Senior Technical Officer - Laboratory Services & QMS at FHI 360

The Senior Technical Officer-Laboratory services will provide strategic and technical leadership in strengthening laboratory systems, implementing Quality Management Systems (QMS), and supporting the adoption of the Total Quality Leadership Approaches (TQLA). The role will involve the provision of high-level technical assistance, mentorship, and capacity building to laboratory networks, and partner organizations. The incumbent will ensure continuous quality improvement, regulatory compliance (including ISO 15189), and sustainable laboratory services that support public health programs. He/she will guide the development and successful implementation of project workplans and achievement of targets and deliverables. Provides technical, management and financial leadership to projects. Leads communications, coordination, and reporting with partners for projects and strengthen laboratory systems including point-of-care services. Oversees planning, conducting, and reporting laboratory audits. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to staff. S/he will provide support to PRs/SRs in specific target states to improve the quality of laboratory services available in health facilities in line with National guidelines.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Provide technical direction and oversight for laboratory quality systems implementation, accreditation preparedness, and sustainability.
• Lead the rollout and institutionalization of TQLA principles across laboratory networks.
• Support laboratories in developing, implementing, and monitoring QMS aligned with ISO 15189:2022 standards.
• Deliver high-quality technical assistance to government, implementing partners, and health facilities.
• Oversee implementation of continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives in laboratory operations.
• Provide technical leadership and technical support related to the laboratory services and management component of HIV/AIDS care and treatment.
• Coordinate the design, planning and implementation of the laboratory component of HIV/AIDS care and treatment, including ART, in collaboration with state and community level project clinical staff, laboratory specialists and state and local agencies in Nigeria.
• Provides technical and programmatic expertise in diagnostics, quality management systems, SLMTA/SLIPTA and other laboratory standards.
• Support the development of national and facility-level laboratory quality frameworks, guidelines, and SOPs.
• Mentor laboratory officers in corrective and preventive action (CAPA), internal audit processes, and external quality assessment (EQA).
• Oversee internal audits and accreditation activities and other quality control functions/ activities, in collaboration with the state team, of the labs, including quality control inspections schedules and the collection of quality control records; ensure the availability of high-quality documentation.
• Develop quality control and quality assurance systems in collaboration with existing personnel and systems and ensure related documentation, training and monitoring Review and monitor QA and QC activities of the Laboratory to determine conformance with established policies, national regulations, and accreditation requirements.
• Guide efforts to prepare laboratories for accreditation locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized accreditation bodies. 
• Guide implementation and monitoring efforts that enhance diagnostic components such as specimen referral, supply chain, equipment management, expansion of point-of-care diagnostic services, Quality Management System, biosafety, and biosecurity.
• Supports the development and successful implementation of project workplans and budgets.
• Provides technical guidance and mentorship to staff for laboratory services at the designated states of activity implementation and other settings as appropriate.
• Liaises with external stakeholders and partners.
• Manages and monitors systems, services, and staff to achieve project goals.
• Supports the preparation of timely and accurate technical and financial reports including budgets.
• Supports business development efforts relating to diagnostics.
• Collaborate with government agencies (e.g., Ministry of Health, NPHCDA, MLSCN), donors, and implementing partners to advance laboratory systems strengthening goals.
• Monitor QMS and TQLA implementation performance using laboratory quality indicators.
• Track progress toward accreditation and sustainability milestones, providing timely reports to stakeholders. Contribute to donor and organizational reporting, ensuring accurate data collection and presentation.
• Develop lessons learned from activities related to laboratory services and management for HIV/AIDS care and treatment and apply these lessons to improve both existing programs and the design of new programs Remain informed on new findings in the field of laboratory technology that relate to HIV/AIDS, OI, malaria care and treatment by reviewing current literature, and draw implications from research for program activities.
• Develops concept papers, abstracts, manuscripts and research papers to improve and extend existing laboratory activities.
• Support the Senior Technical Advisor in managing the FHI 360 Laboratory Services Department, defining strategies, goals, objectives and working plan, and monitoring their implementation.
• Play a key role in facilitating and maintaining complex collaborative lab programs with international partners
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes:

• Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures with clinical laboratory functions and quality management systems for labs.
• Knowledge of health and development programs in developing countries in general and Nigeria specifically
• Experience in the management of laboratory services, particularly health facility-based services, including quality assurance systems, laboratory analysis, and interpretation and reporting techniques based on best practices, quality management practices and safe work practices.
• Excellent working knowledge of laboratory equipment and techniques for the following categories of assays: HIV rapid and confirmatory testing, CD4/CD8, HIV viral load, HIV DNA qualitative test, HIV viral resistance (genotype and phenotype)
• Good working knowledge of laboratory equipment and techniques for the microscopic identification and culturing of different TB species, and drug resistance tuberculosis (MDR-TB)
• Knowledge of District Health Information System (DHIS) and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and AMIS is required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation and training skills.
• Ability to work well with others and develop and maintain compatibility among project staff, project collaborators, subcontractors and consultants.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong knowledge of national and international regulations with quality assurance, laboratory standards and guidelines.
• Project or technical leadership required.
• Supervisory or management experience required. 
• Must be able to work independently, and as part of a management team.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the social, political and ethical issues surrounding HIV infections.
• Ability to represent FHI360 to donors, government officials and the NGO community.
• Ability to manage and complete numerous tasks with a high degree of organization and meet deadlines with strong attention to consistency, detail, and quality.
• Well-developed computer skills

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Master’s degree in medical laboratory sciences, with 7 to 9 years of relevant experience
• Or doctorate degree in laboratory sciences, with 5 to 7 years of relevant experience
• A minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience within a clinical or research laboratory including experience with laboratory audits, quality control and quality assurance systems and implementation and working in a donor-funded program is required.
• Professional certification in Laboratory Quality Management (e.g., SLMTA, ISO 15189 Lead Auditor, ASCP/QMS certification) is an added advantage.
• Certification/license to practice as a medical laboratory scientist is required.
• Proven track record in TQLA implementation and laboratory accreditation processes.
• Strong background in providing technical assistance and mentoring in laboratory settings.
• Proven experience in project development, planning and facilitating technical training.
• Articulate, professional and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff.
• Must be able to read, write and speak fluent English, fluent in host country language as
• appropriate.
• Prior management experience preferred. 
• Familiarity with the Nigerian public sector health system and NGOs and CBOs is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with USG and PEPFAR programs is as advantage.

Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel within Nigeria 25% time.