Laboratory Coordinator - Jhpiego

Job Overview

The laboratory coordinator will ensure the seamless operation of laboratory services across project-implementing sites, particularly in diagnostic procedures and sample processing, and will support the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. H/she will support GHS and the MOH to develop training manuals for the capacity strengthening of laboratory scientists for core biopsy/FNAC processing and biomarker analysis, including reviewing policy documents that detail specimen referral pathways. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide technical advice and guidance for the development and/or update of national policies and strategies on lab workflow for breast cancer including sample collection, handling, and testing strategies
• Provide technical guidance on laboratory strengthening for breast cancer diagnosis including coordination of technical support for all laboratories; develop and/or review technical documents; guide the implementation of breast cancer diagnostic algorithms, new technologies, and approaches

• Support GHS/ MOH to develop an assessment tool for specimen referral systems
• Support MOH/GHS to implement and monitor quality assurance programs to ensure accuracy and reliability in lab results
• Train laboratory scientists and other personnel on best practices for handling and processing breast cancer samples, quality control, and safety procedures
• Work closely with oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists to facilitate the workflow of patient samples, results reporting, and follow-up cases
• Oversee updating and maintaining the related reporting and information management systems with relevant registries
• Support the development and review of equipment and logistics to be procured
• Perform other related duties, as assigned by the Project Director.

Required Skills or Experience

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Master’s degree or equivalent in biomedical laboratory science, molecular biology, pathology, public health or any area related to the functions of the position.
• A bachelors degree in biomedical laboratory science and any health-related profession essential. 
• Certified training or qualification in cancer epidemiology and laboratory techniques will be an added advantage.
• At least 7 years of progressive practical and operational experience and management of laboratory services, and diagnosis of non-communicable diseases at the national level.
• Experience in establishing or improving infrastructure and procedures for pathology services
• Experience in planning and implementing diagnostics training
• Sound knowledge of quality assurance systems
• Familiarity with Ghana health systems and reporting structure and demonstrated ability to collaborate with government-level officials to strengthen program implementation 

• Demonstrated ability in working and collaborating with a wide range of local and international partner organizations 
• Excellent skills in facilitation, team building, and coordination 
• Excellent writing and communications skills, including demonstrated technical writing skills for publication 
• Ability to work effectively with diverse international teams and willingness to learn and empower others 
• Ability to work in a complex environment with multiple tasks, short deadlines, and intense pressure to perform  
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently to implementation regions and health facilities  
• Familiarity and experience working with MS Suite, Zoom and other virtual platforms 

Job Location: Accra, Jhpiego Office 

Position Reports to: Project Director