Job Description

Technical Officer (Laboratory Systems), EpiC Global Health Security (GHS) Project, Mozambique

Maputo

Job Code: TECH31018

Job Family: Technical

Compensation Band: K

Location: Maputo

Reports to: EpiC Laboratory Specialist

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. We are currently seeking qualified local candidates for the position of Technical Officer (Laboratory Systems).

Description:

The Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) Global Health Security (GHS) project, funded by the U.S. Government and implemented by FHI 360 and its core partners, Right to Care, Palladium International, and Population Services International (PSI), supports the strengthening of laboratory systems, biosafety and biosecurity, disease surveillance, and outbreak preparedness in Mozambique. In partnership with national institutions, including MISAU, INS, MAAP, DINASAB, IIAM, CVL, and provincial laboratories, the project provides technical assistance, laboratory equipment, reagents, workforce development, and quality management systems to strengthen veterinary and public health laboratory capacity.

As national laboratory systems strengthening and biosafety and biosecurity activities continue to expand under the EpiC GHS program, FHI 360 is seeking a Technical Officer (Laboratory Systems) to provide technical and operational support to the Laboratory Specialist across both technical areas.

The Officer will support laboratory assessments, quality management system implementation, biosafety and biosecurity activities, procurement processes, workforce development, laboratory information management, and program monitoring. Working closely with national counterparts, provincial laboratories, implementing partners, and the EpiC technical team, the Officer will contribute to high-quality implementation, technical documentation, and coordination of laboratory strengthening activities in support of Mozambique's Global Health Security and One Health objectives.

Accountabilities:

Technical Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for biosafety and biosecurity activities, laboratory risk assessments, specimen management, sample referral systems, and outbreak preparedness and response, including surge capacity during outbreak investigations.
• Provide technical support for implementing laboratory quality management systems, including ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 15189, SLIPTA, and SLMTA, covering gap assessments, document review, internal audits, quality documentation, corrective actions, and accreditation preparation.
• Support laboratory procurement through technical specifications, equipment evaluation, installation, commissioning, and lifecycle management; and strengthen laboratory information systems, specimen referral systems, and integration of laboratory data into national surveillance platforms.
• Plan and deliver laboratory training programs, ToT activities, mentorship, and supportive supervision; conduct field visits to provincial and district laboratories to monitor implementation and follow up on improvement plans.
• Coordinate with government counterparts, implementing partners, provincial laboratories, and other stakeholders to support EpiC GHS activity implementation; and prepare technical reports, workplans, procurement trackers, activity reports, and donor deliverables.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Medicine, Medical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Science, Microbiology, or another relevant health or laboratory science discipline.

Required Experience:

• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience in laboratory systems strengthening, laboratory quality management, public health or veterinary laboratories, or related technical programs.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in laboratory operations, including microbiology, molecular diagnostics, laboratory quality systems, or diagnostic services.
• Experience conducting laboratory assessments, developing improvement plans, implementing corrective actions, and providing technical assistance to laboratory personnel.
• Experience supporting laboratory quality management systems, accreditation activities, procurement of laboratory equipment and consumables, and monitoring of equipment installation and maintenance.
• Demonstrated experience in program documentation, technical report writing, work plan development, and monitoring of program deliverables.

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong program management skills including workplan development, budget monitoring, activity tracking, and delivery of results under donor-funded programs.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with government institutions, implementing partners, donors, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Fluency in Portuguese and professional working proficiency in English.

Problem Solving & Impact:

• Works on problems of moderate to complex scope that require review of various factors.
• Exercises good judgment with selecting methods and techniques to determine appropriate action.
• Decisions may cause delays and affect a work unit or area within a department.
• Identifies and raises issues for senior technical staff.
• Networks with key internal and external personnel.

Supervision Given/Received:

• Has no supervisory responsibility.
• Receives methods and procedures on new projects and assignments.
• May provide guidance to other lower-level staff.
• Reports to the Laboratory Specialist.

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:

• Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

Travel Requirements:

• 10 – 25 % (domestic travel within Mozambique; limited regional travel possible).

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 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.

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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