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 with a mission to address interrelated development challenges, FHI 360 employs experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, and economic development. The organization operates in over 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories, with a significant presence in Cameroon where it has worked for many years to transform the health and development landscape. FHI 360 collaborates with the Government of Cameroon, civil society, and the private sector to deliver integrated programs across critical sectors, focusing on essential health services such as HIV, tuberculosis, and global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.

Job Overview:
The Laboratory and Diagnostics Officer plays a crucial role in the implementation of the STRIDES Activity's laboratory and diagnostic strategy. This position involves providing hands-on technical support to in-country staff, ensuring that the technical requirements for workplan design and quality assurance are met. The officer will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating programmatic effectiveness, overseeing technical aspects, and generating technical assessment reports related to the National Laboratory Systems. The role requires collaboration with various teams to enhance laboratory systems and diagnostic services, contributing to the overall goal of improving disease detection and response capabilities in Cameroon.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Laboratory and Diagnostics Officer will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities including: providing day-to-day technical support for laboratory and diagnostic services, monitoring project protocols and data sets, collaborating with project staff to fulfill objectives, developing technical briefs and reports, supporting laboratory network strengthening activities, optimizing molecular diagnostics and genomic sequencing tools, conducting laboratory capacity assessments, and contributing to research initiatives aimed at improving laboratory practices. Additionally, the officer will assist in the preparation of work plans and reports for stakeholders, monitor project activities, and support the integration of laboratory diagnostic data into national platforms.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in microbiology or a related biological science field. A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in infectious disease diagnostics or laboratory systems strengthening is required. Experience in training and supervising laboratory staff, particularly in molecular diagnostics and biosafety standards, is essential. Familiarity with USG-funded projects and regulations is preferred, along with a broad knowledge of laboratory practices and quality assurance systems. Strong organizational and analytical skills are necessary, as well as the ability to communicate effectively in both English and French.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in microbiology or its equivalent in biological sciences, specifically within a clinical or diagnostic discipline. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of laboratory systems and infectious disease diagnostics.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 4 years of relevant experience working in the field of infectious disease diagnostics or laboratory systems strengthening. This experience should include training and supervising laboratory staff, as well as familiarity with molecular diagnostics and quality assurance practices. Prior work experience in NGOs, government agencies, or private companies, especially with USG-funded projects, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with diverse stakeholders is essential. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities and reports directly to the STRIDES Country Laboratory/Diagnostics Advisor. The role is expected to involve travel requirements of 25-45%. The salary range for this position is XAF 11,500,000 - 15,000,000 annually for local hires, with considerations for experience and education. FHI 360 is committed to equal opportunity employment and safeguarding against abuse and exploitation in its work environments.