Surveillance Officer (Fixed Term Contract Ending 30 September 2026) Readvertisement at National Health Laboratory Services

Key Job Responsibilities

• Rapidly identify surveillance cases by close liaison with clinicians and laboratory personnel, daily review of all new admissions, and by using other methods that are in place for that site 
• Obtain informed consent and interview patients, clinicians and relatives to fulfill ethical requirements and ensure reliability of data 
• Complete case report forms by interview and/or record review and submit timeously
• Conduct pre- and post-test counseling for HIV testing, as specified in the relevant surveillance or research protocol 
• Take/ collect relevant specimens (nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, nasal and stool swabs, and venipuncture) from patients for laboratory testing as per protocol
• Monitor the progress and outcome of patients in and out of the hospital to ensure accurate data collection and recording
• Produce weekly stats reports 
• File surveillance and research records on-site after data collection, according to the relevant protocol
• Actively participate in and contribute to surveillance-related activities
• Must be willing to travel between the various sites and may be required to do patient home visits Assist to obtain permission and ethics approval for surveillance and research activities in the region 
• Perform tasks assigned by the line manager, related to NICD surveillance and research and assisting with hospital screening and specimen-taking

Minimum requirements \& key competencies

• 3 years Nursing qualification 
• Registered with SANC as a Professional/Registered nurse 
• 4 years clinical experience post qualification 
• 2 years research/surveillance experience 
• Knowledge of infection prevention and control procedures 
• HIV counselling and testing certificate will be advantageous 
• Good Communication skills both written and verbal (advantageous if proficient in English and languages used at the advertised site) 
• Computer Literacy: Microsoft office skills (Word, Excel and Power Point) 
• Valid driver’s license (manual) 
• Enthusiastic and keen to learn
• Own car would be preferable 
• Good clinical practice certificate (GCP) preferable 
• Ability to produce reports. Ability to maintain confidentiality, diplomacy and professionalism at all times. 
• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines 
• Strong managerial and organizational abilities with attention to detail 
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team