Senior Laboratory/Diagnostics Advisor (Conseiller Principal en Lab)

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 Senior Laboratory/Diagnostics Advisor will lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of technical strategies aimed at strengthening diagnostic networks. The primary goal is to ensure comprehensive coverage and equitable access to diagnostic services for the STRIDES project (STRengthening Infectious Disease DEtection Systems). This role involves assessing diagnostic structures and networks, as well as initiatives aimed at enhancing epidemic preparedness within human and animal diagnostic networks. The advisor will supervise laboratory/diagnostic staff and activities executed by subcontractors to ensure that STRIDES interventions align with work plan objectives and U.S. government priorities. The advisor will also ensure that these activities are executed according to the highest quality standards, in compliance with international guidelines, within deadlines and budget constraints.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Laboratory/Diagnostics Advisor will be responsible for the following:

• Technical and Operational Management: Plan, lead, and coordinate the implementation of laboratory and diagnostic strengthening activities for the STRIDES project to ensure that objectives meet or exceed required quality standards and are completed within prescribed timelines and budgets. Establish STRIDES quality standards for diagnostics and emergency preparedness, ensuring they inform work plans and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities, including those for subcontractors. Lead the development of country-specific work plans and budgets for diagnostic network activities, aligning with project objectives and ensuring compliance with donor and organizational policies and procedures. Direct the national STRIDES laboratory/diagnostics staff (including subcontractor staff) to develop and manage relationships with national, regional, and local government partners, as well as multi-sectoral stakeholders in the diagnostic sector; identify necessary technical support and leadership to address Administration priorities to enhance laboratory/diagnostic network preparedness for epidemics. Lead the development and implementation of technical assistance, strengthening diagnostic networks and infrastructures, and quality improvement interventions in accordance with Joint External Evaluation (JEE) reports, annual self-assessment reports (SPAR), national action plans, and other existing assessments. Oversee the execution of diagnostic network strengthening activities, including sample referral mechanisms, quality management systems, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), standard operating procedures (SOPs) and diagnostic tools, expansion of point-of-care diagnostics, as well as strengthening biosafety and biosecurity. Foster cross-learning and networking among laboratories and diagnostic structures across countries. Maintain ongoing surveillance of innovations and approaches to laboratory strengthening; ensure that new knowledge, evidence, and best practices are shared with STRIDES teams, partners, and host countries, and applied appropriately. Develop and finalize scopes of work for STRIDES subcontractors; assess the implementation of all their laboratory/diagnostic strengthening activities against standards and guide necessary adjustments. Lead process improvement initiatives for training and capacity development to ensure compliance with technical standards.
• Team Management and Leadership: Supervise and mentor laboratory/diagnostic staff at headquarters; provide matrix support and functional supervision to staff based in intervention countries. Support performance management and professional development of direct reports, including through continuous feedback, coaching, and career guidance. Prepare and disseminate lessons learned and best practices to improve future global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security programs.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of infectious disease diagnostics and practical expertise in field implementation and project management. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential; proficiency in a second language is desirable. Strong organizational and analytical skills are required. Proven leadership in technical and project management; prior experience in laboratory/diagnostic capacity strengthening during an emerging infectious disease epidemic is a plus. Experience in implementing U.S. government (USG) funded contracts is necessary. Ability to work flexibly throughout project execution to adapt to evolving national, regional, global, and USG priorities. Capacity to motivate, influence, and collaborate effectively with others to achieve STRIDES objectives. Ability to share information, present recommendations, and collaborate with colleagues and peers, both internally within STRIDES and externally as needed. Ability to establish constructive working relationships with various stakeholders, government officials, multilateral agencies, and donor representatives. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high degree of professionalism are required.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent international qualification in Medicine, Microbiology, Clinical Diagnostics, or a related field is required. Certification in Project Management (PMP or equivalent) is preferred.

Experience:
Typically, a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in designing and evaluating specialized programs/services is required. Proven expertise and experience in infectious disease diagnostics are essential. Familiarity with recent developments in infectious disease diagnostics, including molecular methods and point-of-care diagnostics, is necessary. Practical knowledge and experience in laboratory strengthening to meet international quality standards are required. Familiarity with international biosafety regulations is essential. Demonstrated sensitivity to cultural differences and a deep understanding of the ethical issues related to infectious disease diagnostics and surveillance are important. Previous experience within a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private sector is preferred. Strong experience in contract management, setting realistic priorities, and strategic planning for successful execution of activities is required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory; proficiency in French is highly desirable. Knowledge of additional languages is a plus.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to require at least 35% travel. The expected hiring salary range for this role is USD 49,000 - 65,000 annually for gross salary (basic and allowances) for national local hire. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, 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. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation, and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation, and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. 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), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation, and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks. FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. FHI 360 will never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never request money, goods, or services during the application, recruitment, or employment process. If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email CareerCenterSupport@fhi360.org. FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development, and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.