GHS (Animal Health & Laboratory) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) is a global health initiative project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Established in 2019, the project is set to run until 2027 and aims to strengthen public health systems globally, regionally, and locally to effectively prevent, detect, and respond to zoonotic and infectious diseases. EpiC operates in over 60 countries and has extensive technical experience in ten priority areas of Global Health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (GHS). The organization collaborates with FHI 360 and various consortium partners to implement GHS programming rapidly, leveraging existing capabilities and aligning with national and international health security goals.

Job Overview:
The Global Health Security (GHS) Animal Health and Laboratory Specialist will play a crucial role in providing technical leadership to enhance animal health and laboratory systems in Ghana. This position involves leading animal health activities and supporting the GHS Technical Advisor in strengthening zoonotic disease surveillance through a cross-sectoral approach that integrates animal, human, and environmental health sectors. The Specialist will be responsible for building workforce capacity to detect priority infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), supporting data collection for surveillance and response, and assisting various health platforms in institutionalizing district-level monitoring and strengthening rapid detection and response capabilities. The role also includes supporting outbreak investigations and emergency response operations, ensuring readiness for ISO 17025 accreditation, and improving diagnostic quality and data systems to enhance overall health outcomes in Ghana.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Specialist will provide technical leadership in animal health and zoonotic disease surveillance, detection, reporting, and response using a One Health approach. Responsibilities include guiding the Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD) and partners in designing and implementing animal health laboratory systems, developing policies and guidelines for zoonotic surveillance, and delivering training to laboratory staff and field officers. The Specialist will also integrate animal health data into national surveillance platforms, strengthen sample referral networks, and support contingency planning and simulations for outbreak response. Additionally, the Specialist will track project indicators, analyze implementation data, and contribute to technical reports, ensuring compliance with project objectives and quality standards. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including ministries and donors, to enhance multisectoral coordination and emergency operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess expertise in zoonotic disease surveillance, animal health laboratory strengthening, and infectious disease diagnostics. A strong understanding of Global Health Security frameworks, AMR surveillance, and diagnostic network coordination is essential. The Specialist should have experience in field-based surveillance and outbreak investigations, as well as skills in project management and data analysis. Effective communication and facilitation skills are necessary, along with the ability to engage stakeholders in low-resource settings. Proficiency in database management and familiarity with laboratory information systems is also required.

Educational Background:
A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is required, along with a master's degree in animal health, animal science, microbiology, laboratory sciences, or a related field. Preference will be given to candidates who are registered veterinarians or veterinary technologists, particularly those with specialization in microbiology or clinical laboratory medicine. Project Management certification is preferred, and additional training in laboratory quality management, biosafety, or genomic surveillance is advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 6 years of experience in national or regional animal health infectious disease detection, surveillance, and laboratory systems strengthening. Previous work experience in NGOs, government agencies, or private organizations is preferred. The position is open to Ghanaian nationals or those residing in Ghana, with no expatriate allowances provided.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, with strong communication skills necessary for producing high-quality technical reports and presentations. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to the organization's equal opportunity and affirmative action policies, ensuring non-discrimination based on various characteristics. FHI 360 is committed to safeguarding against abuse and harassment in its work environments and requires all personnel to adhere to a code of conduct. Employment offers will be contingent on appropriate screening checks, including reference and criminal record checks. The organization also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS) to ensure transparency in recruitment processes. FHI 360 offers a competitive benefits package and promotes a healthy work/life balance.