Back Diagnostics and Laboratory Advisor

JOB TITLE: Diagnostics and Laboratory Advisor

PROJECT TITLE: USAID Tajikistan Tuberculosis (TB) Bilateral Activity

REPORT TO: AR1,2, and 3 Lead, FHI 360 in Tajikistan

FHI 360 is a non-profit 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, Youth, Research and Technology; creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Diagnostics and Laboratory Advisor for the USAID Tajikistan Tuberculosis (TB) Bilateral Activity. The position will be based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Project Background

USAID Tajikistan Tuberculosis (TB) Bilateral Activity is a five-year project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID Tajikistan Tuberculosis (TB) Bilateral Activity aims to reduce the burden of TB in the Republic of Tajikistan. The project activity results are focused on improving case detection and notification for all forms of TB, increasing the number of patients cured of all forms of TB, strengthening TB prevention by expanded preventive treatment and improved infection prevention and control (IPC) interventions, and strengthening TB system resilience and reliance in public health emergencies.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the AR1,2, and 3 Lead, the Diagnostics and Laboratory Advisor will be responsible for managing all laboratory diagnostic network strengthening activities of the project. S/he will provide technical support to the Ministry of Health, National TB Program and stakeholders on developing or updating laboratory strategies and take the lead on planning and implementing activities to improve the quality and performance of laboratory services. Her/his responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the laboratory and diagnostics component of the project in coordination with other project technical areas
• Work in close collaboration with national counterparts to provide the technical assistance required to fulfill national objectives and targets, especially these related to the laboratory network strategic plan, work plans and quality management system
• Provide technical support and mentorship in the planning, conduct, and reporting of assessments, audits for management systems as per national policies
• Provide advisory services to the national reference laboratories (NRLs) as well as other stakeholders on the development and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives to build laboratory capacity and quality with reference to ISO 15189 or other standards and requirements.
• Provide technical and coordination support as needed for implementation of a quality assurance program on TB diagnostics for clinical laboratories.
• Provide technical support in the implementation of diagnostic network strengthening activities such as specimen referral and transport system, laboratory information management system, data management and reporting, diagnostic connectivity and expansion and optimization of molecular diagnostic tools.
• Provide onsite and on-the-job technical assistance to laboratories and others as required and requested as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement schemes.
• Provide expert advice in preparation of training materials, SOPs, job aids and deliver trainings to the laboratories.
• Coordinate and support selection, procurement, distribution, and maintenance of laboratory supplies and instrument, as needed.
• Work with NRL leadership to enhance and oversee the TB diagnostic network, update the diagnostic algorithm and improve culture and drug susceptibility testing.
• Provide technical assistance on establishing new TB diagnostics as they become available.
• Provide technical expertise regarding infection prevention control policies and biosafety and biosecurity measures in the laboratories.
• Work with project management and technical teams in developing work plans, presentations and reports, and represent the project wherever required.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the AR1,2, and3 Lead.

  Minimum Requirements

  • Master’s degree in microbiology or laboratory sciences, or its international equivalent, in biological sciences within a clinical or diagnostic discipline or specialty
  • At least 8 years’ experience working with TB or other infectious disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening
  • Proven experience in laboratory quality assurance, quality control and audits or at least seven years in a senior laboratory management position required
  • Demonstrated ability and aptitude to perform quality assurance laboratory audits and assessments against accepted national and international standards and regulations
  • Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills
  • Demonstrated experience in training and mentoring staff and others
  • Proven experience working with government officials, particularly the Ministry of Health is highly desirable, to support strategy development, implementation of plans and decision making
  • Experience in private sector laboratory and diagnostics is preferred
    • Any relevant Tajik professional qualifications are an advantage
    • Fluency in English and Tajik is required
    • Position open to Tajik nationals or individuals who have the legal authority to work in Tajikistan

      The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work and are subject to modification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job.

      FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran with respect to policies, programs, or activities.

      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.

      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.
      
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