Technical Advisor - Lab, IPC, Supply Chain at Jhpiego - John Hopkins University

Job ID: 2026-7623
Overview

• Jhpiego is seeking to hire a Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Laboratory Systems, Diagnostics & Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Health product supply chain, waste management will provide specialized technical expertise to the Impact Evaluation, focusing on C19RM investments that strengthened laboratory networks, diagnostic capacity, biosafety, biosecurity, genomic sequencing, health product supply chain, waste management and IPC systems at national and sub-national levels.
• The role ensures that evaluation planning, data collections, findings and resource development related to diagnostics, health product supply chain, waste management and IPC are technically sound, aligned with C19RM intent, and interpreted within the realities of health system capacity and pandemic preparedness.
• The SME will support technical framing, validation of findings, and interpretation of system-level impact and sustainability.

Responsibilities
Technical Framing of Evaluation Questions & Indicators

• Provide expert input into evaluation questions and indicators related to:
  • Molecular and rapid diagnostic testing capacity (PCR, Ag-RDTs)
  • Laboratory network expansion and functionality
  • Turnaround time, sample referral systems, and quality assurance
  • IPC readiness in laboratories and health facilities
• Ensure alignment of evaluation domains with C19RM laboratory and IPC modules.

Technical Review of Quantitative & Qualitative Findings:

• Review and validate quantitative findings related to:
  • Testing capacity and coverage
  • Laboratory throughput and utilization
  • Distribution and availability of diagnostic commodities
• Review qualitative findings to assess:
  • Health worker adherence to IPC protocols
  • Biosafety and biosecurity practices
  • Operational challenges in laboratory and IPC implementation
• Validate technical accuracy and flag inconsistencies or over-interpretation.

Interpretation of System-Level Impact & Sustainability:

• Assess the extent to which C19RM investments strengthened:
  • Strengthened national and sub-national laboratory systems
  • Improved diagnostic readiness for outbreaks beyond COVID-19
  • Enhanced IPC practices and institutional culture.
• Advise on sustainability and integration of investments into routine laboratory and IPC systems.

Contribution to Synthesis & Reporting:

• Provide concise technical inputs for synthesis sections related to:
  • Laboratory and diagnostics impact
  • IPC systems strengthening
• Support the Team Lead and Senior Program Specialist in ensuring clarity and technical accuracy of narratives, tables, and figures.
• Participate in technical validation workshops and review discussions as required.

Contribution to Manuscript Development:

• Contribute technical content related to laboratory systems, diagnostics, and IPC strengthening.
• Review manuscript sections for accuracy of laboratory, biosafety, and IPC interpretations.
• Support articulation of preparedness and quality-of-care implications.

Other Duties:

• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor in line with the Impact Evaluation deliverable.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology, Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8–10 years’ experience in laboratory systems strengthening, diagnostics, or IPC within health systems.
• Demonstrated experience with:
  • Molecular diagnostics and/or rapid diagnostic testing programs
  • Laboratory quality management systems and accreditation processes
  • IPC programming in health facilities or laboratory settings
• Strong familiarity with Global Fund C19RM investments related to laboratory systems, diagnostics, and IPC.
• Experience working with national laboratory networks, Ministries of Health, and development partners.
• Prior involvement in assessments, evaluations, or technical reviews is highly desirable.

Required Technical Skills & Software Proficiency:
Technical Domains:

• Laboratory network design and functionality
• Molecular diagnostics (PCR), antigen-based testing, and QA systems
• Biosafety, biosecurity, and IPC standards
• Sample referral and data reporting systems

Familiarity With:

• WHO guidance on laboratory testing and IPC
• National laboratory policies and IPC guidelines
• Global Fund laboratory and RSSH-related indicators

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies:

• Strong systems-thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to interpret diagnostic and IPC data within complex health systems.
• Excellent technical communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to provide clear, evidence-based technical judgments.
• Strong collaboration skills in multidisciplinary evaluation teams.
• High attention to quality, accuracy, and methodological integrity.

Key Accountability Statement:

• The Subject Matter Expert – Laboratory Systems, Diagnostics & IPC is accountable for the technical validity, credibility, and contextual interpretation of all evaluation findings related to laboratory and IPC investments.
• The SME ensures that conclusions accurately reflect system performance, preparedness gains, and sustainability considerations under C19RM.