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, 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 a proposed position of Laboratory and Diagnostics Advisor for an upcoming TB diagnostic network strengthening opportunity in Bangladesh. This position is contingent upon award and will be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Position Description:
The Laboratory and Diagnostics Advisor will be responsible for managing all diagnostic network strengthening activities of the project in the country. S/he will provide technical support to the Ministry of Health, National TB Program and stakeholders on developing or updating diagnostic strategies and will take the lead in planning and implementing activities to improve quality and performance of laboratory services. The advisor will be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh and will report to the project’s Chief of Party.
Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the technical components of the project including laboratory as well as other diagnostics.
- 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 TB reference laboratory (NTRL) and regional TB reference laboratories (RTRLs) 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 instruments performing services and duties 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.
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 6 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 plans and decision making.
- Experience in private sector laboratory and diagnostics is preferred.
- Ability to travel in country 20-25% of the time.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; fluency in Bangla required.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates can apply through the FHI 360 career page https://www.fhi360.org/careers
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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