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 diverse 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. FHI 360 is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals engaged with its programs, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all.

Job Overview:
The Laboratory and Diagnostics Specialist for Animal Health will provide strategic and technical support for the design, implementation, and monitoring of STRIDES activities in Senegal. This position is crucial for enhancing and sustaining the core capacities of the Global Health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (GHS) framework, ensuring compliance with international standards. The specialist will offer high-level technical support to national and regional ministries, focusing on laboratory and diagnostic components related to animal health. Responsibilities include leading the development and implementation of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening laboratory systems and diagnostic capacities for zoonoses, ensuring access to quality diagnostic tests, and collaborating closely with stakeholders to deliver effective laboratory services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of zoonotic disease prevention, detection, and response activities in line with the STRIDES Senegal work plan, focusing on priority pathogens with epidemic or pandemic potential.
• Monitor and update protocols, instruments, datasets, manuals, training materials, and reports related to zoonotic diagnostic services and laboratory technical areas.
• Collaborate with national, regional, and local counterparts to provide necessary technical assistance to achieve project goals related to laboratory systems and diagnostic services.
• Lead or contribute to the development and writing of technical notes, reports, or other documents to facilitate research, best practices, policies, and procedures.
• Implement multisectoral approaches at national, regional, and local levels, enhancing coordination among human health, animal health, wildlife, and other relevant sectors through technical working groups and platforms.
• Provide technical support for scaling up and optimizing new diagnostic tools, linking epidemiological data, laboratories, and genomic surveillance in coordination with local agencies.
• Mentor project team members and subcontractors to strengthen their capacities.
• Conduct assessments of diagnostic networks and laboratories, communicating findings and recommendations.
• Contribute to research initiatives aimed at improving laboratory practices and diagnostic outcomes. 1
• Encourage the adoption and integration of new technologies, tools, and methodologies for diagnostics based on national needs and priorities. 1
• Work closely with the country project management team, subcontractors, and stakeholders to align laboratory and diagnostic activities with overall project objectives. 1
• Assist the laboratory advisor in developing and monitoring the implementation of technical components of project work plans, budgets, and associated resources. 1
• Analyze project implementation to identify areas for improvement and propose appropriate technical strategies to manage risks and overcome obstacles. 1
• Monitor project activities, results, and deliverables, identifying issues and reporting them to management. 1
• Establish productive working relationships internally and externally, fostering collaboration with national and international organizations, government agencies, academia, and other stakeholders. 1
• Participate in the preparation and writing of work plans, presentations, and reports for the U.S. government and other key stakeholders. 1
• Represent the project at meetings and forums as needed. 1
• Ensure project activities comply with work plans, leveraging technical expertise to guide project implementation. 1
• Write reports and documents summarizing project results and data analysis, including findings from technical assessments. 2
• Acquire in-depth knowledge of quality standards through a formalized system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities to meet quality policies and objectives. 2
• Coordinate and lead activities to meet donor requirements and regulatory standards. 2
• Perform other assigned tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• In-depth knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures related to laboratories and zoonotic diagnostics.
• Experience in developing scopes of work with deliverables for subcontractors and consultants.
• Extensive knowledge of quality assurance standards and laboratory biosafety/bioprotection.
• Proficiency in database management software and online research tools.
• Cultural sensitivity and understanding of political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas.
• Clear communication skills, professionalism, and ability to communicate positively with clients, partners, and staff.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Proven project management skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with others. 1
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. 1
• Ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports. 1
• Problem-solving skills and ability to implement corrective measures as necessary. 1
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and French.

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 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is preferred.

Experience:
At least 6 years of relevant experience in infectious disease diagnostics and/or laboratory system strengthening is required. Previous work experience on U.S. government-funded projects and familiarity with U.S. government reporting regulations and requirements is preferred. 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 essential. Proven ability to design, implement, and manage laboratory strengthening initiatives and 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 desired. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills are necessary.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is a local fixed-term contract. The role 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 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. 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. FHI 360 will consider all qualified applicants for employment, including those with criminal histories, in accordance with applicable laws.