Technical Specialist-1; (New Technology)

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Established in 1975, FHI 360 has been operational for over 45 years, serving more than 70 countries and all US states and territories. The organization employs experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing. This diverse expertise allows FHI 360 to address interrelated development challenges effectively. In Bangladesh, FHI 360 has made significant contributions to transforming the health and development landscape, working in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh, civil society, academia, and the private sector to deliver integrated programs across critical sectors such as health services, HIV, nutrition, tuberculosis, global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and economic participation.

Job Overview:
The Technical Specialist- New Technology will play a crucial role in managing the technical aspects of the tuberculosis (TB) program, particularly focusing on new tools and innovations such as Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST), Next Generation Sequencing (tNGS), and electronic Laboratory Management Information Systems (eLMIS). The specialist will be responsible for providing technical support to the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MBDC) and other TB stakeholders, assisting in the development or updating of strategies, and offering technical assistance for the planning and implementation of activities aimed at enhancing the quality and performance of new technologies. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying technical gaps and challenges, recommending practical solutions, and ensuring the effective integration of new technologies into existing workflows. The role will involve frequent in-country travel to support implementation efforts and will be supervised by the TB Laboratory Systems Advisor.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Specialist will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Providing strategic technical guidance and oversight for the design and implementation of activities aimed at strengthening and improving the use of new technologies, including DST and tNGS.
• Collaborating with the MBDC, NGOs, partners, and other stakeholders to identify program priorities and develop implementation strategies related to technology and innovations.
• Offering hands-on technical assistance to National TB Reference Laboratories (NTRLs), Regional TB Reference Laboratories (RTRLs), and partner laboratories to enhance the quality, performance, and sustainability of new technologies.
• Identifying technical gaps, challenges, and system bottlenecks in the implementation of new technologies and recommending practical solutions.
• Strengthening Quality Management Systems (QMS) related to new diagnostic technologies, including the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), validation, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), and performance monitoring.
• Supporting the implementation and improvement of eLMIS to ensure effective integration of supply chain data with diagnostic and sequencing workflows.
• Promoting data integration and the use of dashboards and laboratory information systems for data-driven decision-making.
• Coordinating closely with the TB Laboratory Systems Advisor, MBDC, NTRL, RTRLs, and national stakeholders to ensure harmonized implementation of innovations.
• Supporting capacity building through training, mentoring, and the development of technical materials for laboratory and program staff. 1
• Participating in technical working groups and representing FHI 360 in relevant coordination meetings. 1
• Conducting regular field visits to support the implementation, supervision, and performance improvement of new technologies. 1
• Performing any other activities as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field. They should have strong technical experience in TB diagnostics, particularly in DST methods and molecular technologies. A minimum of 5 years’ experience working with TB or other infectious disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening is required. Familiarity with electronic Laboratory Management Information Systems (eLMIS), laboratory information systems, or data integration platforms is essential. Experience working with national TB programs or public health laboratory networks is also necessary. Candidates should demonstrate creative problem-solving skills and have experience supervising TB programs and mentoring staff. Proven experience working with government officials, particularly the MBDC, is highly desirable to support strategy development and implementation plans. The ability to travel within the country 25-30% of the time is required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or higher in relevant fields such as Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related discipline. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of TB diagnostics and the implementation of new technologies in laboratory settings.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant experience in the field of TB diagnostics or other infectious disease diagnostics. This experience should include working in laboratory systems strengthening and familiarity with the operational aspects of national TB programs or public health laboratory networks. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing projects, supervising staff, and providing technical assistance in a public health context.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills required for effective collaboration and reporting. Additionally, fluency in Bangla is required to facilitate communication with local stakeholders and partners. Knowledge of other languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is contingent upon the award of the project and will be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The role involves full-time engagement with frequent travel within the country. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or veteran status. The organization emphasizes safeguarding and preventing abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record, and terrorism finance checks.