FHI 360 recherche Diagnostics Specialist

Jobs Descriptions:

POSITION TITLE: Diagnostics Specialist

 Job Code: TECH 31018

 Job Family: Technical Compensation Band: KK/FLSA: Exempt

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.

Overview: The Diagnostics Specialist (DS) will support the diagnostics systems capacity building work for the USAID Infectious Diseases Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) project that serves the Global Health Security Agenda, TB programs and other related initiatives. IDDS supports select governments and their relevant ministries in the strengthening of their human and animal health diagnostic systems for infectious diseases, TB and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The IDDS project has three key objectives:

  • Improve the detection of diseases of public health importance and identification of AMR through an accessible, accurate, adaptable, timely and integrated diagnostic network
  • Improve the quality of real-time surveillance systems for pathogens of greatest public health concern, including AMR and zoonotic diseases
  • Generate evidence-based guidance and innovative solutions to strengthen in-country diagnostics and surveillance systems

The work will focus primarily on public health systems but may also include private health and other non-governmental diagnostic facilities (laboratories and point-of-care facilities). The position will be based in Conakry, Guinea and will involve frequent in-country travel. Technical responsibilities include working with the IDDS diagnostics global and regional leadership, in-country partners, ICF (project prime) and USAID to implement agreed strategies to enhance diagnostic networks (both human and animal health and point-of-care facilities) in Guinea as well as the broader surveillance systems.

Technical Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for the implementation of technical assistance, diagnostic network and facilities strengthening and quality improvement interventions in line with joint external evaluation (JEE) reports, country national action plan, other assessment reports and country workplan activities aligned with JEE and local stakeholder improvement goals.
  • Responsible for implementing in-country diagnostic network enhancement activities which may include capacity building activities for core diagnostic components such as specimen referral mechanisms, quality management systems, supply chain, management information systems, diagnostic SOPs and tools, qualified workforce, expansion of point-of-care diagnostic service points, and biosafety and biosecurity.
  • Support national stakeholders in developing or updating national diagnostic network strategic plans, SOPs and policies.
  • Monitors and reports progress with diagnostic network enhancement activities as per the approved country workplan.
  • Provides technical support based upon expertise with diagnostics system strengthening, methods and strategies, current best practices, and established diagnostic and operational standards while also being locally relevant and sustainable.
  • Builds capacity in local diagnostic stakeholders and leaders to identify and oversee enhancements in diagnostic networks.
  • Conducts assessments of diagnostic facilities and leads the follow-up of corrective and preventive actions and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Provides technical assistance and training to diagnostic facilities and the overall diagnostic network as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement programs.
  • Encourages and assists laboratories with preparing for accreditation through locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally accepted accreditation agencies based on country demand.
  • Will be required to coordinate and work with a diverse group of national organizations including the Government and other diagnostic network leaders, development partners, other regional and global IDDS staff and USAID.

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

  • Sound knowledge and experience in clinical diagnostics (on-the-bench experience), diagnostic networks and quality management systems.
  • In-depth knowledge of the diagnostics for infectious diseases (including TB) and anti-microbial resistance (AMR).
  • Awareness of the mechanisms and strategies that are being deployed under the Global Health Security Agenda and other similar mechanisms to combat emerging infectious threats and AMR
  • General understanding of the country environment and how it affects diagnostics network functioning.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.

Experience:

  • A minimum of a BSc in clinical diagnostics or an equivalent with a specialty in microbiology.
  • At least five years of experience in diagnostic strengthening and capacity building in the country.
  • Knowledge and experience in the diagnosis of infectious diseases (including TB) and AMR including specific hands-on diagnostics experience.
  • Competent in current diagnostic methods for infectious diseases including point-of-care tests.
  • Knowledge and experience with strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards including against ISO 15189 and/or SLMTA/SLIPTA.

Supervision Given/Received:

  • No supervisory responsibilities are anticipated.

Technology to be Used:

Personal Computer, Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), e-mail, telephone, printer, calculator, copier, cell phones, PDAs and other hand-held devices.

Travel Requirements:

– Up to 75% within the country

Language Requirements:

Must have strong English language skills.

This job description 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.

We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefit package. Please click hereto visit FHI 360’s Career Center for a list of all open positions.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. FHI 360 is an equal employment 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, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law.

Submission of applications:

Applications should include:

  • A cover letter addressed to the Chief of Party of FHI 360 Guinea
  • An updated CV including at least three references’addresses (Name, organization, E-mail and phone number)
  • Copies of training diplomas and certificates
  • Copies of works certificates from former employers

Applications should be sent by e-mail to:

The deadline for submitting is March 22, 2019.

Women’s applications are strongly encouraged.