The School of Allied Health Professions is looking for a motivated and dynamic individual to fill the position of Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator is the technical lead and will be responsible for implementation of several laboratory systems strengthening projects under the guidance of the PI/Program Director and the Head of School of Allied Health Professions. The incumbent will interact with key external stakeholders including but not limited to Ministry of Health, CDC Botswana, Bummhi, MOH healthcare facilities and private medical laboratories.

Specific Objectives

• Liaise with MOH national quality manager (or equivalent) on QMS training plans.
• Collaborate with MoH in SLIPTA assessments and monitoring and implementation of the SLMTA activities including other authorized bodies e.g. SADCAS
• Coordinate training of laboratory mentors in implementation of ISO 15189 in the supported sites during SLMTA and site-level project implementation.
• Coordinate Stepwise Process for Improving the Quality of HIV Rapid and Recency Testing (SPI-RRT) program.
• Engage with Ministry of Health, CDC Botswana, Bummhi and other implementing partners to garner support for program implementation and sustainability.
• Establish mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of certified testers and testing sites to ensure compliance with SPI-RRT standards, identify areas for improvement, and assess program effectiveness.
• Provide regular progress reports to program stakeholders, including funders CDC, MOH and facilities, detailing program activities, achievements, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.

Key Performance Areas

1. Coordinate training of MOH laboratory staff on SLMTA program.
2. Coordinate training of SLIPTA auditors to increase the pool of auditors.
3. Coordinate the training of SPI-RRT Auditors
4. Define the criteria for individuals or facilities seeking certification as HIV and Recency testers.
5. Specify the required training, qualifications, and experience necessary for certification.
6. Facilitate the certification of current SLIPTA and SPI-RRT auditors.
7. Participate in the recruitment of consultants/trainers and other external expertise to conduct approved trainings.
8. Organize training, including managing logistics (e.g. training materials) for such training.
9. Prepare program reports for presentation to stakeholders.

 Skills and Competences

• Ability to get things done – on time and on budget.
• Ability to work independently, under pressure while at the same time adhering to strict deadlines.
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written, persuasive and passionate with good interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical skills, presentation and problem-solving skills.
• Innovative with a high degree of initiative
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Team- player- comfortable in a peer relationship with MOH, CDC, BUMMHI and UB staff and other laboratory leaders and staff
• Conflict management skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications with proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook

 Position Requirements:

Qualifications:

• BSc in Medical Laboratory Science or equivalent.
• A Diploma qualification with relevant QMS experience may be considered.
• SLMTA training and attendance of SLMTA TOT course is an added advantage.
• Registered with the Botswana Health Professions Council with a valid practicing certificate.
  Experience:
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in design and implementation of Lab Quality improvement, project or involvement in providing laboratory mentorship towards accreditation.
• Experience with Stepwise Process for Improving the Quality of HIV Rapid and Recency Testing (SPI-RRT) audits is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in implementation of quality management systems such as ISO 15189 and ISO 17043 among others, including EQA programs is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to work with various government institutions, districts and local partners is an added advantage.