Job Summary:

The Laboratory and Diagnostics Officer will provide technical leadership and guidance to support the implementation of the laboratory and diagnostic components of the STRengthening Infectious Disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) project in Malawi. S/He will lead and manage the development, implementation and monitoring of strategic and technical initiatives to strengthen laboratory systems and diagnostic capacities. S/He will provide technical guidance around the issues, challenges, and strategies for building laboratory capacity in Malawi and improving access to quality diagnostic testing related to project activities.

S/He will work closely with country-level teams, including the project management team, project technical providers, and key stakeholders to ensure the provision of technical assistance to achieve effective, high-quality, and reliable laboratory services. S/he will lead the development of guidelines and policies for laboratory diagnostic network strengthening activities, provide technical thought leadership at the regional and country levels, and contribute to the development of project statements of work, work plan development, monitoring and evaluation systems, technical reporting, and other administrative elements of the project.

Accountabilities:

Technical Requirements:

• Provides overall technical leadership and strategic guidance to project staff for the laboratory and diagnostic services component of STRIDES project including coordination with other GHS technical areas (e.g., surveillance, data, etc.) to ensure synergy.
• Monitors and maintains project protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials, and reports related to diagnostic services and laboratory technical areas.
• Works in close collaboration with national, regional, and local counterparts to provide technical assistance required to fulfill project objectives and targets, primarily related to strengthening laboratory systems and diagnostic services.
• Leads or contributes to the development and writing of technical briefs, reports, or other necessary materials to facilitate research, best practices, policies, and procedures.
• Provides subject matter expertise to guide the implementation of laboratory and diagnostic network strengthening activities (e.g., specimen referral, quality assurance, laboratory information management system, training, etc.) across relevant GHS technical areas including antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, biosafety/biosecurity, diagnostic networks, and surveillance.
• Provides technical support in the scale-up and optimization of new diagnostic tools
• Provides mentorship to support capacity building for project team members and subcontractors.
• Leads or assists with diagnostic network and laboratory capacity assessments including the reporting of findings and recommendations.
• Contributes to research initiatives to improve laboratory practices and diagnostic outcomes.

Project Design Implementation:

• Promotes adopting and integrating new diagnostic technologies, tools, and methodologies based on the country's needs and priorities for project implementation.
• Works closely with country team project management, subcontractors, and stakeholders to align laboratory and diagnostic activities with overall project goals.
• Develops and monitors implementation of technical components of project work plans, along with associated budgets and resources, with a focus on project activities and sub-activities related laboratory and diagnostic-related components.
• Conducts analysis of project implementation to identify areas for improvement and proposes appropriate technical strategies to manage risks, overcome barriers, and advance project objectives.
• Monitors project activities, results, and deliverables and identifies and raises issues to management.

Client/Funder Support:

• Builds productive working relationships internally and externally by fostering collaboration with national and international organizations, government agencies, academia, and other relevant entities.
• Assists with the preparation and drafting of work plans, presentations, and reports for the department of State (DoS) and other key stakeholders.
• Participate and represents the project in meetings and forums as required.

Operations Management (Finance, HR, etc.):

• Ensures project activities are on track with work plans, with technical expertise informing project implementation.
• Oversees project timelines and budgets. This includes monitoring of project activities to ensure they are on track with approved work plans, the spending on technical scope under broad supervision, and the collection of data for financial and technical reporting.
• Monitors project activities, results, and deliverables and regularly reports to management.
• Manages procurement as needed, coordinating with United State Government and suppliers.

Project/Program Reporting:

• Prepares reports and papers summarizing project results and analysis of data sets including technical assessment findings. Establishes and maintains SOW and budget tracking systems.
• Creates technical content (e.g., summary reports, presentations, manuscripts) related to project activities, results, and outcomes.
• Participates in data review and support data for decision making.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• Proficiency with database management software and on-line search tools required.
• Development of scope of work and deliverables for partners, consultants, etc.
• Has sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of the political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas.
• Articulate, professional, and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff.
• Basic working knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures with providing technical support for technical research studies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with using Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports.
• Ability to solve problems and implement corrective action as needed.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English.

Supervision Given/Received:

• Has no supervisory responsibility.
• Receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new assignments or projects.
• Typically reports to an Associate Director, Technical, STRIDES Malawi.

Education: ** **

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology or its international equivalent in biological sciences within a clinical or medical laboratory diagnostic discipline or specialty or related field.

Experience: ** **

• Typically requires 4+ years of relevant experience working with infectious disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening
• Extensive knowledge of laboratory practices, diagnostic techniques, quality assurance systems, and laboratory information management systems in human, veterinary, and/or environmental health sectors.
• Knowledge and understanding of infectious diseases, their transmission, and the application of methods and procedures to safely control infectious materials.
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and manage laboratory strengthening initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in capacity-building activities such as training and mentoring laboratory personnel.
• Prior work experience with United States Government (USG) funded projects
• Proven experience working with government agencies and non-governmental organization (NGO) is highly desirable to support strategy development, implementation plans, and decision-making.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs.

Technology to be Used:

• Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

Travel Requirements:

Ability to travel 10% - 25%

The expected hiring salary range for this role is indexed to USD 21,200 to 30,000 annually for gross salary (basic and allowances) .When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, market pay, and budget. For internal candidates, salary placement will also follow FHI 360’s current promotional increase guidelines.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

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