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Qualifications
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
路聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Conduct a desk review of relevant documents, including:
o聽聽 National Laboratory Policy
o聽聽 Public Health Laboratory Network Strategic Plan
o聽聽 ISO 15189, ISO 17025, and other relevant standards
o聽聽 Develop an inception report and detailed work plan for the assignment
b. Development Phase
路聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Facilitate the work of the TWG, including preparation and coordination of five (5) technical meetings:
o聽聽 Three (3) review meetings
o聽聽 One (1) stakeholder consultation
o聽聽 One (1) final validation meeting
聽
路聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Draft tier-specific minimum quality standards (Tier 1: District, Tier 2: Regional/Referral, Tier 3: Tertiary)
路聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Incorporate feedback from TWG and stakeholders
c. Finalization Phase
路聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Present the finalized standards for validation by TWG/GSA
路聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Submit final version of the standards with supporting documentation
路聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Develop a summary implementation roadmap and draft guidance notes for dissemination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:
路聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in laboratory systems strengthening
路聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Proven expertise in developing or implementing ISO 15189 or similar quality standards
路聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Experience working with Ministries of Health, regulatory bodies, and laboratory networks in Africa
Desirable:聽Experience of working for WHO at international level and recognized expertise in developing and shaping Organization鈥檚 policies and programs.
Skills:
路聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Strong facilitation, coordination, and analytical skills
路聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Excellent writing and communication abilities
路聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Familiarity with Ghana鈥檚 health system is an advantage
Language:
路聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Essential: Expert knowledge of English (reading, writing, and speaking).
Location聽
路聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 On site: 聽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:
路聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 20% upon submission and approval of inception report
路聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 30% upon submission of draft standards
路聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 30% upon submission of final validated standards