OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Associate, Laboratory Commodities Management (PALCM) provides technical assistance to strengthen the lab commodities management system in PEPFAR network target facilities. He or she improves staff capability, provides and coordinates support in monitoring and evaluation, training and quality assurance of storage, distribution and inventory control of testing products including equipment, reagents, chemicals, test kits and related supplies. The Program Associate, LCM assists in the development of laboratory commodities management standard operating procedures (SOPs). He or she coordinates with the Ministry of Health, USAID, Center for Disease Control (CDC), National Reference Lab (NRL) and other stakeholders, to implement interventions at central, regional and peripheral levels to strengthen their laboratory supplies management functions. The Program Associate, LCM assists in forecasting and monitoring lab commodities management and advises on systems approaches for providing and securing lab commodities and other essential lab supplies.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Coordinate the development and implementation of systems and procedures for laboratory and related products management for strengthening quantification, procurement, storekeeping, inventory control, distribution, and computerized inventory control systems in consultation with the SCMS Lead Resident Advisor.

2. Liaise closely with MoH/NRL, USAID and CDC in the introduction of systems and procedures developed for managing laboratory supplies and to ensure the availability of essential lab supplies in uninterrupted manner.

3. Participate in monitoring product distribution to the selected hospital Labs and other health facilities.

4. Play an active role in setting up lab commodities information system (LCMIS) for test kits, reagents and related lab supplies and develops mechanisms for collection and analysis of available information on consumption and use of lab products.

5. Organize and participate in training activities in lab commodities management including the use of basic MIS tools including stock cards, registers, reporting forms, and other instruments for collecting and analyzing lab commodities management operations.

6. Provide assistance in laboratory commodities management supervisory activities. Assist in determining training needs and provide training as required.

7. Play a role in developing a forum for sharing lab commodities management information with various stakeholders in order to identify priority problem areas and develop joint strategies to address needs.

8. Assist in the development of a monitoring and evaluation tool/checklist and periodically evaluate the implementation of laboratory supplies management SOPs.

9 Provide advice in monitoring of stock levels of consumables (reagents, control samples, supplies, forms etc.) to ensure an uninterrupted supply by maintaining buffer stocks and quantifying based on consumption and potential expansion of the program.

10. Assist in the preparation of a standard list of essential equipment, reagents, supplies and information system tools for defined types of tests to be conducted at each service level.

11. Monitor the preparation, storage, use, quality assurance and disposal of reagents and other lab diagnostic consumables and expiry tracking at all sites.

12. Ensure that expired or unusable chemicals and reagents are separated from active stock and destroyed following appropriate procedures.

13. Prepare and submit monthly activity report

14. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree or diploma in medical laboratory technology or in a related field.
2. Significant knowledge and experience in clinical laboratory work including laboratory commodities management.
3. Demonstrated teamwork delivering outstanding results.
4. Demonstrated technical and assertive managerial skills; sound judgment, and high ethical standards.
5. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
6. Long-Term working experience in Haiti preferred with a good understanding of Haiti’s public health and laboratory sector.
7. Demonstrated excellent technical writing and oral presentation skills highly desirable;
8. Demonstrated intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
9. Proficiency in French and in English, including speaking, understanding, reading and writing, with the ability to conduct business in both languages. Proficiency in Haitian Creole is preferred.
10. Ability to travel as required.