STRIDES Senior Laboratory/Diagnostics Advisor

The Senior Diagnostic Advisor leads the design, implementation, and monitoring of technical strategies to strengthen diagnostic networks that provide comprehensive coverage and universal access to diagnostic services for the STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) Activity. This will include diagnostic network and facility assessments and initiatives designed to strengthen outbreak preparedness across human and animal diagnostic networks. S/he will supervise Laboratory/Diagnostics Officers and lab activities implemented by subcontractors to ensure that STRIDES activities align with workplan objectives and USG priorities and are implemented to the highest quality and aligned with international standards and guidelines, on time, and within budget.

Accountabilities:

• Plans, directs, and coordinates implementation of STRIDES laboratory and diagnostic strengthening activities to ensure that goals and objectives meet or exceed relevant quality standards and are accomplished within prescribed timeframes and funding parameters.

• Establishes STRIDES diagnostic and preparedness quality standards, ensuring those standards inform workplans and MEL activities, including for subcontractors.

• Leads the development of country-specific workplans and budgets for diagnostic network activities aligned with Activity goals and ensuring compliance with donor and organizational policies and procedures.

• Leads STRIDES in-country laboratory/diagnostic staff, including those "owned" by project subcontractors, to develop and manage relationships with national, regional, and local government counterparts and multisectoral partners in the diagnostic network space; identifies technical support and leadership needed to fulfill Administration priorities to improve laboratory/diagnostic network outbreak preparedness.

• Leads development and implementation of technical support, diagnostic network and facility strengthening, and quality improvement interventions in line with Joint External Evaluation (JEE) reports, States Parties Self-Assessment Annual Reports (SPAR), country national action plans, and other assessments.

• Leads implementation of diagnostic network enhancement activities, including specimen referral mechanisms, quality management systems, supply chain, laboratory management information systems, diagnostic standard operating procedures and tools, expansion of point-of-care diagnostic service points, and biosafety and biosecurity strengthening.

• Leads cross-learning and networking of laboratories and diagnostic facilities across countries.

• Stays up-to-date on innovations in diagnostics and laboratory strengthening approaches and ensures new knowledge/evidence and best practices are shared with STRIDES teams, partners, and host countries, and applied as appropriate.

• Develops and finalizes scopes of work for STRIDES subcontractors; assesses implementation of all laboratory/diagnostic strengthening activities undertaken by subcontractors against standards and directs adjustments, as needed.

• Directs training and development process improvement initiatives to ensure compliance with technical standards.

• Consults with STRIDES Senior Management Team to improve Activity implementation and outcomes in the laboratory and diagnostic technical focus area.

• Supervises and mentors laboratory/diagnostic staff at the HQ levels; provides matrixed support and supervision to country-based staff. Oversees recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes as requested.

• Supports performance management and professional development of direct reports, including ongoing feedback, coaching, and career support.

• Prepares and disseminates lessons learned and best practices to improve future global health security programming.

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• Comprehensive knowledge of infectious disease diagnostics and applied knowledge of field implementation and project management.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; fluency in a second language (French, Spanish, and/or Russian) desirable.

• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.

• Demonstrated project and technical leadership; prior experience strengthening laboratory/diagnostic capabilities during an emerging infectious disease outbreak a plus.

• Experience implementing USG-funded contracts.

• Ability to work flexibly throughout project implementation in response to shifting country, regional, global, and USG priorities.

• Ability to motivate, influence, and work well with others to achieve STRIDES objectives.

• Ability to exchange information, present recommendations and collaborate with colleagues and peers across STRIDES and externally as requested.

• Ability to build positive working relationships with various stakeholder communities, government officials, and other multilateral bodies and donor representatives.

• Strong organizational skills, high level of attention to detail, and effectiveness under deadlines.

Education:

• Master's Degree or its International Equivalent in Knowledge/Information Services, Health, Human Development, Microbiology, Clinical Diagnostics, or a related field.

• Project Management (PM) Certification preferred.

Experience:

• Typically requires 12+ years of relevant experience in designing and evaluating applicable programs/services.

• Proven knowledge and experience in the diagnosis of infectious diseases.

• Competent in current developments in the diagnosis of infectious diseases including point-of-care and molecular methods.

• Knowledge and experience with strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards.

• Familiarity with international biosafety regulations.

• Demonstrated sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the ethical issues surrounding infectious disease diagnosis and surveillance.

• Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization.

• Strong experience managing contracts, setting realistic priorities, and planning for the successful implementation of activities.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Typical office environment.

• Ability to spend long hours looking at a 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:

• Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

Travel Requirements:

• At least 35%

US Based Hiring Salary Range: $147,000 - $162,000 annual.

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.

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