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. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of: Senior Lab Specialist for the anticipated USAID Kyrgyz Republic Tuberculosis (TB) Control Program.
The Senior Lab Specialist will be responsible for managing all laboratory strengthening activities of the Project. S/he will provide technical support to the Ministry of Health, National TB Program and stakeholders on developing or updating lab strategy, and will take the lead on planning and implementing activities to improve quality and performance of lab services.
The recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project to FHI 360 and final USAID approval of the candidate.
- Provide technical support and mentorship in the planning, conduct, and reporting of assessments, audits, and accreditation-ready inspections of Tuberculosis clinical laboratories against ISO 15189 or other standards performing services to the Laboratory System Strengthening Program.
- Provide advisory services to the teams as well as other stakeholders on the development and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives upon request to build Tuberculosis laboratory capacity and quality with reference to ISO 15189 or other standards and requirements.
- In close collaboration with laboratory management lead the follow-up of needed corrective and preventive actions following audits.
- Responsible for developing and implementing continuous improvement initiatives upon request to build laboratory capacity and quality with reference to ISO 15189 standards or others and requirements.
- Take active role in developing generic Quality Manual, SOPs, and work instructions with reference to ISO 15189 or other standards.
- Provide coordination support as needed for implementation of EQAS program for clinical laboratories for TB diagnostics.
- Provide technical assistance to laboratories and others as needed and requested as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement schemes.
- Preparation of training materials and deliver trainings to TB laboratories.
- Coordinates and supports selection, procurement, distribution, and maintenance of laboratory supplies and instrumentations for laboratories performing services and duties as needed.
- Provide technical assistance to establish new TB diagnostics as they become available.
- Lead laboratory infection control work and help to ensure safe working practices.
- At least 5 years of experience working with TB diagnostics and/or TB laboratory systems strengthening
- At least 6 years related work experience in laboratory quality assurance, quality control and audits or at least seven years in a senior laboratory management position required.
- Ability to travel domestically at least 50%.
- Demonstrated ability and aptitude to perform quality assurance laboratory audits and assessments against accepted national and international standards and regulations.
- Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated experience in training and mentoring staff and others.
- Proven experience working with government officials, particularly the Ministry of Health is highly desirable, to support strategy development, implementation plans and decision making.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; knowledge of local language is desired.