MDA

Quality Control Commission

Job Title

Director of the National Quality Testing Laboratory Department  

Department

Department of the National Quality Testing Laboratory

Grade

2, Level A9-A3

Supervisor

Director General

Supervisory Responsibility

Section Heads in the Department

Job Purpose

The Director of the National Quality Testing Laboratory (NQTL) at the Quality Control Commission Somaliland is responsible for overseeing all operations related to quality testing and assurance within the laboratory. This role involves establishing and implementing quality standards, managing laboratory personnel, coordinating testing procedures, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The Director plays a critical role in upholding the integrity and reliability of testing processes to safeguard public health and safety.

Responsibilities

(Duties and Outputs)

1. Develop and execute strategies to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the NQTL in meeting quality testing objectives.
2. Establish, maintain, and continuously improve quality management systems in accordance with international standards (ISO 17025) to ensure the accuracy and reliability of testing results.
3. Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, standards, and guidelines governing laboratory operations and testing procedures.
4. Recruit, train, and supervise laboratory staff, providing leadership, guidance, and professional development opportunities to ensure a competent and motivated workforce.
5. Manage laboratory resources, including equipment, facilities, and budget, to support uninterrupted operations and achieve organizational goals.
6. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and validate test methods, protocols, and procedures tailored to the needs of the Quality Control Commission and relevant industries.
7. Implement robust quality assurance programs to monitor and evaluate the performance of testing processes, identify areas for improvement, and take corrective actions as necessary.
8. Oversee the documentation, analysis, and interpretation of testing data, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and confidentiality in compliance with data management protocols.
9. Foster positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, industry partners, and international organizations, to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of quality testing.
10. Identify and mitigate risks associated with laboratory operations, including potential hazards, equipment failures, and regulatory non-compliance, to safeguard personnel, assets, and reputation.

Education and Experience

• A minimum of 1^st Degree in relevant field such as Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or related scientific discipline.
• A master’s degree in relevant discipline will be an advantage.
• Seven years’ experience, four (4) of which must have been at the senior management level in the public service/private sector

Competencies

(Skills, Knowledge, Behaviours)

• Strong understanding of international standards for laboratory accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025) and proficiency in implementing quality management systems to achieve compliance.
• Ability to achieve effective, efficient, transparent, and accountable governance.
• Accountable for achievement of relevant strategy and priority goals
• Demonstrated ability to make balanced and evidence-based decision-making to solve the most complex problems and defend judgments based on relevant evidence and criteria.
• Ability to deal regularly with complex issues requiring strategic and timely responses.
• Performs consistently at highest level of management.
• Problem solving requires highest level of cognitive ability.
• Ability to manage high degree of complexity of decision making with reference to policies and systems.
• Highest level of managerial competency applied to governance, change management. leadership and development, problem-solving, networking, strategic planning, project management, performance measurement, team building and report writing
• Excellent oral and written English and Somali languages