Basic Functions of Position
This position serves as the Coordinator for Laboratory Project activities under the Centers of Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) Cooperative Agreement at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) of the Ministry of Health, Kingston, Jamaica. The incumbent advises the NPHL Director and the CDC grants manager on matters relating to the development and strengthening of the tiered national public health laboratory system funded by CDC or other donor agencies. The national public health laboratory system includes the national, regional, hospital, and health center laboratories, including but not limited to HIV and HIV related network for sample referral and all aspects of national laboratory testing services and quality assurance programs in support of donor-funded activities and government priorities.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage and oversee the day-to-day activities of the Project Management Unit (PMU) related to the management and implementation of the Lab strengthening Project, including procurement, project monitoring and evaluation, progress and financial reporting.
- Under the guidance of the NPHL Director, supervise and coordinate the planning and implementation of the national lab project activities, providing proposals and liaising with the regional Labs and MOHW in developing work plans, procurement, consultancies, logistics, budgeting and disbursements.
- Within country, liaise with government departments, regional lab staff and other partner organizations and projects, including CDC/PEPFAR implementing partners to ensure good coordination and collaboration, including co-funding arrangements.
- Participate and represent the Lab as a member on the Project Steering Committee (PSC), providing periodical reports on the progress of project activities and issues arising and report to the NPHL Director and CDC grants manager;
- Develop, implement, and direct the laboratory project activities and provides leadership as it relates to the laboratory project for services and systems, these include, but are not limited to HIV (prevention, treatment and care), STIs, TB, antimicrobial resistance, and viral load testing.
- Prepare, or as appropriate supervise the preparation of, progress reports, annual reports, project completion report and other reports that may be required by the stakeholders (MOHW and CDC), within the required deadlines;
- Prepare, or as appropriate supervise the preparation of annual work plans and budgets for the Lab project components and present to the PSC for approval.
- Prepare an annual Lab Project Work Plan for submission to the MOHW and CDC and updates on a quarterly basis with explanations of any changes. The annual plan will comprise reviews of activities undertaken and/or completed, as well as proposals for national project activities to be conducted the following year (scope, specifications and timeframe and expected outputs);
- Lead the development of work plans, workshops and periodical work sessions and meetings for the Lab project to clarify the project’s objective and methodology, and monitor implementation of activities on the Scope of work (SOW) with input from NPHL Director.
- Provide overall supervision of project activities and arrange for review meetings as required. Participate in project meetings as needed to represent the Lab strengthening activities.
- Prepare the terms of reference and identify consultants/institutions to undertake national level activities in accordance with the approved annual Work Plan, and submit required documentation to the PMU, MOHW and CDC for approval.
- Manage local and foreign consultants, monitor progress on deliverables under those contracts and provide feedback as necessary, and coordination of the work of the consultants consistent with the overall project implementation plan.
- Monitor and supervise the progress of the scope of work and facilitate meetings and, as far as possible, ensure the timely and responsive delivery of outputs and reports.
- Manage and respond to communications related to Lab strengthening project activities, and provide documented updates as needed, within required deadlines
- Participate in building and implementing the detailed concept and approaches as part of the overall framework and methodology of the project.
- Any other duties.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- At least a Bachelor’s degree with Honors in a scientific discipline or suitable equivalent qualification, with 5 years relevant work experience. Direct work experience in a project management capacity would be an asset. MSc, MPH, MPhil, MBA would be an additional asset.
- Training and/or demonstrated competence in Project Management techniques and tools including proposal and report writing;
- Broad perspective and knowledge of the principles of public health laboratory programs and practice.
- Experience of having been involved in similar public health laboratory systems strengthening; working directly with government or through an implementing partner (NGO) is an asset.
- Ability to plan, organize and co-ordinate meetings and workshops;
- Proficiency in English; excellent verbal and written communications skills; ability to write clear and concise report
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills; and
- Excellent computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft suite.
Skills and Abilities:
Ability to readily analyze, understand and discuss new program design, management and implementation approaches. Demonstrated ability to identify priority actions, generate and complete work plans within required deadlines with limited supervision. Ability to problem solve and adapt to changing requirements. Demonstrated persistence, flexibility and professionalism in the face of challenges.
Supervision received:
Incumbent receives general supervision from the NPHL Director and works in collaboration with the Cooperative Agreement Project Manager to review project activities and timelines. Incumbent will work independently to provide technical consultation on laboratory program activities of ongoing or proposed public health programs related to the PEPFAR project. Incumbent should be able to work independently and advise on adjustments related to the delivery of Lab project activities, including designing technical indicators and data collection instruments, and making recommendations for project improvement, in consultation with stakeholders. The project manager, with guidance and support from NPHL Director, has to work with MOHW officials, other partners from public health agencies including HIV/AIDS, TB, and STI, parish and regional hospital laboratories, CDC/PEPFAR implementing partners and CDC staff.
Exercise of Judgement:
Must exercise sound judgement and ingenuity in developing new approaches when available guidelines are inadequate or non-existent. Must exercise sound judgement when evaluating the laboratory project to develop appropriate recommendations for improvement and to effectively coordinate and supervise Lab project activities within the overall priorities, commitments, policies and program goals of the MOHW. Must exercise sound judgement when selecting, interpreting or adapting available guidelines and current procedures.
Funding
Funding for the contracted service will be supported through the CDC Cooperative Agreement allocation to the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The CDC has committed to funding activities under the Cooperative Agreement for the next five years.
Duration
The duration of the contract will be for the period of one year. The option for renewal will be subject to the availability of additional funds from the CDC over the five years of the Cooperative Agreement.
| Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of : | |||
| Evaluation Criteria | Max. Score | Actual Score | |
| a Bachelor’s degree with Honors in a scientific discipline or suitable equivalent qualification | 20 | ||
| 5 years relevant work experience | 30 | ||
| Training and/or demonstrated competence in Project Management techniques and tools including proposal and report writing | 20 | ||
| Experience of having been involved in similar public health laboratory systems strengthening; working directly with government or through an implementing partner (NGO) | 20 | ||
| Proficiency in English; excellent verbal and written communications skills; ability to write clear and concise reports | 10 | ||
| Total Score | 100 | ||
Candidate must attain a minimum mark of 70 to be considered