STRIDES Laboratory and Diagnostics Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization that has been dedicated to improving lives in sustainable ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Established in 1980, FHI 360 has grown to include a diverse team of experts in various fields such as health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, and civil society. The organization operates in over 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories, with a significant presence in Bangladesh for nearly 50 years. Since 1977, FHI 360 has worked to transform the health and development landscape of Bangladesh by leveraging global expertise and local insights to strengthen community capacities and institutional frameworks for sustainable impact. The organization collaborates with the Government of Bangladesh, civil society, academia, and the private sector to deliver integrated programs across critical sectors, including essential health services, HIV and nutrition, tuberculosis, and global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The U.S. government's Global Health Security program, which provides life-saving assistance to prevent and respond to infectious disease threats, is a key component of FHI 360's work in Bangladesh, particularly through the STRIDES Activity, which aims to enhance disease detection and surveillance systems.

Job Overview:
The STRIDES Laboratory and Diagnostics Advisor will play a crucial role in providing technical leadership and guidance for the laboratory and diagnostic components of the STRIDES Activity, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State. This position involves leading and managing the development, implementation, and monitoring of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening laboratory systems and diagnostic capacities in Bangladesh. The advisor will work closely with country-level teams, project management, and key stakeholders to ensure the provision of effective technical assistance, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality and reliability of laboratory services. The role requires the development of guidelines and policies for laboratory diagnostic network strengthening, as well as contributing to project work plans, monitoring and evaluation systems, and technical reporting. The advisor will also be responsible for conducting field visits, which will constitute approximately 50% of the role, to ensure the successful implementation of project activities across different regions of Bangladesh.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the STRIDES Laboratory and Diagnostics Advisor include providing technical leadership and strategic guidance for laboratory and diagnostic services, monitoring project protocols and data sets, collaborating with national and local counterparts to fulfill project objectives, and leading the development of technical briefs and reports. The advisor will also provide subject matter expertise for laboratory strengthening activities, conduct assessments to translate findings into implementation plans, and mentor junior project team members. Additionally, the advisor will promote the adoption of new diagnostic technologies, align laboratory activities with project goals, and monitor project implementation to identify areas for improvement. The advisor will build productive relationships with stakeholders, oversee project timelines and budgets, prepare reports summarizing project results, and ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the STRIDES Laboratory and Diagnostics Advisor position must possess a Master's degree in microbiology or a related field within the biological sciences, particularly in clinical or diagnostic disciplines. A minimum of 8 years of experience in infectious disease diagnostics and laboratory systems strengthening is required, with a preference for experience in microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, or disease surveillance. Familiarity with U.S. government-funded projects and regulations is highly desirable. Candidates should have extensive knowledge of laboratory practices, diagnostic techniques, quality assurance systems, and laboratory information management systems across various health sectors. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to manage multiple tasks and work in a virtual environment, are essential. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are also required, with proficiency in English and Bangla being mandatory.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in microbiology or a relevant subject within the biological sciences, particularly in clinical or diagnostic disciplines. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary knowledge and expertise to effectively lead laboratory and diagnostic initiatives within the context of the STRIDES Activity.

Experience:
The STRIDES Laboratory and Diagnostics Advisor should have at least 8 years of relevant experience in the field of infectious disease diagnostics and laboratory systems strengthening. This experience should preferably include work in microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, or disease surveillance. Candidates with prior experience working on U.S. government-funded projects and familiarity with associated regulations and reporting requirements will be given preference. Demonstrated experience in capacity-building activities, such as training and mentoring laboratory personnel, is also highly desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as the advisor will be required to communicate effectively with stakeholders and prepare technical documentation. Additionally, fluency in Bangla is essential for engaging with local partners and stakeholders in Bangladesh. While English and Bangla are the primary languages required, knowledge of other languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and involves frequent field visits, accounting for approximately 50% of the role. The advisor will report to the Country director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Technical Director and may supervise junior-level staff. The position is full-time and may require local and regional travel. FHI 360 is committed to providing a safe work environment and adheres to safeguarding policies to protect vulnerable populations from exploitation and abuse. The organization is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with criminal histories, in accordance with applicable laws.