STRIDES Laboratory/Diagnostics Officer

Job Summary: The Laboratory/Diagnostics Officer provides technical guidance around the STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) Activity's laboratory/diagnostic strategy to support implementation. S/he will provide technical support to STRIDES in-country staff, including supporting technical requirements in workplan design and quality assurance. Accountabilities: Technical Requirements: Provides STRIDES in-country laboratory and diagnostics staff with overall technical direction and guidance in line with the Activity's objectives. Supports STRIDES technical aspects, including staff and partner capacity building, mentorship, and team building for in-country laboratory and diagnostic teams. Monitors and maintains STRIDES laboratory and diagnostic protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials and reports. Works closely with the Senior Laboratory and Diagnostics Advisor and in-country teams to ensure project implementation remains technically sound and adheres to STRIDES strategy and standard operating procedures. Conducts analysis of STRIDES in-country implementation to identify areas for improvement and propose appropriate technical strategies and guidelines. Assists with the implementation of research studies by providing technical support and overall management to ensure coordination and field-level implementation, and collaborates with the STRIDES monitoring, evaluation and learning team to interpret data sets and assessment findings. Project Design Implementation: Develops strategies and tools for the design and implementation of STRIDES laboratory/diagnostic technical components. Assists in-country teams with implementing and monitoring STRIDES laboratory and diagnostics-focused activities and supports development and tracking against workplans and budgets. Monitors in-country STRIDES deliverables and reports to supervisors and identifies and raises issues to senior technical staff. Supports implementation of technical support, diagnostic network and facility strengthening, and quality improvement interventions in line with Joint External Evaluation (JEE) reports, States Parties Self-Assessment Annual Reports (SPAR), country national action plans, and other assessments. Operations Management (Finance, HR, etc.): Ensures STRIDES laboratory/diagnostic activities are on track with approved workplans and that technical expertise and best practices inform project implementation. Oversees in-country STRIDES timelines and budgets for laboratory/diagnostic activities. Tracks in-country technical project spend, Statements of Work and budget tracking systems, providing reports to supervisor. Represents the project in donor meetings. Project/Program Reporting: Prepares reports and papers summarizing STRIDES results and analyzing data sets, including drafting laboratory/diagnostic sections of technical reports for donors. Creates other technical content (e.g., reports, presentations, manuscripts) as requested. Quality Assurance: Develops in-depth knowledge of laboratory/diagnostic quality standards through formalized system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving quality policies and objectives. Coordinates and directs activities to meet donor and regulatory requirements. Stays up-to-date on innovations in diagnostics and laboratory strengthening approaches and ensures new knowledge/evidence and best practices are shared with STRIDES teams, partners, and host countries, and applied as appropriate. Applied Knowledge & Skills : In-depth knowledge of infectious disease diagnostics and applied knowledge of providing technical support for field implementation, research studies, and project management. Development of scope of work and deliverables for partners, consultants, etc. Broader knowledge of laboratory/diagnostic quality standards. Proficiency with database management software and online search tools required. Sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of the political, contextual, and technical issues in assigned countries and regions. Articulate, professional, and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff. Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English; fluency in a second language (French, Spanish, and/or Russian) desirable. Excellent organizational and analytical skills. Excellent and demonstrated project management skills. Ability to influence and collaborate with others. Demonstrated proficiency with using Microsoft Office Suite required. Ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports. Ability to solve problems and implement corrective action as needed. Education : Master's Degree or its International Equivalent in Knowledge/Information Services, Health, Human Development, Microbiology, Clinical Diagnostics or a Related Field. Project Management (PM) Certification preferred. Experience : Typically requires 6+ years of relevant experience managing data collection and technical assistance experience. Proven knowledge and experience in the diagnosis of infectious diseases. Knowledge and experience with strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards. Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization. Travel Requirements : 10%-25% FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action 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.

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