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Ethiopia - Laboratory Specialist
Scope of Work (also available in PDF format)
Country: Ethiopia
Placement site: Addis Ababa, with frequent travel to ART sites around the country
Assignment Title: Laboratory Specialist
Assignment Code: ETH-016
Length of assignment: 6 months – 1 year
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 with Johns Hopkins University's Technical Support for the Ethiopia HIV/AIDS ART Initiative (JHU-TSEHAI), primarily at the TB laboratory at St. Peters Specialized Hospital, but also in TB laboratories at other TB/HIV sites supported by JHU.
Volunteer assignment:
The volunteer will work with JHU-TSEHAI to fulfill the goals and targets of the JHU laboratory support services work plan, specifically focused on creating a TB demonstration site at the St. Peters Specialized Hospital and overseeing TB diagnostics and quality control. The volunteer will spend a period of time becoming acquainted with the Ethiopian HIV laboratory system, including HIV diagnostics for resource-limited settings (CD4, hematology, and chemistry), OI diagnostics, and TB microscopy and sensitivity testing. The volunteer will work within the JHU and Ministry of Health structure to assess the current regional lab capabilities related to TB diagnosis, external and internal quality control systems, and capacity to improve and increase activities. The volunteer will then train personnel on Good Lab Practices, use standard operating procedures (SOPs) provided by the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (ENHRI), and investigate expansion of TB lab services. In particular, the volunteer will assess the TB microscopy at St. Peters and propose interventions to improve with fluoroscopy. S/he will work with the St. Peter's Hospital and bio-engineers to set up the TB culture and sensitivity lab, test algorithms, and develop systems to improve access to this important testing.
Length of the assignment: 6 months – 1 year
Name and title of supervisor: TBD
Name and title of counterpart: TBD
Volunteer Qualifications:
Required:
- PhD or MD
- 2 or more years TB diagnostic experience, including knowledge of P3 labs and setting up a P3 lab for TB culture and sensitivity, and TB lab quality assurance
Preferred:
- Experience working in resource-limited settings
- Flexible and willing to travel
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OBJECTIVE OF THE VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT |
The volunteer will work with the JHU-TSEHAI clinical and laboratory team to implement the TB specific laboratory work plan, in particular to improve TB diagnostics for TB/HIV patients at all ART sites. S/he will be involved in the initiation of quality control systems for TB/HIV labs.
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ACTIVITIES OF THE VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT |
Volunteer activities:
- Improve TB diagnostics at national TB lab
- Assist with set up of the P3 lab, set up TB culture and sensitivity testing; train other laboratory technicians on methods
- Improve screening for MDR-TB
- Plan with JHU and the Ministry of Health regarding regional TB lab activities and plans
- Participate in the training and education of laboratorians on TB diagnostics and quality control
- Provide direct clinical mentorship to laboratorians at St. Peters TB Lab
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EXPECTED OUTCOMES OF THE VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT |
Expected Outcomes:
- Improved standards of TB diagnostics at St. Peters Specialized Hospital
- Introduction of culture and sensitivity for TB at St. Peters
- Introduction of Quality Assurance systems for TB diagnostics for all ART sites
- Training of 50 lab personnel in improved TB diagnostics
Deliverables:
- Organizational assessment of the placement sites
- Needs assessment
- Regular reports documenting progress toward objectives in action plan, and documentation of training, consultation, and mentorship provided
- Plan for follow-up
- Final report
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARTICIPATING STAKEHOLDERS |
Volunteer:
- Perform as a member of the JHU-TSEHAI clinical and training team; the volunteer will 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 JHU-TSEHAI regarding accomplishments and challenges in the field and will work with JHU to improve quality of laboratory systems
- 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
Placement organization/institution (JHU-TSEHAI):
- Provide the volunteer with detailed TB laboratory work plan and with the incumbent adapt the plan to 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
- Provide resources necessary for the volunteer to carry out assignment successfully
- Identify a placement site for the volunteer to ensure sustainability of volunteer activities
- Submit performance assessment reports on the volunteer to the Twinning Center
AIHA Twinning Center:
- 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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