Job Summary

The Senior Diagnostic Advisor will lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of technical strategies to strengthen diagnostic networks that provide comprehensive coverage and universal access to diagnostic services for a large, USAID-funded global health security (GHS) Activity. This will include diagnostic network and facilities assessments, capacity building initiatives of both human and animal diagnostic networks, and implementation of strategies, programs, or tools to support diagnostic network capacity building. S/He will supervise technical staff members to ensure that activities align with work plan objectives and are implemented to the highest quality, on time, and within budget. The Senior Diagnostic Advisor will promote the Activity as a leader in diagnostic network strengthening, contributing to FHI 360’s thought leadership in the field through documentation of best practices.

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Accountabilities:

Plans, directs, and coordinates implementation of diagnostic strengthening activities on a global GHS Activity to ensure that goals and objectives are accomplished within prescribed timeframes and funding parameters.

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.

Manages in-country relationships with national, regional, and local government counterparts and multisectoral partners in the diagnostic network space; identifies technical assistance needed to fulfill national global health security objectives and to operationalize One Health.

Leads the development and implementation of technical assistance, 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 the implementation of diagnostic network enhancement activities which may include 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.

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 Activity teams, partners, and host countries, and applied as appropriate.

Administrative Support:

Directs diagnostic staff with training and developing process improvement initiatives to ensure compliance with organizational and government standards.

Identifies and consults with the Activity’s Senior Management Team on recommendations to improve Activity implementation and outcomes.

Supervises and mentors staff; oversees recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes as needed.

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

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

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

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Excellent organizational and analytical skills.

Demonstrated project and technical leadership.

Ability to motivate, influence and work well with others to achieve Activity goals.

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

Ability to influence others of the benefits/performance of an idea or plan of action and to gain their support or commitment.

Strong negotiation skills and ability to reach mutual points of agreement and benefit among peers and colleagues.

Ability to build positive working relationships with the various stakeholders’ communities, government officials and other multilateral bodies and donor representatives.

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

Education:

Masters’ degree or its international equivalent in health, human development, microbiology, clinical diagnostics, or a related field.

Project Management (PM) certification preferred.

Experience:

At least 12 years of experience in project management and diagnostics strengthening in developing countries.

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.

A demonstrated ability to work with multiple partners on collaborative projects.

Familiarity with international biosafety regulations.

Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the ethical issues surrounding infectious disease diagnosis and surveillance. A demonstrated ability to create and maintain effective working relations with host country governments, international organizations and multisectoral partners,, and U.S. government agencies.

Strong experience to manage projects, set realistic priorities, and plan for the successful implementation of activities.

Supervision Given/Received:

Will directly and indirectly supervise other FHI 360 staff members in multiple countries.

Work is reviewed in terms of meeting the Activity’s objectives and schedules.

Plays a coaching and mentoring role for others.

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%

The expected US-based hiring salary range for this role is listed below. Candidate FHI 360 pay ranges represent national averages that vary by geographic location. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, business sector, and budget. 

Base salary is only one component of our offer. FHI 360 contributes 12% of monthly base pay to a money purchase pension plan account. Additionally, all US based staff working full-time, which is calculated at 40 hours/week, receive 18 days of paid vacation per year, 12 sick days per year, and 11 holidays per year. Paid time off is reduced pro rata for employees working less than a full-time schedule.

US Based Hiring Salary Range: $124,000 - $160,000

International hiring ranges will differ based on location.

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 applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s 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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FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

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