Job Summary:

The Laboratory and Diagnostics Officer will provide hands-on technical implementation support to the STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) Activity in Cambodia, with a focus on laboratory and diagnostic support and activities. They will provide technical assistance to STRIDES staff, including supporting technical requirements in workplan design and quality assurance. The STRIDES Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer will implement and monitor strategic and technical initiatives and contributes expertise through the development and management of reports and technical materials. Working closely with the STRIDES Cambodia Project Director and STRIDES Cambodia Technical Advisor other STRIDES teams, the Officer will support implementation by evaluating programmatic effectiveness, overseeing technical aspects, and providing technical assessment reports and materials.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Requirements:

• Provides day-to-day technical support to project staff for the laboratory and diagnostic services component of the project including molecular diagnostics, genomic sequencing, AMR, quality management systems as well as coordination with other GHS technical areas (e.g. biosafety, 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.
• Responds to requests and inquiries from internal and external staff.
• Works in close collaboration with STRIDES project staff to provide technical assistance required to fulfill project objectives and targets, primarily related to strengthening laboratory systems and diagnostic services.
• Contributes to the development and writing of technical briefs, reports, or other necessary materials to facilitate assessments, best practices, policies, and procedures.
• Supports implementation of laboratory network strengthening activities, including specimen referral, quality assurance, laboratory information management system, training across relevant GHS technical areas, including antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, biosafety/biosecurity, diagnostic networks, and surveillance.
• Supports scale-up and optimization of molecular diagnostics and genomic sequencing tools, including PCR and sequencing platforms, ensuring laboratories adhere to approved workflows, SOPs, and quality requirements.
• Supports diagnostic network and laboratory capacity assessments including the reporting of findings and recommendations and implements follow-up actions.
• Contributes to research initiatives to improve laboratory practices and diagnostic outcomes.

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.
• Supports development and implementation of laboratory- and diagnostic-related components of project work plans, including activity sequencing, site-level inputs, and tracking of deliverables
• 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, deliverables and identifies and raises issues to management.
• Supports integration of laboratory diagnostic data into national platforms

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 DOS and other key stakeholders.
• Participate and represent the project in meetings and forums as required.

Operations Management:

• Ensures technical project activities are on track with work plans, with technical expertise informing project implementation.
• Monitors 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.
• Provides technical input to laboratory-related procurement, in coordination with client and suppliers.

Project/Program Reporting:

• Supports the preparation of reports and papers summarizing project results and analyzing data sets, including technical assessment findings.
• Supports creation of technical content (e.g., reports, presentations, manuscripts) related to project activities, results, and outcomes.

Quality Assurance:

• Develops broader 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:

• Knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures for providing technical support to the STRIDES project in Cambodia
• Development of scopes of work and deliverables for partners, consultants, etc.
• Proficiency with database management software and on-line search tools required.
• 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 English and Khmer
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• 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 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 to senior technical staff
• Networks with key internal and external personnel. ● Decision may cause delays or failure to achieve results that impact departmental goals.

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 STRIDES Cambodia Technical Advisor

Education

• Bachelor's Degree or its International Equivalent in Public Health, Epidemiology, Disease Control, Civil Society, Communication and Social Marketing, Economic Development, Education, the Environment, Gender, Health, Nutrition, Research, Technology and Youth or Related Field.

Experience:

• Typically requires 4+ years of relevant experience working with infectious disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening.
• Demonstrated experience with training, mentorship, and supervision of laboratory staff on molecular diagnostics, sequencing, QA/QC, and biosafety/biosecurity
• Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private company.
• Prior work experience with USG-funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and reporting requirements is preferred.
• Broad 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 support laboratory strengthening initiatives.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to spend long hours looking at 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, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

Travel Requirements:

• 10-25%

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.

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