Conseiller en laboratoire (Laboratory Advisor)

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization that focuses on improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development. Established in 1980, FHI 360 operates in more than 60 countries and has a diverse workforce of over 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to addressing global challenges such as health, education, and economic development, and it emphasizes the importance of collaboration with local partners to achieve sustainable outcomes.

Job Overview:
The Laboratory Advisor for the STRIDES program (STRengthening Infectious Disease DEtection Systems) will provide strategic and technical leadership for the design, implementation, and monitoring of STRIDES activities in Senegal. This role will offer high-level technical support to national and regional ministries to strengthen and sustain the core capacities of the public health system (GHS), ensuring compliance with international frameworks and standards. The Laboratory Advisor will lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of technical strategies aimed at strengthening laboratory networks that provide comprehensive coverage and universal access to laboratory and diagnostic services for the STRIDES activity. This includes conducting assessments of diagnostic networks and facilities, as well as implementing initiatives to enhance epidemic preparedness within both human and animal diagnostic networks. The advisor will supervise the laboratory and diagnostic specialist to ensure that all STRIDES activities align with the work plan objectives and U.S. government priorities, and are executed to the highest quality standards, in accordance with international guidelines and within agreed timelines and budgets.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Plan, lead, and coordinate the implementation of STRIDES laboratory and diagnostic strengthening activities to ensure that goals and objectives meet or exceed applicable quality standards and are achieved within prescribed timelines and budget limits. Establish STRIDES quality standards for diagnostics and preparedness, ensuring these standards guide work plans and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities, including those of subcontractors. Lead the development of country-specific work plans and budgets for diagnostic network activities, aligning with activity objectives and ensuring compliance with donor and organizational policies and procedures. Direct the STRIDES laboratory/diagnostic staff in the country to develop and manage relationships with counterparts in national, regional, and local governments as well as with multisectoral partners in the diagnostic networks; identify the technical support and leadership needed to address the administration's priorities for improving laboratory/diagnostic network preparedness for epidemics. Lead the development and implementation of technical support, diagnostic network strengthening, and quality improvement interventions, in accordance with Joint External Evaluation (JEE) reports, State Party Annual Self-Assessment (SPAR) reports, national action plans, and other assessments. Oversee the implementation of diagnostic network strengthening activities, including sample transfer mechanisms, quality management systems, laboratory management information systems, standard operating procedures for diagnostics, expansion of patient bedside diagnostic service points, and strengthening of biosafety and biosecurity. Facilitate cross-learning and networking among laboratories and diagnostic facilities across countries. Stay informed of innovations in diagnostics and laboratory strengthening approaches, ensuring that new knowledge/data and best practices are shared with STRIDES teams, partners, and host countries, and applied appropriately. Lead process improvement initiatives for training and development to ensure compliance with technical standards. Consult with the STRIDES leadership team to enhance the implementation of activities and outcomes in the technical area of laboratories and diagnostics. Supervise and mentor laboratory/diagnostic staff; oversee recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes as needed. Support performance management and professional development of direct reports, including through continuous feedback, coaching, and career support. Prepare and disseminate lessons learned and best practices to improve future global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security programs.

Required Qualifications:
In-depth knowledge of infectious disease diagnostics and laboratory systems, as well as practical knowledge of field implementation and project management. Excellent organizational and analytical skills. Proven project management and technical leadership capabilities; prior experience in laboratory/diagnostic capacity strengthening during an emerging infectious disease epidemic is a plus. Experience in implementing U.S. government-funded contracts. Ability to demonstrate flexibility throughout project implementation to adapt to changing national, regional, global, and U.S. government priorities. Ability to motivate, influence, and work effectively with others to achieve STRIDES objectives. Ability to communicate information, present recommendations, and collaborate with colleagues and peers within STRIDES and externally as needed. Ability to establish positive working relationships with diverse stakeholder communities, government officials, other multilateral agencies, and donor representatives. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effectiveness under deadlines. Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as analytical skills in both English and French.

Educational Background:
Master's degree or international equivalent in knowledge/information services, health, human development, microbiology, clinical diagnostics, or a related field. Project management certification (PM) is preferred.

Experience:
Generally, over 12 years of relevant experience in the design and evaluation of applicable programs/services. Proven knowledge and experience in infectious disease diagnostics. Mastery of the latest advancements in infectious disease diagnostics, including point-of-service and molecular methods. Knowledge and experience in laboratory strengthening to meet international quality standards. Good understanding of international biosafety regulations. Proven sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of ethical issues related to infectious disease diagnostics and surveillance. Previous work experience with a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization. Strong experience in contract management, setting realistic priorities, and planning for the successful implementation of activities.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required, with excellent oral and written communication skills in both languages. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local fixed-term contract for a duration of 6 months, with the possibility of renewal. The role is full-time and may require national travel representing between 10% and 50% of the work time. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to safeguarding and preventing any type of abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks.