Title: TB Laboratory Systems Advisor

Job Family: Technical

Reports To: Team Lead

Location Dhaka, Bangladesh

Project Name Bangladesh Tuberculosis Diagnostic Network Strengthening ( LL TBDNS)

Project Status Anticipated

Compensation Band LL

Job Code TECH31019 - Technical Officer III

FLSA: Exempt

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, 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 US states and territories.

FHI 360 has worked in Bangladesh for more than 45 years. Since 1975, we have taken a comprehensive approach to help transform the country’s health and development landscape. Leveraging a blend of global expertise and local insights, we have consistently strengthened community capacities, enhanced systems, and reinforced institutional frameworks for a sustainable impact. In partnership with the Government of Bangladesh, civil society, academia, and the private sector, FHI 360 Bangladesh delivers integrated programs across critical sectors. Our initiatives have spanned essential health services—including HIV and nutrition, tuberculosis, global health security, and economic participation.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for a proposed position of TB Laboratory Systems Advisor for an upcoming TB diagnostic network strengthening opportunity in Bangladesh. This position is contingent upon award and will be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Project Description:

The proposed Strengthening Locally led TB Diagnostic Network in Bangladesh to Prevent Global Transmission project will contribute to a sustainable, resilient, and locally-led tuberculosis laboratory network that addresses critical diagnostic access gaps, quality assurance challenges, workforce capacity constraints, supply chain disruptions, and reporting gaps; improving specimen referral, enhancing digital interoperability, improving equipment uptime, and enhancing the capacity for advanced DST testing to enhance the country's ability to swiftly detect and control tuberculosis, reduce the risk of disease transmission, and bolsters global health security.

Position summary:

Position Summary

The TB Laboratory Systems Advisor provides strategic leadership and technical guidance for the laboratory and diagnostic components of the project, with a focus on strengthening national TB diagnostic systems. The position works in close collaboration with national counterparts and key stakeholders to deliver high-quality technical assistance aligned with national laboratory network strategies, work plans, and quality management systems. The Advisor supports planning, implementation, and oversight of laboratory assessments, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives in line with ISO 15189 and other relevant standards. The role provides expert advisory support to the National TB Reference Laboratory and Regional TB Reference Laboratories on diagnostic network optimization, quality assurance programs, biosafety and biosecurity, and the introduction of new TB diagnostics. In addition, the position supports diagnostic network strengthening activities including specimen referral and transport systems, laboratory information management systems, diagnostic connectivity, data management and reporting, and expansion of molecular diagnostic tools. Through on-site mentorship, development of SOPs and job aids, cost analysis, coordination of laboratory supplies and equipment, and close collaboration with project management and technical teams, the TB Laboratory Systems Advisor contributes to sustainable laboratory capacity building and improved TB diagnostic services.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the technical components of the project including laboratory as well as other diagnostics.
• Work in close collaboration with national counterparts to provide the technical assistance required to fulfill national objectives and targets, especially these related to the laboratory network strategic plan, work plans and quality management system.
• Provide technical support and mentorship in the planning, conduct, and reporting of assessments, audits for management systems as per national policies.
• Provide advisory services to the National TB Reference Laboratory (NTRL) and Regional TB Reference Laboratories (RTRLs) as well as other stakeholders on the development and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives to build laboratory capacity and quality with reference to ISO 15189 or other standards and requirements.
• Provide technical and coordination support as needed for implementation of a quality assurance program on TB diagnostics for clinical laboratories.
• Provide technical support in the implementation of diagnostic network strengthening activities such as specimen referral and transport system, scaling and integration of laboratory information management system (OJ1) data management and reporting, diagnostic connectivity and expansion and optimization of molecular diagnostic tools.
• Provide onsite and on-the-job technical assistance to laboratories and others as required and requested as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement schemes.
• Provide expert advice in preparation of mentorship materials, SOPs, job aids and deliver on-the-job-coaching to the laboratories. (OJ2)
• Facilitate regional and lab specific cost analyses of TB-related diagnostic expenses to efficiently manage and meet testing needs of supported laboratories.
• Coordinate and support selection, procurement, distribution, and maintenance of laboratory supplies and instruments performing services and duties as needed.
• Work with NTRL leadership to enhance and oversee the TB diagnostic network, update the diagnostic algorithm and improve culture and drug susceptibility testing and reporting. (OJ3)
• Provide technical assistance on establishing new TB diagnostics as they become available.
• Provide technical expertise regarding infection prevention control policies and biosafety and biosecurity measures in the laboratories.
• Work with project management and technical teams in developing work plans, presentations and reports, and represent the project wherever required.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree in microbiology or laboratory sciences, or its international equivalent, in biological sciences within a clinical or diagnostic discipline or specialty.
• At least 6 years’ experience working with TB or other infectious disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening. (OJ4)
• Experience in validating or scaling new TB diagnostic modalities, assays, or testing regimens.
• Proven experience in laboratory quality assurance, quality control and audits or at least seven years in a laboratory management position required.
• Demonstrated ability and aptitude to perform quality assurance laboratory audits and assessments against accepted national and international standards and regulations. (OJ5)
• Experience working with the private sector to procure diagnostic equipment and supplies on behalf of governments, including supporting cost-effective agreements and cost savings.
• Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience in training and mentoring staff and others.
• Proven experience working with government officials, particularly DGHS and MBDC, is highly desirable, to support strategy development, implementation plans and decision making.
• Experience in private sector laboratory and diagnostics is preferred.
• Ability to travel in country 20-25% of the time.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; fluency in Bangla required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work and are subject to modification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran with respect to policies, programs, or activities.

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.

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