National Validation Consultant, NOB Level 1
Provide technical support to develop and validate laboratory quality standards in Ghana.
This opening expired 10 months ago.
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Overview
Provide technical support to develop and validate laboratory quality standards in Ghana.
You have:
- Advanced degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, Quality Management, or related field is essential.
- At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in laboratory systems strengthening is essential.
- Proven expertise in developing or implementing ISO 15189 or similar quality standards is essential.
- Experience working with Ministries of Health, regulatory bodies, and laboratory networks in Africa is essential.
- Expert knowledge of English (reading, writing, and speaking) is essential.
- Strong facilitation, coordination, and analytical skills are desired.
- Excellent writing and communication abilities are desired.
- Familiarity with Ghana’s health system is an advantage.
Consultant to Support the Development and Validation of Tier-Specific Laboratory Quality Standards in Ghana
Background
The Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), the Ghana Accreditation Service (GHAS), and other stakeholders, is leading efforts to strengthen the quality of medical laboratory services in Ghana. Laboratories at different tiers of the national network face unique challenges in meeting international standards such as ISO 15189.
To address these gaps, the MoH is facilitating the development of tier-specific minimum quality standards for laboratories. A Technical Working Group (TWG) comprising national stakeholders has been formed to guide the process. The consultant will support this TWG by providing technical expertise in laboratory quality systems and standards development.
Objective of the Assignment
To provide technical, analytical, and facilitation support to the TWG in developing and validating tier-specific laboratory quality standards aligned with national and international requirements.
Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities
The consultant will be responsible for the following:
a. Inception Phase
· Conduct a desk review of relevant documents, including:
o National Laboratory Policy
o Public Health Laboratory Network Strategic Plan
o ISO 15189, ISO 17025, and other relevant standards
o Develop an inception report and detailed work plan for the assignment
b. Development Phase
· Facilitate the work of the TWG, including preparation and coordination of five (5) technical meetings:
o Three (3) review meetings
o One (1) stakeholder consultation
o One (1) final validation meeting
· Draft tier-specific minimum quality standards (Tier 1: District, Tier 2: Regional/Referral, Tier 3: Tertiary)
· Incorporate feedback from TWG and stakeholders
c. Finalization Phase
· Present the finalized standards for validation by TWG/GSA
· Submit final version of the standards with supporting documentation
· Develop a summary implementation roadmap and draft guidance notes for dissemination
Deliverables
Deliverable
Description
Timeline
Inception Report
Work plan, methodology, and timelines
Week 1
Draft Standards
First draft of tier-specific standards
Week 3
Stakeholder Consultation Report
Summary of inputs and recommendations
Week 5
Final Validated Standards
Clean version incorporating feedback
Week 8
Final Technical Report
Summary of process, outcomes, and recommendations
Week 9
Duration of Consultancy
The consultancy is expected to be completed within a period of 3 months,
Qualification and Experience
Education:
Essential: Advanced degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, Quality Management, or related field
Experience:
Essential:
· At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in laboratory systems strengthening
· Proven expertise in developing or implementing ISO 15189 or similar quality standards
· Experience working with Ministries of Health, regulatory bodies, and laboratory networks in Africa
Desirable: Experience of working for WHO at international level and recognized expertise in developing and shaping Organization’s policies and programs.
Skills:
· Strong facilitation, coordination, and analytical skills
· Excellent writing and communication abilities
· Familiarity with Ghana’s health system is an advantage
Language:
· Essential: Expert knowledge of English (reading, writing, and speaking).
Location
· On site: Accra, Republic of Ghana
Reporting and Supervision
The consultant will report to the GHS Directorate of Public Health and work closely with the designated TWG Chair and Secretariat. GHS will facilitate access to stakeholders and relevant information.
Payment Terms
Payment will be made in tranches based on deliverables:
· 20% upon submission and approval of inception report
· 30% upon submission of draft standards
· 30% upon submission of final validated standards
· 20% upon submission and approval of final report
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience with developing ISO 15189 standards? | The interviewer wants to understand your direct experience with relevant quality standards. | Outline specific projects where you've developed or implemented ISO 15189 standards. |
| What strategies would you use to facilitate stakeholder consultations? | The interviewer is assessing your facilitation and coordination skills. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you plan to ensure your standards align with both national and international requirements? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a challenge you faced in laboratory systems strengthening and how you overcame it. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your experience in coordinating meetings and managing group dynamics? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you incorporate feedback from the Technical Working Group into the standards development? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you keep up with advancements in laboratory quality management? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of a technical report you have written in the past? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
Added 11 months ago
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Updated 10 months ago
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Source:
who.int
