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, public health threats, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing - creating a unique mix of capabilities to address todayโs interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 50 countries and all U.S. states and territories.
FHI 360 has worked in the Philippines for over 30 years. Since 1994, we have taken a comprehensive approach providing holistic and cutting-edge solutions to help address the countryโs health and development challenges. Leveraging a blend of global expertise and local insights, we have consistently strengthened community capacities, enhanced systems, and reinforced institutional frameworks for a sustainable impact. In partnership with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, academia, and the private sector, FHI 360 delivers integrated programs across critical sectors. Our initiatives have spanned essential health services โ including HIV and epidemic control (COVID-19 and TB), health system strengthening, and global health security.
The U.S. governmentโs (USG) Global Health Security (GHS) program provides life-saving assistance to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats which pose risks for public health outbreaks that could cost lives. As part of the USGโs GHS program, the STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) Activity advances cross-sectoral efforts to successfully identify, manage, and respond to infectious disease threats; detect and prevent further outbreaks; and instill confidence and trust in a countryโs disease detection and surveillance structures and services.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Laboratory Systems Strengthening Advisor will provide technical leadership and guidance to support the staff and projects for the US Department of State (DOS)-funded STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES Activity for the laboratory and diagnostic components in the Philippines. Lead and manage the development, implementation, and monitoring of strategic and technical initiatives to strengthen laboratory systems and diagnostic capacities. Provide technical guidance around the issues, challenges, and strategies for building laboratory capacity in the Philippines and improving access to quality diagnostic testing related to project activities. Work closely with country-level teams, including the project management team, project technical providers, and key stakeholders, to ensure the provision of technical assistance to achieve effective, high-quality, and reliable laboratory services. Lead the development of guidelines and policies for laboratory diagnostic network strengthening activities, provide technical thought leadership at the regional and country levels, and contribute to the development of project statements of work, work plan development, monitoring and evaluation systems, technical reporting, and other administrative elements of the project. This position is based in Manila with frequent field visits (around 50 percent) in different parts of the Philippines.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Technical Requirements:
Provides technical leadership and strategic guidance to project staff for the laboratory and diagnostic services component of the project, including coordination with other GHS technical areas (e.g., surveillance, data, etc.) to ensure synergy.
Monitors and maintains project protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials, and reports related to the technical area of expertise.
Works in close collaboration with national, regional, and local counterparts to provide technical assistance required to fulfill project objectives and targets, primarily related to strengthening laboratory systems and diagnostic services.
Leads or contributes to the development and writing of technical briefs, reports, or other necessary materials to facilitate assessments, best practices, policies, and procedures.
Provides subject matter expertise to guide the implementation of laboratory and diagnostic network strengthening activities (e.g., specimen referral, quality management systems, laboratory information management system, training, etc.) across relevant GHS technical areas, including antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, biosafety/biosecurity, diagnostic networks, and surveillance.
Provides technical oversight and support in the scale-up and optimization of new diagnostic tools.
Provides mentorship to support capacity building for more junior project team members and subcontractors.
Leads diagnostic network and laboratory capacity assessments, including the reporting of findings and recommendations.
Leads or contributes to initiatives to improve laboratory practices and diagnostic outcomes.
Participates in client and stakeholder meetings and drafts reports/presentations.
Project Implementation:
Promotes adopting and integrating new diagnostic technologies, tools, and methodologies based on the country's needs and priorities for project implementation.
Works closely with the country team, project management, subcontractors, and stakeholders to align laboratory and diagnostic activities with overall project goals.
Develops and monitors implementation of technical components of project work plans, along with associated budgets and resources, with a focus on project activities and sub-activities related to laboratory and diagnostic-related components.
Conducts analysis of project implementation to identify areas for improvement and proposes appropriate technical strategies to manage risks, overcome barriers, and advance project objectives.
Monitors project activities, results, and deliverables.
