The EpiC Kyrgyzstan Diagnostics and Laboratory Specialist for GHS will be supporting the Diagnostics and Laboratory Advisor in implementing all the laboratory diagnostic network strengthening activities of the GHS project in the country; including providing technical inputs to the annual work planning at the country level, providing technical support to the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and its structural divisions on developing and/or updating guidelines, SOPs on Medical Waste Management, Specimen Transportation for the laboratory diagnostic network and will take a lead on planning and implementing activities to improve quality and performance of laboratory services. The Laboratory Specialist will be also responsible for participation in technical thought leadership both at the regional and country-level.

KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide technical input and guidance to the laboratory and diagnostics component of the project in coordination with other project technical areas.

• Work in close collaboration with national counterparts (Technical Working Group) to provide the technical assistance required to fulfill national objectives and targets, including in developing and updating guidelines, SOPs on Medical Waste management, Specimen transportation for the laboratory diagnostic network.

• Provide technical support and take a lead in the planning and conducting TWG meetings and meetings with local partners.

• Provide technical and coordination support as needed for developing and implementing training programs based on the developed/updated guidelines and SOPs for laboratory specialists.

• Provide technical support in the implementation of developed training programs at the national academic institutions.

• Support National Laboratory System Strengthening activities through conducting trainings and workshops aimed at building the capacity of laboratory specialists including in human, animal and environmental health sectors.

• Provide onsite and on-the-job technical assistance to laboratories and others as required and requested as part of the overall capacity building and continuous improvement schemes.

• Provide expert advice in preparation of training materials, SOPs and deliver trainings to the laboratories.

• Coordinate and support selection, procurement, distribution, and maintenance of laboratory supplies and instruments for training activities, performing services and duties as needed.

• Work with project management and technical teams in developing work plans, presentations and reports, and represent the project wherever required.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

TYPE AND NATURE OF CONTACTS:

Frequent interaction with project leaders, program, administrative, and other staff.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology or laboratory sciences, or its international equivalent, in biological sciences within a clinical or diagnostic discipline or specialty. Master’s degree is an advantage.

• 4+ years’ experience working with infectious disease diagnostics and/or laboratory systems strengthening.

• Proven experience in laboratory quality assurance, biosafety and biosecurity and audits or at least four years of work experience in a laboratory specialist position required.

• Demonstrated ability and aptitude to perform quality assurance, laboratory audits and assessments against accepted national and international standards and regulations.

• Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated experience in training and mentoring staff and others.

• Proven experience working with government officials, particularly the Ministry of Health is highly desirable, to support the development of strategy/policy or guidelines.

• Experience in international organizations is preferred.

• Kyrgyz and Russian language fluency required; English fluency preferred.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT:

• 50%, mostly within the Kyrgyz Republic

The position is open to Kyrgyz residents and will be based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

This job description 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.

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.

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.

Please click here to continue searching FHI 360's Career Portal.