Laboratory and Diagnostics Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in a long-lasting way by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Established with a mission to address interrelated development challenges, FHI 360 employs experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing. The organization operates in over 50 countries, including Kenya, and across all U.S. states and territories, showcasing a diverse and extensive reach in its efforts to enhance human development.

Job Overview:
The Laboratory and Diagnostics Specialist will play a crucial role in providing technical leadership and guidance for the anticipated USAID-funded Global Health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security project in Kenya. This position involves leading the development, implementation, and monitoring of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening laboratory systems and diagnostic capacities. The specialist will work closely with country-level teams, project management, technical providers, and key stakeholders to ensure effective technical assistance is provided, ultimately enhancing the quality of laboratory services. Responsibilities include developing guidelines and policies for laboratory diagnostics, contributing to project work plans, and ensuring that laboratory capacity is built to improve access to quality diagnostic testing. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying challenges and implementing strategies to overcome them, ensuring that project objectives are met efficiently and effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Laboratory and Diagnostics Specialist include providing overall technical leadership for the laboratory and diagnostic services component of the STRIDES project, ensuring coordination with other technical areas. The specialist will monitor and maintain project protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials, and reports related to diagnostic services. Collaboration with national, regional, and local counterparts is essential to provide the necessary technical assistance for fulfilling project objectives. The specialist will lead the development of technical briefs and reports, provide subject matter expertise for laboratory strengthening activities, and support capacity building through mentorship. Additionally, the role involves promoting the adoption of new diagnostic technologies, developing and monitoring project work plans, conducting analyses for improvement, and maintaining productive relationships with stakeholders. The specialist will also oversee project timelines and budgets, prepare reports summarizing project results, and ensure compliance with project objectives and deliverables.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in microbiology or an equivalent in biological sciences related to clinical or medical laboratory diagnostics. The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in infectious disease diagnostics or laboratory systems strengthening. Extensive knowledge of laboratory practices, diagnostic techniques, and quality assurance systems is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to design and manage laboratory strengthening initiatives and have experience in capacity-building activities such as training and mentoring laboratory personnel. Familiarity with U.S. Government funded projects and experience working with government agencies and NGOs is highly desirable. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in microbiology or its international equivalent in biological sciences within a clinical or medical laboratory diagnostic discipline or specialty. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of laboratory systems and diagnostics in the context of public health.

Experience:
The position typically requires at least 6 years of relevant experience, particularly in the fields of infectious disease diagnostics and laboratory systems strengthening. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on projects that involve laboratory practices and diagnostic techniques, as well as experience in quality assurance systems and laboratory information management systems. Demonstrated experience in capacity-building activities, including training and mentoring laboratory personnel, is also essential for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with the ability to read, write, and speak clearly and professionally. While English is the primary language required for this position, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities and typically reports to an Associate Director, Technical, STRIDES Kenya. The role is expected to involve travel requirements of 10% to 25%. The expected hiring range for this role is between KES 4,333,333 to KES 6,000,000 annually for basic salary, with considerations for relevant experience and education. FHI 360 is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring a non-discriminatory hiring process. The organization also emphasizes safeguarding against abuse and exploitation in its work environments and programs.