Laboratory and Diagnostic officer

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Requirements:

• Provides day-to-day technical implementation support to project staff for the laboratory and diagnostic services component of the project including molecular diagnostics, genomic sequencing, AMR, quality management systems.
• Monitors and maintains project protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials, and reports related to the technical area of expertise.
• Works in close collaboration with assigned team to provide technical assistance required to fulfill project objectives and targets, primarily related to strengthening laboratory systems and diagnostic services.
• Contributes to the development and writing of technical briefs, reports, or other necessary materials to facilitate assessments, best practices, policies, and procedures.
• Supports implementation of laboratory network strengthening activities, including specimen referral, quality assurance, laboratory information management system, training across relevant GHS technical areas, including antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, biosafety/biosecurity, diagnostic networks, and surveillance.
• Supports scale-up and optimization of molecular diagnostics and genomic sequencing tools, including PCR and sequencing platforms, ensuring laboratories adhere to approved workflows, SOPs, and quality requirements.
• Supports diagnostic network and laboratory capacity assessments including the reporting of findings and recommendations and implements follow-up actions.
• Contributes to research initiatives to improve laboratory practices and diagnostic outcomes.

Project Implementation:

• Promotes adopting and integrating new diagnostic technologies, tools, and methodologies based on the country's needs and priorities for project implementation.
• Supports development and implementation of laboratory- and diagnostic-related components of project work plans, including activity sequencing, site-level inputs, and tracking of deliverables
• Conducts analysis of project implementation to identify areas for improvement and proposes appropriate technical strategies to manage risks, overcome barriers, and advance project objectives.
• Monitors project activities, results, and deliverables and identify issues to raise to management.
• Supports integration of laboratory diagnostic data into national platforms

Client Support:

• Assists with the preparation and drafting of work plans, presentations, and reports for the donor and other key stakeholders.
• Participate in meetings and forums as required.

Project/Program Reporting:

• Supports the preparation of reports and papers summarizing project results and analyzing data sets, including technical assessment findings.
• Contributes to creating technical content (e.g., reports, presentations, manuscripts) related to project activities, results, and outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes:

• Extensive working knowledge of laboratory and diagnostic-related concepts, practices, and procedures
• Broad knowledge of SOP development and biosafety/biosecurity standards.
• Has sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of the political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas.
• 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 and French.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to 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.

Problem Solving & Impact:

• Works on problems of moderate to complex scope that require review of various factors.
• Exercises good judgment in selecting methods and techniques to determine appropriate action.
• Identifies and raises issues to senior technical staff
• Supervision Given/Received:
• Has no supervisory responsibility.
• Reports to STRIDES Country Laboratory/Diagnostics Advisor.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in microbiology or its international equivalent in biological sciences within a clinical or diagnostic discipline or specialty.
• Typically requires 4+ years of relevant experience working with infectious disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening.
• Demonstrated experience with training, and supervision of laboratory staff on molecular diagnostics, sequencing, QA/QC, and biosafety/biosecurity
• Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private company.
• Prior work experience with USG-funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and reporting requirements is preferred.
• Broad knowledge of laboratory practices, diagnostic techniques, quality assurance systems, and laboratory information management systems in human, veterinary, and/or environmental health sectors.
• Knowledge and understanding of infectious diseases, their transmission, and the application of methods and procedures to safely control infectious materials.
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and support laboratory strengthening initiatives.
• Proven experience working with government agencies is highly desirable to support strategy development, implementation plans, and decision-making.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Fluency in English and French language is required

Typical Physical Demands:

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift/move up to 2.5kg.

Technology to be Used:

Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

Travel Requirements:

25-45%

The expected hiring salary range for this role is  XAF 11,500,000 - 15,000,000 for annual gross salary for national local hire. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, market pay,  and budget. For internal candidates, salary placement will also follow FHI 360’s current promotional increase guidelines