Technical Advisor for Diagnostics

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization that was established with the mission of improving lives in lasting ways through the advancement of integrated, locally driven solutions. The organization employs a diverse team of experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing. This unique mix of capabilities allows FHI 360 to effectively address the interrelated challenges of development faced globally. The organization operates in over 50 countries and all U.S. states and territories, demonstrating its extensive reach and commitment to improving public health and social conditions worldwide. The EpiC project, which is part of FHI 360's initiatives, is an eight-year global health project funded by the U.S. Department of State as part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This project specifically addresses critical public health challenges such as HIV/AIDS, pandemic preparedness, and global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, with a focus on strengthening public health systems in various countries, including Ukraine.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor for Diagnostics will play a crucial role in coordinating and collaborating with the EpiC Ukraine team to enhance laboratory systems at national, subnational, and facility levels. The primary goal of this position is to minimize the transmission of high-threat pathogens within healthcare, animal health settings, and the community. The advisor will be responsible for improving in-country diagnostic systems and laboratory networks to ensure timely and accurate detection of priority pathogens, which is essential for life-saving interventions and effective public health decision-making. This role will also involve contributing to risk communication efforts with vulnerable populations and the general public during public health emergencies. The advisor will report directly to the GHS director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Technical Director and will be expected to align their work with national regulations and international frameworks, ensuring that all activities reflect locally identified needs through stakeholder engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Advisor for Diagnostics will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including providing expertise to strengthen laboratory networks critical for infectious disease outbreak prevention, detection, and response. They will support Ukrainian counterparts in detecting and reporting priority pathogens during outbreaks and public health emergencies. The advisor will align technical support with recommendations from Ukraine’s Joint External Evaluation (JEE) 2021 report, focusing on diagnostic readiness and surge capacity improvements. They will assist in conducting a laboratory landscaping analysis to assess regional capacities, ensuring that all activities are in line with country workplan priorities. The advisor will enhance laboratory networks in areas such as specimen referral and transport systems, laboratory quality management systems, and biosafety. They will coordinate with stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to strengthening the national laboratory system and will contribute to the development of national laboratory network strategies and action plans. Additionally, the advisor will design, implement, monitor, and evaluate progress related to the enhancement of diagnostic networks and laboratory systems, while also developing training materials and conducting training for diagnostic practitioners. They will document best practices and lessons learned from the EpiC project and contribute to project reporting and donor communications.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Technical Advisor for Diagnostics position must possess an advanced degree in Medical or Veterinary Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology, or Molecular Biology. They should have at least 12 years of relevant experience in diagnostic systems and capacity strengthening, particularly within Ukraine. Experience in diagnosing infectious diseases, including hands-on diagnostics, is highly desirable. Candidates should be competent in current diagnostic methods for infectious diseases, including point-of-care tests, and have experience with laboratory quality management systems. Knowledge of WHO’s International Health Regulations, public health surveillance, biosecurity, and antimicrobial resistance is also important. Familiarity with strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards, such as ISO 15189, is preferred. Previous experience working with U.S. Government or PEPFAR-supported programs and in an international NGO environment is advantageous. Strong report writing, analytical, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and meet deadlines with attention to detail.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in Medical or Veterinary Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology, or Molecular Biology. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of diagnostic systems and laboratory practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in diagnostic systems and capacity strengthening, particularly in the context of Ukraine. Candidates should have a strong background in the diagnosis of infectious diseases and experience with laboratory quality management systems. Familiarity with international health regulations and public health emergency response is also important.

Languages:
Professional proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory, along with fluency in Ukrainian. These language skills are essential for effective communication and collaboration within the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to Ukrainian nationals who are residing in Ukraine or are willing to relocate. The job may require travel within the country or region and internationally, with travel requirements estimated at 25% to 50%. The role is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, and is expected to be full-time. FHI 360 is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring that all applicants are considered without discrimination based on various characteristics. The organization also emphasizes safeguarding against abuse and harassment in its work environments and programs.