Client Support:
Builds productive working relationships internally and externally by fostering collaboration with national and international organizations, government agencies, academia, and other relevant entities.
Leads the preparation and drafting of the technical/laboratory and diagnostic portion of work plans, presentations, and reports for the DOS and other key stakeholders.
Participates and represents the project in meetings and forums as required.
Operations Management:
Ensures project activities are on track with work plans, with technical expertise informing project implementation.
Oversees project timelines and budgets. This includes monitoring of project activities to ensure they are on track with approved work plans, the spending on technical scope under broad supervision, and the collection of data for financial and technical reporting.
Monitors project activities, results, and deliverables and regularly reports to management.
Oversees procurement as needed, coordinating with DOS and suppliers.
Project/Program Reporting:
Prepares reports and papers summarizing project results and analyzing data sets, including technical assessment findings.
Establishes and maintains SOW and budget tracking systems.
Serves as a primary author for relevant technical deliverables (e.g., reports, presentations, manuscripts) from STRIDES Philippines.
Quality Assurance:
Has in-depth knowledge of quality standards through formalized system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving quality policies and objectives.
Coordinates and direct activities to meet client/funder and regulatory requirements.
Knowledge, Skills and Attributes:
Provide technical expertise in preparation and review of project related documents.
Coordinate and collaborate with technical, strategic information and M&E staff for strengthening multisectoral approach and strategy.
Experience developing scopes of work with deliverables for subcontractors, consultants, etc.
Broad knowledge of laboratory and diagnostic-related quality assurance, quality management systems and biosafety/biosecurity standards, practices and procedures.
Broad knowledge of diagnostic infectious disease testing platforms, especially molecular testing platforms.
Knowledge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) diagnostics platforms.
Proficiency with database management software and online 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, partners, and staff.
Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
Excellent and demonstrated project management skills.
Ability to influence and collaborate with others.
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 a review of various factors.
Exercises good judgment selecting methods and techniques to determine appropriate action.
Identifies and raises issues with management.
Networks with key internal and external personnel.
Supervision Given/Received:
Serves as technical lead for diagnostics and may supervise and mentor other lower-level personnel.
Reports to Country Project Director.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Masterโs degree in microbiology or other relevant subject in biological sciences within a clinical or diagnostic discipline or specialty. PhD in microbiology or other relevant subjects preferred.
8+ years of experience in working with infectious disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening (preferably including microbiology, AMR/AMU or disease surveillance).
Prior work experience with USG-funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and reporting requirements is preferred.
Extensive knowledge of laboratory practices, diagnostic techniques, quality assurance systems, and laboratory information management systems in human, veterinary, and/or environmental health sectors.
Knowledge and understanding of infectious diseases, their transmission, and the application of methods and procedures to safely control infectious materials.
Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and manage laboratory strengthening initiatives.
Demonstrated experience in capacity-building activities such as training and mentoring laboratory personnel.
Proven experience working with government agencies and GHS stakeholders is highly desirable to support strategy development, implementation plans, and decision-making.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the ethical issues surrounding research and surveillance.
Proactive in managing multiple tasks, managing, and working in the virtual work environment, and flexible and open to managing time for working with different teams in different time zones as needed.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication, team building and management, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent oral and written English and Tagalog including documentation skills.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
Typical office environment.
Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screens and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs.
Technology to be used is Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.
Up to 50% local and regional travel
Safeguarding:
FHI 360 is committed to providing a safe environment for all employees, beneficiaries, and anyone contracted by FHI 360. This includes taking measures to protect vulnerable people from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) by either FHI 360 employees or associated personnel. FHI 360 abides by child safeguarding principles. FHI 360โs Safeguarding Policies apply and flow out to all FHI 360 staff, board members, volunteers, and partner staff (subcontractors, consultants, vendors, and subrecipients), regardless of the funding mechanism or amount of contract, agreement, or purchase order.
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.
Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicantsโ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicantโs tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.
FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.
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