MSF is looking for a Microbiology Laboratory Manager for Beira, Mozambique

In line with this strategy, MSF is planning to implement haemoculture tests in our project in Beira, Mozambique, to better understand AMR patterns and improve management of HIV positive patients at the Beira Central Hospital (BCH). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed, a microbiology lab at the BCH has been rehabilitated, and all equipment needed to start has been order and is due to arrive in May 2022. According to the MoU, MSF will support the microbiology lab with an MSF microbiologist to:

OBJECTIVES

The main purpose of the position is to provide support the BCH Microbiology Laboratory (ML) to ensure reliable results on time for the management of targeted treatment rather than empirical treatment according to MSF standards, project needs and ensure that the role of the ML in antimicrobial stewardship is enhanced.

• Support the BCH ML team to upgrade the ML to MSF standard based on the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) or European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) to process haemocultures for both HIV and paediatric patients.
• Support the activities from the project side and be the link between the MSF project and ML team. The MSF Microbiology Laboratory Manager will be the link after the departure of the MSF Microbiologist.
• Ensure competency of all personnel and adherence to the BCH ML Quality Management System-Report issues with BCH ML staff not working according to the set standards to the management.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Microbiology Laboratory Manager will be responsible for:

• Training the Ministry of Health (MoH) microbiologist and laboratory technicians on microbiology techniques in accordance with MSF and international standards.
• Ensuring the provision of timely, reliable, and reproducible identification of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility results.
• Actively participating in the antimicrobial stewardship committee.
• Ensuring the implementation of an Internal and external quality control system in the laboratory.
• Adapting the existing MSF Standard Operation Procedures for microbiology and other tools in accordance with MoH guidelines.
• Ensuring proper registration and records of all microbiology lab-related activities, implementing the correct use of the surveillance program WHONET to have proper records of laboratory results.
• Providing monthly reports based on extracted data from the surveillance program WHONET.
• Compiling, analysing and reporting microbiology lab activities and results to the medical staff providing relevant information for AMR surveillance and IPC.
• Planning and supervising, in close coordination with the supply team, the local and international orders for consumables and equipment needed for the microbiology laboratory.
• Monitoring laboratory stock and ensuring that stock cards are up allowing for proper Average Monthly Consumptions of commodities calculations to avoid stock ruptures.
• Contributing to operational research on ABR and its treatment and prevention in the project.
• Collaborating with the M&E team in the development of data tools.
• Ensuring all equipment in the ML is functional and reporting faults in a timely manner to the MSF Biomed and other reporting lines.
• Ensuring a good collaboration with the MoH laboratory team.

REQUIREMENTS
Education:

• Laboratory science/Biology with clinical microbiology specialization.
• Laboratory scientist/Biologist certified in clinical microbiology
• Clinical microbiologist (MD)
• Clinical pharmacist with microbiology specialization
• Master – PhD – specialization in clinical microbiology

Experience:

• Relevant experience with MSF or with another NGO/organisation is required.
• 2 years of relevant professional experience in bacteriology services preferably in a hospital.
• Strong competencies in antibiograms analysis and identification of resistance mechanisms.
• Experience in team management.
• Experience in training.
• Language skills: English and Spanish; Portuguese is an asset.

CONDITIONS

• Expected starting date: ASAP
• Contract type: 9-month fixed term contract
• Location: Based in Beira, Mozambique
• Salary according to MSF-OCB Field salary scale
• No family position
• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment
• Adhere to the MSF Behavioural Commitments

How to apply? 
Online applications to submitted by 17 June 2022 - see link. When clicking on this link, you will be directed to our online application tool. 

For further information or questions, you are welcome to contact Kamma Skaarup at ks@copenhagen.msf.org or on phone +45 4177 7423.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

MSF values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. 

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data. For more information, consult our privacy notice to job applicants.

CONTEXT
The MSF Beira project focuses on HIV and comprises three broad components:

1. Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and advanced HIV activities and at primary health care level; key populations at community level.
2. Advanced HIV at Emergency Department level in the Beira Central Hospital.
3. Operational research.

The city of Beira is the capital of the province Sofala located in the eastern part of Mozambique. The context is stable; the most serious security threats are related to criminal activities such as pickpocketing, armed robberies and kidnapping. 

Following the violence that erupted in 2015, a ceasefire was negotiated between the political party and militant group RENAMO and government forces. A formal peace agreement is yet to be implemented, but there are positive signs of improvement between the two main political fractions. The instability currently affecting Cabo Delgado in the north of the country seems more related to local issues and has so far had no impact on the Sofala province.

Besides HIV and TB pandemics, Mozambique is struggling with seasonal cholera/diarrhoea outbreaks which affect different areas of the country during the rainy season. Numerous national vaccination campaigns have been carried out which MSF has supported to varying degrees.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a private, international humanitarian organization that provides emergency medical assistance to victims of conflict and disasters in more than 72 countries. MSF provides assistance to populations in distress, to victims of man-made or natural disasters, and to victims of armed conflicts without any discrimination in relation to religion, ethnic or political affiliation. MSF is a completely neutral and impartial organization, which, according to the universal medical ethics and the right to humanitarian aid, claims full and unhindered freedom to carry out its work. In addition to providing emergency medical care, MSF speak out about the suffering, abuse and distress that our staff are witnessing.