Job Summary:

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender equality, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development and humanitarian challenge in more than 70 countries. USAID Infectious Diseases Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) project serves the Global Health Security Agenda. IDDS supports the Ethiopian government and relevant ministries in the strengthening of the Ethiopian human and animal health diagnostic and surveillance systems for infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Under the supervision of the Team Lead, the Diagnostic Specialist will support the diagnostics system capacity building work for the USAID Infectious Diseases Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) project. The position will be based in Addis Ababa and will involve frequent in-country travel. Technical responsibilities include working with the IDDS diagnostics global and regional leadership, in-country partners, ICF (project prime), and USAID to implement agreed strategies to enhance diagnostic networks and surveillance in the country. Program coordination responsibilities include working with IDDS team, FHI 360 finance, operation, and other stakeholders.

Technical Officers (Level I – III) provide a range of technical and administrative services at increasing levels of complexity to support project implementation and proposal development. Individuals within these positions are expected to demonstrate an increasing level of proficiency within the specific relevant technical area.

Accountabilities:

Technical Responsibilities

• Responsible for the implementation of technical assistance, diagnostic network and facilities strengthening and quality improvement interventions in line with joint external evaluation (JEE) reports, country national action plan, other assessment reports and country workplan activities aligned with JEE and local stakeholder improvement goals.
• Responsible for implementing in-country diagnostic network enhancement activities which may include capacity building activities for core diagnostic components such as quality management systems, supply chain, management information systems and development of diagnostic SOPs and tools. ·
• Closely work with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) and AMR surveillance sites in developing or updating national diagnostic network strategic plans, SOPs and policies.
• Monitors and reports progress with diagnostic network enhancement activities as per the approved country workplan.
• Assist capacity building of USAID IDDS supported AMR surveillance sites.
• Conduct assessments of diagnostic facilities and leads the follow-up of corrective and preventive actions and quality improvement initiatives.
• Provides technical assistance and training to diagnostic facilities and the overall diagnostic network as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement programs.
• Assists laboratories preparing for accreditation through locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally accepted accreditation agencies based on country demand.
• Provide technical assistance in the site refurbishment and laboratory diagnostic equipment assessments.
• Assists laboratories preparing for accreditation through locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally accepted accreditation agencies based on country demand.
• Provide technical assistance in the site refurbishment and laboratory diagnostic equipment assessments.
• Collect program performance indicators data on regular basis.
• Assist program procurement activities in accordance with FHl360 and USAID regulations and procurement plans, including oversight of all bids and billing as appropriate.

  Applied Knowledge & Skills:

  • Sound knowledge and experience in clinical microbiology diagnostics (on-the-bench experience), diagnostic networks and quality management systems.
  • In-depth knowledge of the diagnostics for infectious diseases and anti-microbial resistance (AMR).
  • Awareness 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 AMR
  • General understanding of the country environment and how it affects diagnostics network functioning.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.

    Competencies:

    There are 31 FHI 360 development competencies, of greatest focus for this particular job will be:

    📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

    ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

    • Project Management (Planning and Time Management) - Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks (sets objectives/goals/measures). Breaks down work into steps, schedules, task/people assignments. Marshals people, time, and resources efficiently. Arranges information in a useful manner and orchestrates multiple activities at once.
    • People Management (Making Others Great) – Facilitate professional development of staff by providing challenging, learning assignments and opportunities. Shares and solicits feedback monthly at the very least. Helps establish compelling development plans. Assigns responsibility and accountability for tasks/decisions. Monitors process, progress, and results. Creates a climate in which people want to do their best.
    • Creating and Managing Systems and Processes – Recognizes the need for standardization and balances client and organization need in systems design. Anticipates the effects of process change on people while optimizing task efficiency and simplicity.
    • Employees are expected to possess or have high potential for the development of these three fundamental competencies.

      Problem Solving & Impact:

      • Works on problems of moderate scope that require analysis or interpretation of various factors.
      • Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
      • Builds rapport with internal and external staff.
      • Decision may affect a work unit or area within a department.

        Supervision Given/Received:

        • Has no supervisory responsibility.
        • Receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new assignments or projects.
        • Typically reports to an IDDS Team Lead .

          Education: **

          • MSc in Clinical Laboratory Science.

            Experience: **

            • MSc in Clinical Laboratory Science. At least 5 years of experience in clinical laboratory services, diagnostic strengthening, and capacity building in the country.
            • Knowledge and experience in mentoring and supportive supervision.
            • Knowledge and experience in strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards including ISO 15189
            • Knowledge and experience laboratory supply chain management
            • Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel and Power Point)
            • Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
            • Ability to think critically and creatively.
            • Excellent interpersonal skills, including patience, willingness to listen and respect for colleagues.
            • Must work well individually and as part of a team.
            • Fluent in Amharic and English.

              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.

                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:

                  • 10% - 25%

                    Date Revised: 09/13/2021

                    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.

                    FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

                    Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

                    FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.
                    
                    FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

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