Senior Laboratory Advisor at KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation

Purpose of the Job

• The Senior Laboratory Advisor provides strategic and technical leadership for the design, implementation, and oversight of KNCV Nigeria’s diagnostic and laboratory strengthening activities under the LON Project. This role ensures that all laboratory interventions meet international quality standards, enhance diagnostic capacity, and align with national and donor priorities. The Advisor drives the development of diagnostic networks, quality management systems, and biosafety initiatives, while fostering cross-learning and innovation among laboratories. This position also provides mentorship and supervision to laboratory staff, supports performance and capacity development, and ensures continuous improvement through evidence-based practices. Ultimately, the role contributes to strengthening the national diagnostic infrastructure and improving timely, accurate, and quality-assured detection of tuberculosis and related diseases.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, and coordinates implementation of KNCV LON-supported laboratories and diagnostic strengthening activities to ensure that goals and objectives meet or exceed relevant quality standards and are accomplished within prescribed timeframes and funding parameters.
• Establishes diagnostic and preparedness quality standards, ensuring those standards inform workplans and MEL activities.
• Leads the development of KNCV LON-specific workplans and budgets for diagnostic network activities aligned with Activity goals and ensuring compliance with donor and organizational policies and procedures.
• Leads development and implementation of technical support, diagnostic network and facility strengthening, and quality improvement interventions.
• Leads implementation of diagnostic network enhancement activities, including specimen referral mechanisms, quality management systems, supply chain, laboratory management information systems, diagnostic standard operating procedures and tools, expansion of point-of-care molecular diagnostics and biosafety and biosecurity strengthening.
• Leads cross-learning and networking of laboratories and diagnostic facilities across clusters.
• Ensure new knowledge/evidence and best practices are shared with LON teams, partners, and all stakeholders and applied as appropriate.
• Directs training and development process improvement initiatives to ensure compliance with technical standards.
• Consults with KNCV senior/executive Management Team to improve Activity implementation and outcomes in the laboratory and diagnostic technical focus area.
• Supervises and mentor’s laboratory/diagnostic staff at the HQ levels; provides matrixed support and supervision to cluster/state-based staff. Oversee recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes as requested.
• Supports performance management and professional development of direct reports, including ongoing feedback, coaching, and career support.
• Prepares and disseminates lessons learned and best practices to improve program implementation.
• Any other assigned duties in relation to the job position. 

Requirements  

• An MPH or MSc degree in laboratory science
• Should have at least training in public health or infectious diseases, preferably with an emphasis in TB and knowledge of current WHO policy recommendations in the use of new TB diagnostics, TB laboratory biosafety, SOPs for TB laboratory methods, and specifications for TB laboratory equipment.
• Experience in working in the field of TB, MDR-TB, and TB/HIV and USG projects or any development partner.
• Proven experience in a mycobacteriology laboratory with knowledge of laboratory quality management systems and the function of national and TB programs will serve as an asset
• Competent with laboratory operational plan development, implementation, and evaluation of results
• Minimum 8 years of experience in TB laboratory services at all levels, field experience in Nigerian health systems.
• Strong coordination, planning, and supervisory skills, willingness to travel across the country, and if required at short notice
• Self-motivated with strong ability to identify and develop relevant areas of work
• Able to communicate complex issues in a concise, accessible, and engaging manner.
• Knowledge of relevant software applications
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills in English
• Good numerical skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Self-starter, team player, and a dynamic personality