EpiC Project Description:
Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC), a global project funded by the U.S. Presidentโs Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the U.S. Government (USG) that provides strategic technical assistance and direct service delivery to achieve HIV epidemic control among all at-risk populations; strengthen global health security (GHS), including outbreak response; improve maternal and child health (MCH), address malaria; and nutrition.
In 2020, FHI 360 through EpiC launched a new multi-year project in Central Asia being implemented in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Currently, in Tajikistan EpiC implements HIV, GHS, MNCH and nutrition activities, working closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population (MOSPP).
We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of EpiC Tajikistan Laboratory Specialists for Global Health Security (GHS) โ 2 positions. The positions will be based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and are open to citizens of Tajikistan or persons who have legal authority to work in Tajikistan.
Job Description
The EpiC Tajikistan Laboratory Specialist will be responsible for managing all laboratory system strengthening activities of the project in the country; provide technical support to the Ministry of Health and its structural divisions on developing or updating laboratory strategy and will take the lead on planning and implementing activities to improve quality and performance of laboratory services. This specialist will be responsible for the technical inputs to the annual work planning at the country level, will take the lead in developing guidelines/policies for the laboratory system strengthening activities, will participate in technical thought leadership both at the regional and country-levels.
Position Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the laboratory component of the project in coordination with other project technical areas.
- Work in close collaboration with national and international counterparts to provide the technical assistance required to fulfill national objectives and targets, especially these related to the laboratory network strategic plan, work plans and quality management system.
- Lead the technical strategy and implementation for strengthening capacity of laboratories to detect and report on priority zoonotic diseases (PZDs) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
- Provide advisory services to the national reference laboratories (NRLs) as well as other stakeholders on the development and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives to build laboratory capacity and quality with reference to ISO 15189 or other standards and requirements.
- Work with NRL leadership to update the diagnostic algorithm specifically related to diagnostic, culture and Drug Susceptibility Testing for key pathogens.
- Provide technical support in the implementation of diagnostic network strengthening activities such as specimen referral and transport system, laboratory information management system, data management and reporting, diagnostic connectivity and expansion and optimization of molecular diagnostic tools.
- Provide onsite and on-the-job technical assistance to laboratories and others as required and requested as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement schemes.
- Provide technical expertise regarding Infection Prevention Control (IPC) policies and ensure implementation of appropriate biosafety and biosecurity (BSS) measures in the laboratories.
- Provide expert advice in development of training materials, SOPs, job aids and deliver trainings on laboratory diagnostic of priority zoonotic diseases and AMR diagnostics, IPC, and BSS.
- Ensures the Projects meet established objectives and deliverables and ensures appropriate monitoring of project activities to achieve financial, administrative and programmatic goals as articulated by the donor.
- Tracks performance against project timelines, budget, objectives, and deliverables, monitors and addresses programmatic issues in a timely manner, and keeps senior project management apprised of activity progress.
- Coordinates with the Program and Finance teams to ensure timely and high-quality support in finance, operations and procurement processes.
- Work with project management and technical teams in developing work plans, presentations and reports, and represent the project wherever required.
- Participate in Bid Review Committees as assigned, ensuring transparent, fair, and compliant evaluation of bids in line with organizational policies.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Minimum bachelorโs degree or higher in microbiology or laboratory sciences, or related field, with a specialization in bacteriology, infectious diseases, or public health. Master's degree in a related field will be an added advantage.
- At least 5 yearsโ experience working within laboratory systems strengthening programs.
- Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the public health context in Tajikistan.
- Demonstrated experience in developing guidelines, SOPs, and training materials and conducting training and mentoring for laboratory specialists 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.
- English and Tajik language fluency required; Russian fluency preferred.
Travel Requirements:
- 40% within Tajikistan.
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.
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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- 40% within Tajikistan.