fhi 360 Job Vacancy For Laboratory Specialist

The Laboratory Specialist (LS), working with the Regional Laboratory Advisor, will support the diagnostics systems capacity building work for the USAID-funded Infectious Diseases Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) project that serves the Global Health Security Agenda, TB programs, and other related initiatives. IDDS supports select governments and their relevant ministries in the strengthening of their human and animal health diagnostic systems for infectious diseases, TB, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The work will focus primarily on public health systems but may also include private health and other non-governmental diagnostic facilities (laboratories and point-of-care facilities). The LS will be required to coordinate and work with a diverse group of national organizations, such as the Ministry of Health and Agriculture, diagnostic leaders and facility staff, international and national development partner organizations, and the donor.

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In addition to the role on the IDDS project, the LS will support other FHI 360 Laboratory Sciences projects as time allows; this could include planning, conducting, and reporting laboratory audits and providing technical assistance, capacity building, training, and quality assurance to clinical laboratories serving FHI 360 research, public health programs, and other third-party laboratories under contracts/grants with FHI 360. The LS will also prepare laboratory procedures and manuals and train staff in their use as well as prepare reports and lead the follow-up of technical assistance and assessment visits to include corrective actions and capacity building initiatives.

IDDS Technical Responsibilities:

• Work with IDDS diagnostics regional leadership and country stakeholders and partners to implement agreed strategies and workplans
• Support national stakeholders in developing or updating national diagnostic network strategic plans, SOPs, and policies
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to build the overall diagnostic network (including surveillance systems) and diagnostic facilities (including point-of-care) capacity and quality with reference to accepted standards and requirements
• Build capacity in country-level or regional diagnostic staff
• Provide technical support based upon expertise with diagnostics system strengthening, methods/strategies, current best practices, and established diagnostic and operational standards while also being locally relevant and sustainable
• Build capacity in local diagnostic stakeholders and leaders to identify and oversee enhancements in diagnostic networks
• Conduct assessments of diagnostic facilities and lead the follow-up of needed corrective and preventive actions and quality improvement initiatives
• Provide training and follow-up support and mentoring to diagnostic facilities and the overall diagnostic network as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement programs
• Encourage and assist laboratories with preparing for accreditation through locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally accepted accreditation agencies based on country demand

Non-IDDS Technical Responsibilities:

• Plan, conduct, and report laboratory assessment, audits, and accreditation-ready inspections of clinical laboratories performing services to FHI 360 and similar support required by sponsors
• Conduct laboratory/clinic audits in compliance with applicable guidelines such as GCLP guidelines, SLMTA/SLIPTA, and ISO 15189
• Initiate continuous improvement initiatives upon request to build laboratory capacity and quality with reference to accepted standards and requirements
• Assist in incorporating laboratory strengthening and clinical laboratory functions and services into programs
• Help with business development activities, including partner and client discussions and the development of proposals and concepts
• Provide support in the preparation and delivery of laboratory trainings and training-related services, including trainings in GCLP, ISO, QMS, and malaria microscopy.
• Assist laboratories with developing quality systems to include an overall Quality Management Plan, routine SOP development, quality control and quality assurance systems, staff training, and others as needed
• Encourage and assist laboratories with preparing for and seeking accreditation through locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally accepted accreditation agencies
• In close collaboration with laboratory management, develop and assist with the implementation of corrective actions as well as continuous improvement systems, procedures, and measures
• Assist laboratories with setting up internal quality control systems and/or participating in External Quality Assessment schemes
• Provide technical assistance to laboratories and others as needed and requested as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement schemes
• Represent FHI 360 at partner and donor meetings
• Perform other duties as assigned 

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• Sound knowledge and experience in clinical diagnostics (on-the-bench experience), diagnostic networks, and quality management systems
• In-depth knowledge of the diagnostics for infectious diseases (including TB) and AMR
• Good knowledge of the mechanisms and strategies that are being deployed under the Global Health Security Agenda and other similar mechanisms to combat emerging infectious threats and AMR
• Diagnostic network capacity-building skills
• Ability to exchange information, present recommendations, and collaborate with colleagues and peers within IDDS and externally
• Resourceful and creative thinker with the ability to develop simple and efficient solutions and recommendations
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly diplomacy and attention to detail
• Exceptional and demonstrated project and technical skills

Experience:

• Minimum of a BSc in clinical diagnostics within a clinical or diagnostic discipline or an equivalent with a specialty in microbiology
• At least 7 years of experience in diagnostic strengthening and capacity building
• Knowledge and experience in the diagnosis of infectious diseases (including TB) and AMR including specific hands-on diagnostics experience
• Competent in current diagnostic methods for infectious diseases including point-of-care tests
• Knowledge and experience with strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards including against ISO 15189 and/or SLMTA/SLIPTA
• Experience in laboratory audits
• Strong experience to manage workload, set realistic priorities, and plan for the successful implementation of activities
• A demonstrated ability to work with multiple partners on collaborative projects

Supervision Given/Received:

No supervisory responsibilities

Technology to be Used:

Personal computer, Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), e-mail, telephone, printer, calculator, copier, cell phones, PDAs, and other hand-held devices

Travel Requirements:

Up to 25% within assigned counties

Language Requirements:

Must have strong English language skills and report writing; working knowledge of French an asset but not a requirement