Diagnostics and Laboratory Advisor (GHS)

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a global nonprofit organization that, since its establishment, has been dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development. The organization operates in more than 60 countries and employs over 4,000 staff members worldwide. FHI 360 focuses on various sectors, including health, education, and economic development, and is committed to safeguarding the welfare of everyone who engages with its programs. The organization emphasizes equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring that no discrimination occurs based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS) to ensure a safe working environment for all employees and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The EpiC Kazakhstan Diagnostics and Laboratory Advisor for GHS will play a critical role in managing laboratory diagnostic network strengthening activities within the country. This position is essential for providing technical support to the Ministry of Health and its divisions in developing or updating laboratory strategies. The advisor will lead the planning and implementation of activities aimed at improving the quality and performance of laboratory services. This role requires a strategic approach to enhance the laboratory and diagnostics component of the project, ensuring alignment with national objectives and targets. The advisor will also be responsible for technical inputs to annual work planning at the country level and will engage in developing guidelines and policies for laboratory diagnostic network strengthening activities. The position demands active participation in technical thought leadership at both regional and country levels, ensuring that the laboratory services meet international standards and effectively respond to public health needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Diagnostics and Laboratory Advisor will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing strategic leadership and guidance to the laboratory and diagnostics component of the project in coordination with other technical areas.
• Collaborating closely with national counterparts to deliver the technical assistance necessary to achieve national objectives, particularly those related to the laboratory network strategic plan and quality management system.
• Offering technical support and mentorship in planning, conducting, and reporting assessments and audits for management systems in accordance with national policies.
• Advising national reference laboratories (NRLs) and other stakeholders on developing and implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory capacity and quality, referencing ISO 15189 or other relevant standards.
• Supporting the implementation of a quality assurance program for clinical laboratories.
• Assisting in the execution of diagnostic network strengthening activities, including specimen referral and transport systems, laboratory information management systems, data management and reporting, and the expansion and optimization of molecular diagnostic tools.
• Strengthening laboratory capacities to detect antimicrobial resistance.
• Providing onsite and on-the-job technical assistance to laboratories as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement efforts.
• Preparing training materials, SOPs, and job aids, and delivering training to laboratory personnel. 1
• Coordinating the selection, development of specifications, procurement, distribution, and maintenance of laboratory supplies and instruments. 1
• Working with NRL leadership to optimize and oversee the diagnostic network, updating diagnostic algorithms as necessary. 1
• Providing technical assistance for the introduction and scale-up of new diagnostic tools as they become available. 1
• Supporting infection prevention/control, biosafety/biosecurity, and waste management in laboratories. 1
• Collaborating with project management and technical teams to develop work plans, presentations, and reports, and representing the project as required. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in microbiology or laboratory sciences, or an equivalent international qualification in biological sciences within a clinical or diagnostic discipline. Additionally, a minimum of 8 years of experience working with infectious disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening is required. Proven experience in laboratory quality assurance, quality control, and audits, or at least seven years in a senior laboratory management position is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to perform quality assurance of laboratory audits and assessments against accepted national and international standards and regulations. Creative problem-solving skills and experience in training and mentoring staff are also necessary. Experience working with government officials, particularly the Ministry of Health, is highly desirable, as is experience in the private sector laboratory and diagnostics.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in microbiology or laboratory sciences, or its international equivalent, in biological sciences within a clinical or diagnostic discipline or specialty. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage laboratory diagnostic activities and provide technical support to health authorities.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of relevant experience in the field of infectious disease diagnostics and laboratory systems strengthening. Candidates should have a proven track record in laboratory quality assurance, quality control, and audits, or at least seven years in a senior laboratory management role. This level of experience is crucial for the advisor to effectively lead and implement laboratory strengthening initiatives and to provide the necessary technical support to national health authorities.

Languages:
Fluency in Kazakh and Russian is required for this position, as these languages are essential for effective communication with local stakeholders and government officials. Additionally, fluency in English is preferred, as it may be necessary for engaging with international partners and accessing global resources and literature.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and is open to Kazakh residents. The role may require travel, approximately 30% of the time, primarily within Kazakhstan. The job description outlines the main duties but does not restrict the exact tasks that may be assigned. It is important to note that this document should not be construed as a contract of employment, and management reserves the right to review and revise the job description at any time. FHI 360 is committed to providing a competitive benefits package and fostering a healthy work/life balance for its employees.