Senior Laboratory Technical Advisor - US

Job Summary / Responsibilities:

The Sr Laboratory Technical Advisor will provide technical expertise, coordination and supervision of all laboratory strengthening aspects of an anticipated CDC PEPFAR Grant for multiple countries in Africa and/or Asia that has the general objective to improve access to diagnosis, treatment and management of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in PEPFAR-supported countries. Activities are expected to fully scale-up and operationalize quality management system tools, guidelines and policies at all levels of the diagnostic network with the aim to improve quality assurance and quality management at the laboratory and point of care settings for all HIV-related testing; increase human resources (HR) capacity ;support access to timely and accurate test results across the diagnostic cascade to achieve optimal clinical outcomes, reach and surpass UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.

S/he will provide technical support and supervision in collaboration with project management teams to ensure the successful planning and implementation of laboratory strengthening activities, including work planning, budgeting, supportive supervision, technical support and reporting in assigned areas. The incumbent will provide laboratory related representation for the CDC project at the FHI 360 Headquarters and/or regional meetings as may be called upon, collaborate with laboratory-related national mechanisms and institutions in supporting laboratory strengthening activities to improve quality access to HIV related testing.

­­­*Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project and the selection of the final applicant is subject to donor approval. The position will be based in Durham, NC, USA

Specific responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Provide technical leadership and oversight for the project team on expansion of diagnostics and laboratory system networks to improve access to quality HIV related testing.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity building support to project technical staff in countries and/or regions for expansion of quality laboratory services especially to improve access to laboratory diagnosis and monitoring through HIV testing, Viral Load testing, CD4 testing, Early Infant Diagnosis and Gene Expert TB testing to support provision of quality integrated HIV services at health facilities.
• Provide support to strengthen the coordination of all aspects of the HIV related testing activities across the FHI 360 network for the project.
• Provide oversight, technical assistance and capacity building to establish and expand quality assurance testing in countries and /or regions in collaboration with partners and stakeholders.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders on performance of Proficiency testing, site supervisions, site audits, staff competency evaluation and key milestones.
• Support capacity building and technical assistance to laboratory mentors and facility laboratory personnel on reagent/commodity forecasting, quantification, procurement and consumption reporting as needed for improved access to quality of testing.
• Work in close collaboration with the project management team to strengthen laboratory systems and services to offer improved access to laboratory diagnosis and monitoring in support of provision of quality integrated health services.
• Work in close collaboration with the Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor to strengthen Laboratory Health Management Information Systems and use of program data to improve commodity reporting at all levels of the project.
• Represent the project team at technical/stakeholder forums with the county, national government, regional entities, the donor institutions and other implementing partners access to quality HIV related testing.

Qualifications and Experience

• Masters’ degree with a minimum of eight years’ experience implementing PEPFAR laboratory strengthening service delivery programs.
• A demonstrated track record of providing mentorship and supervision for strengthening laboratory services and training in quality improvement approaches.
• Good knowledge on utilization of data to improve laboratory programs especially around reporting and LMIS functionality
• Experience working with MOH, INGO, USG to strengthen laboratory networks and access to testing.
• Ability to work in a complex project implementation environment with multiple tasks, short deadlines and intense pressure to perform.
• Excellent skills in facilitation, team building and coordination
• Strong programming, management, technical and critical thinking skills to facilitate program implementation.
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation and report writing skills.
• Knowledge with strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards including against ISO 15189 and/or SLMTA/SLIPTA or in-country standards.
• Ability to build teams, recognize, acquire and retain talents.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the ethical issues surrounding research and surveillance.

Travel Requirements:
Minimum of 25 % international travel.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

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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About Us

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, technology, communication and social marketing — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

As we evolve to meet the challenges of the future, we stand committed to the principles that have guided our organization for the last 40+ years. Our work continues to be grounded in research and science, strengthened by partnerships and focused on building the capacity of individuals, communities and countries to succeed.

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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