Spécialiste en laboratoire et en diagnostic-Santé animale (Laboratory and Diagnostics Specialist-Animal health)

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to 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 workforce of over 4,000 employees. The organization focuses on various sectors including health, education, and economic development, aiming to create a positive impact on communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Laboratory and Diagnostics Specialist for Animal Health will provide strategic and technical support for the design, implementation, and monitoring of STRIDES (Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems) activities in Senegal. This role is crucial in offering high-level technical assistance to national and regional ministries to enhance and sustain the core capacities of the Global Health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (GHS) framework, ensuring compliance with international standards and guidelines. The specialist will lead and manage the development, implementation, and monitoring of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening laboratory systems and diagnostic capacities for zoonoses in Senegal. This includes providing technical guidance on laboratory capacity building and improving access to quality diagnostic testing for zoonoses. The specialist will work closely with key stakeholders to ensure the delivery of effective, high-quality, and reliable laboratory services for zoonoses, contributing to the development of guidelines and policies for laboratory diagnostic network strengthening, and ensuring technical leadership at both national and regional levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Laboratory and Diagnostics Specialist include supporting the implementation of activities related to the prevention, detection, and response to zoonotic diseases in accordance with the STRIDES Senegal work plan. This involves ensuring the monitoring and updating of protocols, instruments, datasets, manuals, training materials, and reports related to zoonotic disease diagnostics and laboratory technical areas. The specialist will collaborate closely with national, regional, and local counterparts to provide the necessary technical assistance to achieve project objectives and targets, primarily related to strengthening laboratory systems and diagnostic services. They will lead or contribute to the development and writing of technical notes, reports, or other documents necessary to facilitate research, best practices, policies, and procedures. The specialist will also contribute to the implementation of multisectoral approaches at national, regional, and local levels, enhancing coordination among human health, animal health, wildlife health, and other relevant sectors through technical working groups and platforms. They will provide technical support for scaling up and optimizing new diagnostic tools, promote the integration of epidemiological data, laboratories, and genomic surveillance, and mentor project team members and subcontractors to strengthen their capacities. Additionally, the specialist will lead or contribute to assessments of diagnostic networks and laboratory capacities, including communicating findings and recommendations, and contribute to research initiatives aimed at improving laboratory practices and diagnostic outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a deep understanding of concepts, practices, and procedures related to zoonotic disease laboratories and diagnostics. Experience in developing scopes of work with deliverables for subcontractors and consultants is essential. A thorough knowledge of quality assurance standards and laboratory biosafety/bioprotection is required. Proficiency in database management software and online research tools is necessary. Candidates should demonstrate cultural sensitivity and an understanding of political, contextual, and ethical issues in the assigned fields. Strong communication skills, professionalism, and the ability to communicate clearly and positively with clients, partners, and staff are crucial. Excellent organizational and analytical skills, proven project management capabilities, and the ability to influence and collaborate with others are also required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is mandatory, along with the ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports. Problem-solving skills and the ability to implement corrective measures when necessary are essential.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in microbiology, laboratory animal science (MLAS), or an equivalent international degree in biological sciences in a medical laboratory discipline or specialty is required. A Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is preferred.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 6 years of relevant experience in infectious disease diagnostics and/or laboratory system strengthening. Previous professional experience in U.S. government-funded projects and a good understanding of U.S. government reporting regulations and requirements are preferred. A deep knowledge of laboratory practices, diagnostic techniques, quality assurance systems, and laboratory information management systems in human, veterinary, and/or environmental health sectors is necessary. Proven experience in designing, implementing, and managing laboratory strengthening initiatives, as well as experience in capacity-building activities such as training and mentoring laboratory staff, is required. Experience collaborating with government agencies to support strategy development, implementation planning, and decision-making is highly desirable. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills are essential.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is required, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Proficiency in additional languages is a plus.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local fixed-term contract for a duration of 6 months, with the possibility of renewal. The role is based in Dakar, Senegal, and may require national travel representing 10 to 50% of the time. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to safeguarding against 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. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), which may involve requesting information from previous employers regarding any substantiated findings of misconduct.