Laboratory Specialist

About Us
Makerere University Joint AIDS Program (MJAP) is a private-not-for-profit Company under Makerere
University. MJAP works to build partnerships and strengthen health systems to optimally respond to HIV/AIDS,
TB, Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and other diseases of public health importance in Africa.
Project Overview
The Local Partner Health Services East Central – Transition award to Makerere University Joint AIDS Program
(MJAP) Activity is funded by the United States Government through the Department of State. This Award
supports public health facilities and their communities in 12 districts and Jinja City that include Bugiri, Bugweri
Busia, Buyende, Iganga, Jinja, Kamuli, Kaliro, Luuka, Mayuge, Namayingo and Namutumba; to drive sustained
HIV/TB control, reduce malaria burden, improve maternal and child health outcomes, and build resilient
pandemic preparedness and response capacities. MJAP is looking for competent, passionate, and
committed individuals to fill the position Laboratory Specialist, to be hired on rolling basis:
Job Title: Laboratory Specialist
No. of positions: 01 (Open to internal & external candidates)
Reports To: Director Technical Services
Supervises: Laboratory Program Officer
Duty Station: Jinja office.
Job Summary: Provide overall technical leadership, coordination, and supervision of the provision of
laboratory services for the Local Partner Health Services East Central project. Working in collaboration with
the MoH CPHL/UNHLS and the districts, to coordinate training, mentorships, and support supervision to
strengthen the capacity of laboratory staff in the EC region to provide quality HIV and TB laboratory services.
Roles and Responsibilities:
• Provide technical leadership, oversight, and support planning, implementation, monitoring, and
evaluation of the laboratory systems strengthening activities within the EC region.
• Support the Laboratory Advisor in the coordination and supervision of laboratory services in liaison
with the district laboratory focal persons.
• Support implementation of Laboratory Management Quality Systems in the supported laboratories.
• Support monitoring and improvement of TB laboratory services including GeneXpert reporting, ZN
and TB LAM.
• Prepare regular monitoring progress reports.
• Support functionality and improvement of laboratory hub services in liaison with the hub staff and
the partners within the region.
• Support the establishment and strengthening of efforts to implement Bio-risk management systems
and institute measures to enhance compliance to the MoH Biosafety and Health Care Management
guidelines at supported health facilities.
• Support and strengthen the laboratory supply chain system of supported districts alongside the
district health teams.
• Develop lessons learned from activities related to laboratory systems strengthening and management
for HIV/TB care and treatment and apply these lessons to improve the program.
• In liaison with hub coordinators, plan and participate in technical capacity building of district and
facility laboratory personnel in lab service delivery, commodity management and quality assurance to
facilitate provision of quality integrated HIV/TB services.
• Develop lessons learned from activities related to laboratory systems strengthening and management
for HIV/TB care and treatment and apply these lessons to improve the program.
Qualifications, job requirements and competencies:
• Bachelor’s degree in biomedical laboratory technology or its equivalent.
• Master’s degree in laboratory sciences, or related field. Additional training in project planning and
management will be an added advantage.
• At least 8 years’ experience in laboratory systems strengthening in a PEPFAR funded program.
• Registration with the Allied Health Professional Council.
• Demonstrated ability in supporting public health laboratories systems for the diagnosis, treatment and
monitoring of HIV/AIDS and TB services.
• Self-motivated, able to work under minimum supervision.
• Ability to execute multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrated record of providing training, coaching and mentorship in laboratory systems
strengthening and quality improvement.
• Good teamwork, analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent understanding of quality management systems
Financial, Anti- Fraud, Safeguarding and Risk Management Clause:
MJAP enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy against fraud, corruption, sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment in all
program areas. All employees must uphold high ethical standards and ensure transparency and fairness, in line with MJAP
Human Resource policies. In your role, you’ll be responsible for maintaining the organization’s financial integrity and
supporting effective safeguarding and risk management practices. Key responsibilities include.
• Financial Accountability: Uphold MJAP’s commitment to financial integrity by effectively managing
resources and accurate reporting of expenditures. Ensure responsible and transparent resource management
in compliance with organizational standards and donor requirements and take ownership of any discrepancies
that arise.
• Safeguarding: Uphold the organization’s dedication to protecting vulnerable populations, including
beneficiaries, staff, and volunteers. This includes identifying, reporting, and addressing safeguarding issues per
established policies. Your role is essential in fostering a safe and supportive environment for everyone involved
in our programs.
• Risk Management: Actively identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to program implementation and
operations. Collaborate with teams to create and maintain risk management plans in line with organizational
policies. Regularly review and update practices to address new challenges or changes in the operational
environment.
Application Procedure:
MJAP is dedicated to inclusion and diversity, evaluating all job applicants solely based on merit, regardless of
race, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, marital status, or disability. As an equal opportunity employer,
MJAP does not charge applicants at any stage and is not responsible for losses from fraudulent recruitment
activities.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply by 4:30 PM EAT on Thursday December 4th, 2025. Please visit
the website of Makerere University Joint AIDS Program via this link: https://forms.gle/ataotQi2jndKPxpa9 for
details about application procedure of the advertised positions. Consider your application unsuccessful if you
don’t hear from us by Friday December 18th, 2025.
Offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references including but not limited to appropriate
background checks, criminal records, and previous employment findings of fraud, corruption, sexual
exploitation, abuse or harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left
employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment
procedures. Please ensure that your attachments do not exceed 25 MB. We do appreciate your interest to
work with MJAP. However, we regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within one week after
the submission deadline

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