Senior Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer

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 1980, FHI 360 operates in more than 60 countries and has a diverse workforce of over 4,000 employees. The organization focuses on various sectors including health, education, economic development, and more, aiming to create a positive impact on communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Senior Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer plays a crucial role in providing technical leadership and guidance in laboratory systems strengthening and diagnostics as part of the STRIDES Morocco Activity. This position is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of laboratory-related activities, ensuring that they align with Morocco's national health priorities and donor requirements. The Officer will work closely with the Project Director, relevant government entities, and in-country partners to ensure the technical quality of laboratory and diagnostic interventions. This role also involves overseeing workplan timelines and budgets, contributing to the capacity building of the national laboratory system, and potentially supervising junior technical staff and short-term consultants. The Officer will engage with various stakeholders to advance laboratory objectives and develop necessary tools and guidelines for effective laboratory operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer include providing technical leadership in laboratory systems strengthening and diagnostics, engaging with the Ministry of Health and relevant government entities, supporting the development and implementation of laboratory policies and quality management standards, maintaining ongoing technical dialogue with stakeholders, contributing to the development of tools and guidelines, leading the technical implementation of laboratory activities, identifying gaps in laboratory capacity, providing technical mentorship and capacity building, monitoring project protocols and reports, conducting analysis of project implementation, developing and monitoring technical work plans and budgets, preparing presentations on project progress, and ensuring technical deliverables meet best practices and contractual obligations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong technical knowledge of laboratory systems strengthening, biosafety, and quality management systems, as well as diagnostic methods including molecular diagnostics and genomic sequencing. Familiarity with Morocco's public health system and experience working with government counterparts in Morocco are essential. Candidates should have the ability to manage projects, set priorities, and plan for successful implementation. Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills in Arabic, French, and English are required, along with relevant computer software skills, particularly in MS Office applications.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or its international equivalent in Laboratory Sciences, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field is required. A Project Management (PM) Certification is preferred.

Experience:
Typically, candidates should have at least 6+ years of relevant experience in laboratory systems strengthening, diagnostics, or a related technical area. Documented experience providing technical assistance and capacity building in laboratory systems or global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security is necessary. Experience on USAID- or U.S. Department of State-funded projects in Morocco or the MENA region is strongly preferred, along with prior work experience in an NGO, government agency, or private organization.

Languages:
Professional proficiency in Arabic, French, and English is mandatory, with strong written and verbal communication skills in all three languages required.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel of 10% - 25%. The expected hiring salary range for this role is MAD 300,000 - 500,000 for annual gross salary. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to safeguarding against abuse, exploitation, and harassment. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record, and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 fosters a healthy work/life balance through a competitive benefits package and professional development opportunities.