Lab and Diagnostics 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, youth, research and technology — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges.

Project Description

Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) is the United States Government’s flagship project for global health security. It aims to strengthen countries’ capacity across laboratory and surveillance systems to prevent, detect, and rapidly and effectively respond to emerging infectious diseases and other public health threats. STRIDES is a global mechanism, a contract with a five-year (2024–2029) period of performance, led by FHI 360 as the prime, with core partners such as Black & Veatch focusing on biosecurity and biosafety and PATH on surveillance activities.

Job Summary

FHI 360 is recruiting a Lab and Diagnostic Advisor located in Bogotá, Colombia, to support the STRIDES project.

The Lab and Diagnostic Advisor provides technical leadership and guidance on laboratory systems strengthening and diagnosticsunder the STRIDES Colombia activity. The position leads the day-to-day implementation of laboratory-related activities, ensures alignment with Colombia's national health priorities and donor requirements, and supports the development of technical deliverables and reports. Working closely with the Colombia STRIDES Project Director, relevant government entities, and in-country partners, the Advisor will drive the technical quality of laboratory interventions, oversee related workplan timelines and budgets, and contribute to building the capacity of the national laboratory system.The position will supervise short-term consultants supporting laboratory activities.

Accountabilities:

• Provides technical leadership in laboratory systems strengthening, diagnostics, and related public health areas in alignment with Colombia's national health priorities.

• Engages with the Ministry of Health and relevant government entities to support the implementation of laboratory-related activities and ensure alignment with national standards.

• Supports the development and implementation of laboratory policies, standards, and quality improvement processes at the national and subnational levels.

• Maintains ongoing technical dialogue with in-country counterparts, implementing partners, and relevant stakeholders.

• Contributes to the development of tools, guidelines, and training materials relevant to laboratory and diagnostic systems in Colombia.

• Works on problems of moderate to complex scope that require evaluation of variable factors and demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and approaches for obtaining solution

• Leads the day-to-day technical implementation of laboratory activities and tracks delivery of outputs against the workplan.

• Identifies gaps in laboratory capacity and develops targeted strategies to address them.

• Provides ongoing technical mentorship and on-the-job support to national counterparts.

• Prepares and delivers presentations on progress to the project team and HQ staff and DOS as required.

• Contributes to the development and review of annual reports and workplans.

• Ensures technical deliverables are consistent with best practices in the industry / subject and meet client / funder contractual obligations

• Identifies areas for improved efficiency or effectiveness within prescribed parameters, and institutes enhancements to procedures.

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong technical knowledge of laboratory systems, biosafety and quality management systems (e.g., ISO 15189, SLIPTA).

• Strong technical knowledge of diagnostic methods including molecular methods and genomic sequencing.

• Familiarity with Colombia's public health system and national laboratory landscape.

• Experience working with government counterparts and national health institutions in Colombia or the broader Latin American region.

• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills in both Spanish and English.

• Solid knowledge of standards for the technical area, operational processes and procedures, work, and task flow.

• Has the ability to manage projects, set realistic priorities, and plan for the successful implementation of activities.

• Relevant computer software skills including, at a minimum, the standard applications in MS Office.

Education: **

• Master’s Degree or its International Equivalent in Knowledge/Information Services, Communications, Education, Environment, Health, Behavioral, Life/Social Sciences International Development, Human Development or Related Field. PhD preferred.
• Project Management (PM) Certification preferred.

Experience: **

• Typically requires 8+ years of relevant experience in technical implementation of large projects and/or programs – may manage activities of lower-level staff, however, main function is individual contributor.
• Documented experience providing technical assistance, capacity building and business development in the specific technical domain.
• Experience on USAID-funded projects in Colombia or the Latin America region is strongly preferred.

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

• International or Domestic (US) Program Development or Program management preferred.

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 5 - 25 lbs.

Technology to be Used:

• Personal Computer, Microsoft Office 365 (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Skype/TEAMS, e- mail), office telephone, cell phone and printer/copier.

Travel Requirements:

• 10% - 25%

The expected hiring salary range for this role is COP 160,000,000 - 200,000,000 annually for basic salary. 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, market pay, and budget.

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.

FHI 360 will never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never request money, goods or services during the application, recruitment or employment process. If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email CareerCenterSupport@fhi360.org.
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