Laboratory Officer

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a non-profit organization dedicated to human development, committed to sustainably improving living conditions by promoting locally driven integrated solutions. Established to address various global challenges, FHI 360 employs experts across multiple fields including health, public health threats, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender issues, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing. With a workforce that spans over 50 countries and all U.S. states and territories, FHI 360 leverages a combination of global expertise and local knowledge to strengthen community capacities, improve systems, and consolidate institutional frameworks for sustainable impact. In partnership with the Indonesian government, civil society, academia, and the private sector, FHI 360 Côte d'Ivoire implements integrated programs in critical sectors, covering essential health services such as epidemic surveillance and control, health system strengthening, maternal and child health, malaria treatment and prevention, and global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The U.S. government's Global Health Security (GHS) program provides vital assistance to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats that pose epidemic risks. Within the GHS program, the STRIDES initiative (Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems) supports intersectoral efforts to effectively identify, manage, and respond to infectious disease threats, detect and prevent new epidemics, and build trust in national disease detection and surveillance structures and services.

Job Overview:
The Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer provides practical technical support for the implementation of the laboratory/diagnostic strategy of the STRIDES initiative, facilitating its implementation in human and animal health laboratories. This role involves providing technical assistance to field staff, addressing technical requirements related to work plan design and quality assurance. The Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer implements and supervises strategic and technical initiatives, offering expertise through the development and management of reports and technical documents. Working closely with the Senior Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer, the Laboratory and Diagnostic Advisor, and the STRIDES teams both in the field and at headquarters, the officer supports implementation by assessing program effectiveness, overseeing technical aspects, and providing technical evaluation reports.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer's responsibilities include providing daily technical support to project staff for the laboratory and diagnostic services component, including molecular diagnostics, genomic sequencing, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), quality management systems, biosafety, and biosecurity. The officer ensures coordination with other technical areas of the GHS to guarantee synergy. Responsibilities also include updating project protocols, instruments, technical tools, datasets, manuals, training materials, and related reports. The officer responds to inquiries from internal and external staff, collaborates closely with assigned teams to provide necessary technical assistance for achieving project objectives, and contributes to the development and drafting of technical notes, reports, and other documents necessary for assessments, best practices, policies, and procedures. The officer supports the implementation of laboratory network strengthening activities, including sample routing, quality assurance, laboratory information management systems, and training in relevant technical areas of the GHS. Additionally, the officer assists in scaling and optimizing molecular diagnostic tools and genomic sequencing platforms, ensuring laboratories adhere to workflows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and approved quality requirements. The officer also supports assessments of diagnostic networks and laboratory capacities, communicates findings and recommendations, and implements follow-up measures. Furthermore, the officer contributes to research initiatives aimed at improving laboratory practices and diagnostic outcomes. The officer encourages the adoption and integration of new technologies, tools, and diagnostic methodologies based on the country's needs and priorities, collaborates with national teams, project management, subcontractors, and stakeholders to align laboratory and diagnostic activities with overall project objectives, and conducts project implementation analysis to identify areas for improvement, proposing appropriate technical strategies to manage risks and overcome obstacles. The officer monitors project activities, outcomes, and deliverables, identifies issues, and reports them to management, while supporting the integration of laboratory diagnostic data into national platforms. The officer establishes productive working relationships internally and externally, fostering collaboration with government agencies, national and international organizations, academia, and other relevant entities. The officer participates in the preparation and drafting of work plans, presentations, and reports for key stakeholders, and represents the project at meetings and forums as needed. The officer ensures project activities are conducted according to work plans, leveraging technical expertise to guide project implementation, monitors project timelines and budgets, and contributes to technical purchases related to laboratories in coordination with management and suppliers. The officer supports the preparation of reports and documents summarizing project results and analyzing datasets, including findings from technical assessments, manages tracking systems for deliverables and budgets, and drafts technical documents related to project activities, results, and impacts. The officer develops a thorough understanding of quality standards through a formalized system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities to meet quality policies and objectives, coordinating and directing activities to meet client/donor requirements and regulatory standards.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a bachelor's degree in microbiology or an equivalent international degree in biological sciences within a clinical or diagnostic discipline. Generally, at least two years of relevant experience in infectious disease diagnostics and/or laboratory system strengthening is required. Proven experience in training, mentoring, and supervising laboratory staff in molecular diagnostics, sequencing, quality assurance/control (QA/QC), as well as biosafety and biosecurity is essential. Previous professional experience within a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private sector is preferred. Prior experience in U.S. government-funded projects and a good understanding of U.S. government reporting regulations and requirements are advantageous. In-depth knowledge of laboratory practices, diagnostic techniques, quality assurance systems, and laboratory information management systems in human, veterinary, and/or environmental health sectors is necessary. Understanding of infectious diseases, their transmission, and the application of methods and procedures for safely controlling infectious materials is required. Proven ability to design, implement, and support laboratory strengthening initiatives is essential. Experience collaborating with government agencies is highly desired to support strategy development, implementation planning, and decision-making. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills are required.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in microbiology or an equivalent international degree in biological sciences within a clinical or diagnostic discipline is required for this position.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of relevant experience in the field of infectious disease diagnostics and/or laboratory system strengthening. Proven experience in training, mentoring, and supervising laboratory personnel in molecular diagnostics, sequencing, quality assurance/control (QA/QC), as well as biosafety and biosecurity is essential. Previous professional experience within an NGO, government agency, or private sector is preferred, with prior experience in U.S. government-funded projects being an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Bahasa Indonesia is mandatory, with the ability to read, write, and speak proficiently in both languages being essential for effective communication in this role.

Additional Notes:
The working conditions include a typical office environment, with the ability to spend long hours in front of a computer screen and perform repetitive tasks at a keyboard. The role requires the ability to sit and stand for extended periods and lift/move up to 2.3 kg. The expected hiring salary range for this role is XOF 12,000,000 - 18,000,000 for annual basic salary for national local hire. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 considers multiple factors, including relevant years of experience and education, internal equity, market pay, and budget. For internal candidates, salary placement will also follow FHI 360’s current promotional increase guidelines. This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job and does not prescribe or restrict the exact tasks that may be assigned. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to 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, including reference, criminal record, and terrorism finance checks.