FHI 360 is an international non-governmental organization that, in Vietnam, promotes the health and well-being of the Vietnamese people, particularly vulnerable and marginalized populations. It works with the Vietnam Ministry of Health and other national bodies, as well as provincial and commune-level health services to achieve project aims. FHI 360 is currently implementing programs to address challenges in HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, Tuberculosis (TB) case finding and treatment, anti-microbial resistance, health system strengthening, maternal and child health and nutrition, and global health security.

The Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) is a global project focused on HIV and global health security with funding from the United States Government. EpiC is seeking a qualified and motivated Vietnamese candidate to serve in the role of Technical Advisor, Laboratory based in our office in Hanoi.

Main responsibilities:

The Technical Advisor, Laboratory will utilize his/her technical capabilities in the subject matter to support laboratory strengthening program under the Global Health Security (GHS) Project achieves its objectives. The position is expected to develop collaborative relationships with other project staff, interact with internal and external clients and partners, and bring innovative ideas, methodologies and approaches to problems associated with zoonotic and infectious disease surveillance and response in the global setting. Specific responsibilities will include:

• Serve as laboratory technical focal point on implementation of activities to strengthen and improve management and quality of laboratory services, which includes coordinating for high level coordination and representation with key stakeholders, donor and other partners.

• Develop the overall improvement plan for surveillance laboratories across the human and animal health sectors based on findings from the initial assessments, including procurement and technical improvement, and promote optimal use of laboratory data for surveillance and outbreak response purposes.

• Serve as the technical lead to design and conduct various laboratory capacity building activities at both site and management levels across the human and animal health sectors. These include but are not limited to initial and periodical capacity assessments and laboratory improvement programs, training workshops on laboratory testing, biosafety and biosecurity, biorepository management, quality management system and accreditation standards, and data management.

• Participate in onsite supervision and mentoring trips to improve and maintain quality of laboratory testing services and to enhance use of laboratory data for surveillance and outbreak response purposes.

• Work closely with provincial and central partners to establish the functional laboratory testing referral network among the sample collection and surveillance sites and promote cross-sectoral data sharing on zoonotic and infectious diseases.

• Support selection of the qualified vendor, and deployment of Laboratory Information System (LIS) and interfacing with other health information systems at both site and central levels.

• Work closely with the surveillance team in epidemiological investigations and to collect, assemble, and review data related to zoonotic and infectious disease outbreaks to ensure timely reporting and effective response.

• Provide advocacy to relevant governmental counterparts for policies and resource mobilization to ensure sustainable, high-quality operations and stable funding for health security programs.

• Support the surveillance sites to build sustainable surge capacity through targeted training and supply readiness, ensuring rapid and effective outbreak response.

• Be responsible for timely production of quality deliverables such as quarterly and annual reports, work plans, budgets, technical reports, and publications.

• Coordinate with international and local subcontractors, working with technical staff to ensure that all activities and outputs are technically sound and appropriate.

• Other tasks as assigned.

Experience and abilities for the position:

The suitable expert will be a senior public health professional with at least 10 years’ experience in one or a combination of the following areas: microbiology or laboratory diagnosis of zoonotic/infectious disease, laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, laboratory quality management, veterinary, disease surveillance, health system strengthening in low and middle-income countries or public health. Experience working in a senior position of international development project is desirable. Experience working with government, particularly Ministry of Health and international non-governmental organizations, or bi- and multi-lateral agencies or UN agencies is a clear advantage. In addition, the following knowledge and skills are required:

• Ability to communicate and coordinate with stakeholders

• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in an IT environment

• Strong coordination, communication, and interpersonal aptitudes

• Good oral and written communication skills in English and Vietnamese.

• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the ethical issues surrounding research and surveillance

• Ability to travel as necessary.

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.

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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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