Technical Officer - Laboratory

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees in more than 150 countries, WHO works in various areas including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response. The organization operates in multiple countries across the globe, focusing on achieving health-related targets outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Technical Officer - Laboratory position is crucial for providing strategic guidance and technical support to WHO Member States in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The role emphasizes strengthening national public health laboratory systems, ensuring they align with international standards for quality management. The officer will guide regional initiatives on laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, develop policies and training programs, and support the integration of laboratory services into disease surveillance systems. This position also involves coordinating capacity-building programs, contributing to public health emergency preparedness, and evaluating laboratory performance to enhance compliance with established standards. The officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including WHO collaborating centers and technical partners, to ensure harmonization in diagnostic methods and quality assurance practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic guidance and technical support to Member States on strengthening national public health laboratory systems, focusing on sustainable quality management systems aligned with international standards.
• Guide regional initiatives on laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, including the development and dissemination of policies, guidance documents, risk assessment tools, and training programs to support national capacity building and regulatory frameworks.
• Support the integration of laboratory services into disease surveillance systems by providing technical expertise for diagnostic capacity development and quality data reporting.
• Coordinate and implement regional capacity-building programs, including workshops, on-site mentorship, and virtual training initiatives to support continuous improvement in laboratory practices, biosafety, and preparedness for public health emergencies.
• Contribute to public health emergency preparedness and response efforts by assessing laboratory readiness, advising on surge diagnostic capacities, and supporting the activation of laboratory networks during outbreaks and humanitarian emergencies.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of national laboratories using standardized assessment tools and frameworks, providing actionable feedback to enhance compliance with biosafety, quality, and surveillance standards.
• Facilitate collaboration with WHO collaborating centers, reference laboratories, and technical partners to ensure regional harmonization of diagnostic methods, quality assurance practices, and response protocols.

Required Qualifications:
Essential: A Master's degree in life sciences or medicine is required, along with additional certified training or qualifications in quality management, bio-risk management, and ISO accreditation processes. Desirable: Training in laboratory molecular techniques is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of laboratory operations, biosafety standards, and quality management systems.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in life sciences or medicine. Additional certifications in quality management, bio-risk management, and ISO accreditation processes are essential. Training in laboratory molecular techniques is considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of practical and operational experience with international exposure in the application and management of laboratory services, particularly in the laboratory diagnosis of communicable diseases. Experience in supporting outbreak response and health emergencies of international concern is also required. Desirable experience includes strengthening laboratory systems and policies to enhance detection and response to communicable diseases, planning and implementing laboratory trainings at national and regional levels, and evaluating novel diagnostics assays for emergency use authorization during outbreak response.

Languages:
Essential: Expert knowledge of English is mandatory. Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French and Arabic is preferred, as these languages can enhance communication and collaboration in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package starting at an annual base salary of USD 86,027, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. A variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living at the duty station is also included, currently amounting to USD 2072 per month. Additional benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The position is subject to WHO Staff Regulations and Rules, and candidates are encouraged to apply online through Stellis. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates must confirm vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking assignments.