Laboratory Specialist, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in Health, Education, Nutrition, Environment, Economic Development, Civil Society, Gender, Youth, Research and Technology– creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. For the USAID funded Infectious Diseases Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) program in Ethiopia, FHI 360 is seeking qualified candidate for the position of Laboratory Specialist to be based in Addis Ababa.
Overview:
The Laboratory Specialist (LS) will support laboratory capacity building activities for the USAID funded Infectious Diseases Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) program. This program is designed to:
· Improve the detection of diseases of public health importance and identification of AMR through an accessible, accurate, adaptable, timely and integrated diagnostic network
· Improve the quality of real-time surveillance systems for pathogens of greatest public health concern, including AMR and zoonotic diseases
· Generate evidence-based guidance and innovative solutions to strengthen in-country diagnostics and surveillance systems
The program will support select governments and their relevant ministries in the strengthening of their laboratories systems, primarily public health but including private health and other non-governmental laboratories. The technical responsibilities include conducting laboratory assessments, capacity building and strengthening of the laboratories; supporting strategies to enhance diagnostic surveillance systems; and support for point of care laboratory services.
Technical Responsibilities:
· Coordinate the Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) project activities in the country and with laboratory management lead in the USA.
· Support in implementing IDDS project activities in the country.
· Provides technical assistance, laboratory strengthening and quality assurance/quality control materials and programs.
· Conducts assessments and audits of clinical laboratories performing services to the project.
· In close collaboration with project staff and laboratory management lead the follow-up of needed corrective and preventive actions following assessments and audits.
· Supports the development and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives to build laboratory capacity and quality with reference to accepted standards and requirements.
· Provides technical assistance and training to laboratories as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement schemes.
· Encourage and assist laboratories with preparing for accreditation through locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally accepted accreditation agencies.
· Support laboratories in data management and data sharing.
The LS provides technical advice based upon expertise and knowledge of evidence- based methods and strategies, current practice, and established laboratory and operational standards to ensure quality and rigorous design. Builds capacity of in country-level, regional or global laboratory staff and partners. Ensures that program implementation adheres to appropriate laboratory technical standards and guidelines and that programs are technically sound. Provides scientific leadership by staying current of evolving laboratory technical standards, guidelines, and program developments in area of expertise. Responsible for sharing new knowledge/evidence with the project team, partners and host countries. May be required to coordinate and work with a diverse group of organizations, such as; the Ministry of Health laboratory staff and leaders and partners as well as in country donor and stakeholder representatives.
· A minimum of a BSc in medical diagnostics, medical technology or an equivalent with a specialist in medical microbiology;
· 6 Years of experience in medical microbiology in a human clinical laboratory in developing countries with at least two years’ experience in a laboratory quality management role
· Knowledge and experience in the laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases including specific hands-on laboratory experience.
· Knowledge and experience with strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards including against ISO 15189 and/or SLMTA/SLIPTA.
· Familiarity with international biosafety regulations;
· Provide technical support in laboratory quality and quality management systems.
· Responsible for accomplishing assigned job responsibilities, and following the standards and practices of FHI 360 and the Laboratory Sciences Division.
· Responsible for planning and scheduling own work flow and timetables
· Identifies areas for laboratory quality improvement and discusses implementation recommendations with supervisor and relevant laboratory leadership
· Supports the development of tools for the design and implementation of laboratory capacity building initiatives and recommendations for enhancements.
· Supports laboratories in improving diagnostics capacity building
· Supports the development of tools for the implementation of laboratory capacity building components.
Language requirements:
Must be fluent in English