Laboratory and Diagnostic Advisor

Job Summary: The Lab and Diagnostic Advisor I provides technical leadership and guidance in laboratory systems strengthening and diagnostics under the STRIDES Jordan Activity. The position leads the day-to-day implementation of laboratory-related activities, ensures alignment with Jordan's national health priorities and donor requirements, and supports the development of technical deliverables and reports. Working closely with the Associate Technical 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 junior technical staff and short-term consultants supporting laboratory activities. Accountabilities: Provides technical leadership in laboratory systems strengthening, diagnostics, and related public health areas in alignment with Jordan'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 Jordan. 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 Jordan's public health system and national laboratory landscape. Experience working with government counterparts and national health institutions in Jordan or the broader MENA region. Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills in both Arabic 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 Problem Solving & Impact: Demonstrates the ability to assess needs within agreed upon duties and considers course of action best to meet those needs. Effectively applies knowledge of technical area to solve a range of problems. Demonstrates the ability to develop solutions to problems that cannot be solved using existing methods or approaches. Faulty decisions/ recommendations /failures to complete assignments will normally result in serious delays to assigned projects resulting in considerable expenditure of additional time, resources, and funds. Decisions and actions impact primarily workflow, project processes and timeframes. Problems encountered are varied, requiring review of practices and precedents to resolve. Problem solving involves evaluating and resolving discrepancies with data, analyses, processes, etc. within prescribed guidelines. Supervision Given/Received: Will supervise junior staff members. Serves as mentor to more inexperienced technical staff. Reports to the Associate Technical Director, GHS. Education: Master's degree or its international equivalent in Laboratory Sciences, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field. PhD preferred. Project Management (PM) Certification preferred. Experience: Typically requires 8+ years of relevant experience in laboratory systems strengthening, diagnostics, or a related technical area. Documented experience providing technical assistance, capacity building and business development in the specific technical domain. Experience on USAID-funded projects in Jordan or the MENA region is strongly preferred. Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization. Strong written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English; professional proficiency in both languages is required. 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. 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To learn more, visit fhi360.org. 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. 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. 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. 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.