Laboratory and Diagnostics 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, 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 today’s interrelated development
challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

Job Summary:
The Laboratory and Diagnostics Specialist will provide technical leadership and guidance to
support the staff and projects for the USAID-funded STRengthening Infectious disease
DEtection Systems (STRIDES Activity for the laboratory and diagnostic components in
Cameroon. 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 Cameroon 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.Accountabilities:
Technical Requirements:
● Provides overall 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
assurance, laboratory information management system, training, etc.) across
relevant GHS technical areas, including antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic
diseases, biosafety/biosecurity, diagnostic networks, and surveillance.
● Provides technical support in the scale-up and optimization of new diagnostic tools.
● Provides mentorship to support capacity building for project team members and
subcontractors.
● Leads or assists with diagnostic network and laboratory capacity assessments,
including the reporting of findings and recommendations.
● Contributes to research initiatives to improve laboratory practices and diagnostic
outcomes.
● Participate in client and stakeholder meetings and draft
reports / presentations.
Project Design 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 and identifies and raises issues
to management.
Client Support:
● Builds productive working relationships internally and externally by fostering
collaboration with national and international organizations, government agencies,
academia, and other relevant entities.
● Assists with the preparation and drafting of work plans, presentations, and reports
for the USAID and other key stakeholders.
● Participate and represent the project in meetings and forums as required.
Operations Management (Finance, HR, etc.):
● 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.
● Manages procurement as needed, coordinating with USAID 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
● Creates technical content (e.g., reports, presentations,
manuscripts) related to project activities, results, and
outcomes.
Quality Assurance:
● Develops 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.Applied Knowledge & Skills:
● In-depth knowledge of laboratory and diagnostic-related concepts, practices, and
procedures.
● Experience developing scopes of work and deliverables for subcontractors,
consultants, etc.
● Broad knowledge of laboratory-related quality assurance and biosafety/biosecurity
standards
● online.
● 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 and staff.
● Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent French. Proficiency in English highly
desired.
● 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 review of various
factors.
● Exercises good judgment in selecting methods and techniques to determine
appropriate action.
● Identifies and raises issues to senior technical staff
● Networks with key internal and external personnel.
Supervision Given/Received:
● Serves as technical lead for diagnostics and may mentor other lower-level
personnel.● May supervise junior-level staff.
● Reports to STRIDES Country Project Director
Education: ** **
● Master’s Degree in microbiology or its international equivalent in biological
sciences within a clinical or diagnostic discipline or specialty.
● Project Management (PM) Certification preferred.
Experience: ** **
● Typically requires 6+ years of relevant experience working with infectious
disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening.
● Prior work experience with USAID-funded projects and familiarity with USAID
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 is highly desirable to
support strategy development, implementation plans, and decision-making.
● Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
● Fluency in French language is required
● Proficiency in English language is preferred
Typical Physical Demands:
● Typical office environment.
● Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitivework 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, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and
standard office equipment.
Required documentation:
● Resume
● Cover letter
● Other documentation (such as Biodata Form) upon request
Submission Deadline
Interested candidates are required to submit their offers by email to the following address:
CameroonRecruitment@fhi360.org no later than 15th July 2025.