Senior Technical Officer, Laboratory Services at FHI 360

Requisition: 2020200376
Location: Abuja
Supervisor: Project Technical Advisor
Job Type: Full time

Basic Functions

• The Senior Technical Officer, Laboratory Services will support implementation of diagnostics systems capacity building work for an anticipated  CDC Global Health Security funded Grant to support global health priorities in Nigeria with the general objective to prevent, detect, rapidly and effectively respond to public health threats of international concern including naturally occurring outbreaks and intentional or accidental releases of dangerous pathogens.
• S/He will provide technical support for the design, implementation and monitoring of technical strategies to strengthen diagnostic networks.
• This will include diagnostic network and facilities assessments, capacity building initiatives of diagnostic networks, and implementation of strategies, programs or tools to support diagnostic network capacity building as it pertains to Global health security priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports the development and implementation of technical assistance, diagnostic network and facility strengthening and quality improvement interventions in line with the diagnostic network gap assessment reports, and other assessment reports from the program.
• Supports the development of country-specific workplans and budgets for diagnostic network activities aligned with national action plans and local stakeholder improvement goals.
• Supports the implementation of diagnostic network enhancement activities in countries which may include capacity building activities for core diagnostic components such as specimen referral mechanisms, quality management systems, supply chain, diagnostic SOPs and tools, qualified workforce, expansion of point-of-care diagnostic service points, and biosafety and biosecurity, equipment maintenance.
• Supports reporting of diagnostic network strengthening activities.
• In close collaboration with other program staff and diagnostic network leaders, supports the implementation and monitoring of network enhancement activities as per approved workplans.
• Provides technical support based upon expertise with implementation of diagnostic systems strengthening, methods and strategies, current practice, and established diagnostic and operational standards while also being locally relevant and sustainable.
• Supports the review (as needed) and implementation of diagnostic algorithms in line with latest international guidelines.
• Encourages and assists laboratories with improvement plans.
• Shares new knowledge/evidence and best practices with the project team, partners and host countries.
• Will be required to coordinate and work with a diverse group of organizations, such as; the Ministry of Health, diagnostic leaders and facility staff, several international and national development partner organizations, and the donor
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• PhD in Clinical Diagnostics and at least 3 - 5 years’ experience in the oversight and implementation of diagnostics strengthening preferably in Nigeria.
• Or MSc/MS in Clinical Diagnostics and at least 5 - 7 years’ experience in the oversight and implementation of diagnostics strengthening preferably in Nigeria.
• Proven knowledge and in-depth experience in the diagnosis of infectious diseases including specific hands-on clinical diagnostics and quality management systems.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes:

• 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 anti-microbial resistance
• Experience implementing diagnostic network capacity building, especially in biosafety and biosecurity practices.
• Competent in current developments in the diagnosis of infectious diseases including point-of-care and molecular methods.
• Experience with laboratory assessments to identify gaps in the quality of diagnostics and support of laboratory to develop and implement improvement plans.
• Knowledge with strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards including against ISO 15189 and/or SLMTA/SLIPTA or in-country standards.
• Ability to exchange information, present recommendations and collaborate with colleagues and peers within FHI 360 and externally.
• A demonstrated ability to work with multiple partners on collaborative projects.
• Fluency in written and spoken French. Fluency in spoken and written English will be highly desirable
• Experience managing USG grants including CDC grants.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the ethical issues surrounding research and surveillance.