Diagnostic Specialist

Job Code: TECH31018

Job Family: Technical

Compensation Band: K

FLSA: Exempt

Locations: Lofa

Reports to: Technical Advisor

About FHI 360

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.

Background:

Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) is an eight-year (2019–2027) global health initiative project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The project receives Global Health Security funding to strengthen global, regional, and local public health systems to effectively prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases, building on broad experience and existing capabilities that align with Global Health Security (GHS) priorities, National Action Plans for Health Security (NAPHS), and USAID goals. EpiC has presence in more than 60 countries and extensive breadth and depth of technical experience in the 10 priority GHS technical areas, FHI 360 and our consortium partners are ready to rapidly implement GHS programming.

We are seeking to employ a Diagnostic Specialists who will be responsible for providing technical assistance within the Liberia team, with a particular focus on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and laboratory systems.

Job Summary:

The Diagnostic Specialist (CDS) will be based in Lofa, Bong or Nimba and assigned to the Ministry of Health’s Lofa, Bong or Nimba County Health Team to enhance its technical capacity to effectively coordinate and supervise the diagnostic network capacity building in Lofa county.

The Diagnostic Specialist will support activities related to strengthening the government of Liberia through the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), Department of the Animal Health Services, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Forestry Development Authority (FDA), and the One Health coordination platform for the diagnosis of infectious diseases and the detection of AMR. The Diagnostic Specialists will be responsible for the facilitation of evidence-based clinical management of infections at the county level and reporting to national AMR surveillance systems while also contributing to improving the quality of laboratory services. Broadly, to have accurate and reliable laboratory

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testing capacities for the adequate prevention and timely detection of infectious health threats at the county.

Accountabilities:

Technical Requirements:

• 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.
• Closely work with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) to support other 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.
• Provide 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 FHI 360 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, Development of scope of work and deliverables for partners, consultants, etc.
• Proficiency with database management software and on-line search tools required. ● 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

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staff.

• Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• 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 with selecting methods and techniques to determine appropriate action.
• Decisions may cause delays and affect a work unit or area within a department.
• Identifies and raises issues to senior technical staff.
• Networks with key internal and external personnel.
• Decision may cause delays or failure to achieve results that impact departmental goals.

Supervision Given/Received:

• No supervisory responsibilities are anticipated.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree or its International Equivalent in Clinical Diagnostics or an equivalent with a specialty in Microbiology.

Experience:

• 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
• Experience implementing diagnostic network capacity building.
• Demonstrated ability to work with multiple partners on collaborative projects.
• Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private company.

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 5 lbs.

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:10% – 25%

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned with or without notice.

This position will be located in Nimba, Lofa and Bong.

Liberian nationals and candidates currently based in Liberia are encouraged to apply.

Suitably qualified candidates openly living with HIV and/or who are representative of the key populations affected by HIV are also actively encouraged to apply.

Application: Send a CV and motivation letter to Liberia.EpiC.recruitment@fhi360.org Closing date is Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, at 5:00pm GMT. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.