Country Consultant

Role Summary

The Country consultant will work closely with the Project team and Director to support day-to-day program implementation, data collection, and analysis. They will assist in ensuring that program activities are executed effectively, and data is
collected and analyzed to inform decision-making.
The Country consultant will also support the strengthening of the Laboratory TWG committee, ensuring that TWG meetings are regularly held at scheduled times, decisions are reached and executed on time, and building capacity of the TWG
members.

Scope of Work

1. Analysis: Review and analyze the output of the sample referral baseline assessment conducted.
2. Strategy Development: Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to design and implement an efficient and effective sample referral strategy.
3. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training document: Develop and/or refine standard operating procedures for sample collection, transportation, and testing, and training documents for capacity building sessions.
4. Capacity Building: Provide training and capacity-building activities for personnel involved in sample referral processes and biosafety and biosecurity.
5. Quality Assurance: Develop and implement quality assurance mechanisms to ensure the accuracy and integrity of samples during transportation.
6. Data Management: Establish systems for data collection, tracking, and reporting within the sample referral system.
7. Technology Integration: Assess and recommend appropriate technology solutions for optimizing sample tracking and management.

8. Monitoring and Evaluation: Design metrics and evaluation criteria to assess the performance and efficiency of the sample referral system.
9. Documentation: Maintain thorough documentation of all processes and improvements made to the sample referral system.
10. Communication: Scheduled engagement with the Laboratory Directorate, the Stellar Project team, and other stakeholders to keep them informed about the progress of the work
11. TWG meetings: Collaborate with the Director of Laboratory to Facilitate the TWG meetings, document meeting reports and share with the TWG members and project team;
a) Ensure decisions are reached and agreed upon in the TWG meeting
b) Share meeting notes and decisions reached after the TWG meeting

Deliverables:
Sample referral network
1. Sample referral framework design to operate efficiently with a sustainability plan, validated and approved by the Country TWG
2. Policies and SOPs for sample referral developed, reviewed, and updated where necessary.
3. Policy document and SOP will be based on current practice and will be validated by the Project Director
4. Logistics and sample referral routes set up with the country TWG
5. Sample referral training materials developed, validated, and training programs conducted for relevant personnel.
6. Improve the capacity of trainers to enable them to train other laboratory personnel
7. Provide regular progress reports and status updates.

TWG meetings
1. Organize and facilitate TWG meetings
2. Achieve high attendance of stakeholders in TWG meetings
3. Develop meeting reports to show consistency in conducting meetings and decisions reached and share them with the central team

Qualifications & Experience
▪ A Bachelor’s or higher degree in a relevant field (e.g., healthcare management, laboratory sciences, public health).
▪ Proven experience in managing or advising on sample referral systems, preferably in healthcare or medical research settings.
▪ Knowledge of international best practices in sample referral system management.
▪ Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
▪ Excellent communication and training skills.
▪ Proficiency in relevant software and technology used for sample tracking and data management.
▪ Proven experience in stakeholder management and TWG strengthening.
▪ Fluency in English and French