Laboratory Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Family Health International (FHI360) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives sustainably through integrated solutions. Established to address various global challenges, FHI 360 operates in over 60 countries worldwide, including all states and territories of the United States. The organization focuses on health, education, nutrition, environment, economy, development, research, and technology, creating a unique combination of capabilities to tackle development challenges effectively.

Job Overview:
The Laboratory Officer position is integral to the implementation of the 'Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC)' project in Togo. The primary objective of this role is to provide expertise in molecular biology and offer technical, organizational, and programmatic guidance on planning, designing, and implementing strategies to enhance access to various biological diagnostic analyses and monitoring of HIV/AIDS patients. The Laboratory Officer will support health facility staff to ensure timely requests for viral load testing and access for patients monitored under the PEPFAR program. This position requires close collaboration with the Senior Technical Advisor and other stakeholders to ensure quality assurance systems are in place for viral load testing across the project sites.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Laboratory Officer will be responsible for several key tasks, including: collaborating with the Senior Technical Health Advisor to develop quality assurance systems for viral load testing; coordinating laboratory interventions with the PNLS/Ministry of Health as part of the PEPFAR program; contributing to the operationalization of laboratory networking; ensuring the functionality of patient identification systems for viral load testing at all project sites; overseeing the collection and transport of samples from sites to laboratories; ensuring the availability and proper completion of viral load request forms in collaboration with the HIV Technical Advisor; ensuring compliance with sample collection, handling, storage, and transport protocols to minimize rejection rates; supporting the increase of demand and access to viral load testing; managing logistics to ensure the availability of laboratory reagents; establishing an efficient system for timely result reporting; assisting laboratories in optimizing human resource utilization; and performing other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess the following qualifications: a medical or pharmacy degree with a specialization in clinical biology, or a degree in biology (Laboratory Technician, Biological Engineering, etc.) or an equivalent qualification; a Master's degree in medical biology and quality assurance is an asset; at least 5 years of professional experience in laboratory practice; fluency in French; proficiency in English is an asset; experience in laboratory supply chain logistics; experience in developing and implementing laboratory strengthening systems; strong leadership skills; motivation and creativity; ability to work under pressure in diverse cultural, social, and political environments; and a team-oriented mindset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a relevant educational background, including a degree in medicine, pharmacy, or biology, with a specialization in clinical biology or equivalent qualifications. A Master's degree in medical biology and quality assurance is preferred and considered an asset for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in laboratory practice. This experience should include work in laboratory logistics, supply chain management, and the development of systems to strengthen laboratory capabilities.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, while proficiency in English is considered an asset. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national contract with a competitive salary range of XOF 6,000,000 - 8,000,000 for the annual basic salary. The final offer will consider various factors, including relevant experience and education, internal equity, market pay, and budget constraints. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding against abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. All employment offers are subject to screening checks, including reference and criminal record checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS) to ensure a safe working environment.