FHI 360 currently is seeking qualified candidates for the position of: Senior Laboratory Specialist for the anticipated USAID Eliminating Tuberculosis in Central Asia (ETICA) Program.
The Senior Lab Specialist will be responsible for managing all regional and national laboratory strengthening activities of the Project. S/he will provide technical support to the Ministries of Health, National TB Programs in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic and Turkmenistan on developing or updating TB laboratory strategies and implementation plans, and will lead planning and implementing activities to improve quality and performance of laboratory services to enable quality-assured diagnosis and management of TB and drug-resistant (DR) TB.
The Senior Laboratory Specialist will be based in Tajikistan.
- 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 in Central Asia.
- 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 coordinating the development and implementation of 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 at least 40%.
- 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 Russian is desired.
FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.