Ethiopian Diaspora to Fight HIV/AIDS”. Also refer to NEPID.org for additional information.
OVERVIEW OF VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT |
In-country placement site:
The volunteer will work primarily with the University of Washington I-TECH program centered in Addis Ababa, as well as at the Bahir Dar, Dessie, and Mekele regional laboratories. S/he will also be involved in coordination and supportive site supervision in Amhara and Tigray regions as required. There will be opportunities to review the site placement throughout the volunteer period to ensure an optimal experience for the volunteer.
Volunteer assignment:
The volunteer will work with I-TECH to fulfill the goals and targets of the I-TECH laboratory support services work plan. S/he will become acquainted with the Ethiopian HIV laboratory system, including CD4, hematology, chemistry, and other HIV diagnostics used in resource-limited settings along with OI diagnostics and TB microscopy and sensitivity testing. The volunteer will work within the I-TECH and Ministry of Health structure to assess current regional lab capabilities, help regional laboratories conduct external quality control systems in their own regions, and link and coordinate the regional laboratories with the national reference laboratory. S/he will help regional laboratories conduct training, provide support, and coordinate referral testing services, as well as assist the laboratories in developing the capacity needed to improve and increase the scope of activities. The volunteer will then train personnel on proper laboratory practices, use standard operating procedures provided by the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (ENHRI), and investigate the possible expansion of laboratory services. The volunteer will assist in the implementation of infant diagnosis at regional sites in Amhara and Tigray and coordinate equipment maintenance services.
Length of the assignment: six months to one year
Name and title of supervisor: Jack Jordan (I-TECH country director)
Name and title of counterpart: TBD
Volunteer Qualifications:
Required:
- PhD, or MD
- 1-2 years HIV/AIDS diagnostic experience
- Knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment, specifically ART and treatment adherence
- Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to develop cooperative working relationships with diverse professionals
- Ability to collaborate and work effectively with various program/project implementation partners and officials of governmental and non-governmental organizations
Preferred:
- Experience working in resource limited settings
- Flexible and willing to travel
- Knowledge of the host country’s health system and culture
- Ability to work independently with strong leadership skills
- Previous experience working in a low-resource setting
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OBJECTIVE OF THE VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT |
The volunteer will work with the I-TECH laboratory team to implement the laboratory support work plan, which includes strengthening the Bahir Dar, Mekele, and Dessie regional laboratories. These laboratories require intensive involvement and initiation of quality control systems for HIV labs including VCT sites. The regional laboratories must be linked with a regular quality assurance program in coordination with the national HIV laboratory.
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ACTIVITIES OF THE VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT |
- Review of laboratory work plan; joint planning with I-TECH, CDC-E, Ministry of Health and other partners regarding regional laboratory activities and plans
- Participate in the training and education of laboratory staff on HIV diagnostics, laboratory quality and safety, tuberculosis and OI diagnostics
- Provide direct clinical mentorship to laboratory staff at the regional laboratories
- Strengthen the regional training and quality control programs at regional laboratories
- Effectively coordinate laboratory support efforts of I-TECH in different regions
- Help coordinate infant diagnosis and referral testing services
- Coordinate evaluation of the effect of laboratory related training programs
- Play a leading role in coordinating different laboratory activities for the I-TECH laboratory team
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EXPECTED OUTCOMES OF THE VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT |
Expected Outcomes:
- Three functional Regional Laboratories with internal and external quality control systems in place
- Well established EQA program within the region and between regional laboratories and National referral laboratory
- Well coordinated laboratory support efforts in I-TECH’s implementation areas
Deliverables:
- Action plan outlining how the volunteer will contribute to implementation of the laboratory support services work plan
- Regular reports documenting progress toward objectives in action plan, and documentation of training, consultation, and mentorship provided
- Final report
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARTICIPATING STAKEHOLDERS |
Volunteer:
- Complete the scope of work in the timeframe outlined
- Complete Twinning Center’s assessment and monthly monitoring and evaluation reports
- Submit a post-assignment final report and participate in an exit interview
- Adhere to the AIHA Volunteer Standards of Conduct
- Perform as a member of the I-TECH clinical and training team and be held to similar standards of reporting, participation in training and meetings, and travel to meet the PEPFAR and USG targets related to laboratory systems
- Inform and update I-TECH regarding accomplishments and challenges in the field and work with I-TECH to improve quality of laboratory systems
Placement organization/institution:
- Provide resources necessary for the volunteer to carry out assignment successfully
- Identify a placement site(s) for the volunteer to ensure sustainability of his/her activities
- Submit performance assessment reports on the volunteer to the Twinning Center
- Provide the volunteer with detailed laboratory work plan and with the incumbent adapt the plan to his specific strengths and interests
- Develop joint plans with the Lab Support Team
- Provide timely feedback on activities and outcomes of program strengthened or established by the volunteer
AIHA Twinning Center:
- Provide resources necessary for the volunteer to carry out assignment successfully
- Conduct pre-assignment orientation and training for volunteer and placement site staff
- Provide volunteer with safe housing, monthly living allowance, medical evacuation coverage, and travel-related costs to and from placement site
- Provide ongoing support of volunteer as needed
To apply for this position, please complete the VHC Application Form.
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