Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer

Job Code: TECH31017

Compensation Band: Band JJ

Reports to: Senior Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer

Location: Juba, South Sudan

About STRIDES:

The Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) activity is a critical addition to the United States Government’s global health security response. The STRIDES multidisciplinary team of experts quickly mobilizes to help partner country governments halt outbreaks before they spread. STRIDES also strengthens disease surveillance, laboratory networks, and reporting systems so countries can effectively prevent, detect and respond to emerging infectious diseases with the potential for outbreak.

Job Summary:

The Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer provides basic technical support and assistance in laboratory systems strengthening and diagnostics under the STRIDES South Sudan Activity. The position supports the day-to-day implementation of laboratory-related activities under the guidance of the Senior Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer, assists with the development of technical materials and reports, and contributes to workplan preparation and progress documentation. Working closely with the senior technical team, relevant government counterparts, and in-country partners, the Officer will support the delivery of laboratory and diagnostic interventions, monitor activity progress, and assist in building the capacity of the national laboratory system.

Accountabilities:

• Assists in providing technical support for the implementation of laboratory systems strengthening and diagnostic activities in alignment with South Sudan’s national health priorities and STRIDES South Sudan workplan objectives.
• Supports engagement with the Ministry of Health and relevant government counterparts by preparing documentation, logistics, and follow-up materials for technical meetings and activities.
• Contributes to the development and dissemination of laboratory-related tools, guidelines, training materials, and standard operating procedures.
• Monitors and maintains project protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials, and reports related to laboratory systems and diagnostics.
• Conducts searches of published literature and technical resources on evolving issues in laboratory systems, diagnostics, and global health security.
• Contributes to the development and sharing of lessons learned, knowledge products, innovations, and best practices related to laboratory strengthening in South Sudan.
• Works closely with the assigned technical team to ensure laboratory activities are implemented according to standard operating procedures and project quality standards.
• Provides quality control and quality assurance support for laboratory-related technical outputs and deliverables.
• Supports workplan preparation, finalization, and tracking of activity progress against approved timelines.
• Participates in client and funder meetings and assists with the preparation of related reports and presentations.
• Provides administrative and logistical support for technical training events, workshops, field visits, and other laboratory-related activities.
• Supports preparation of quarterly and annual progress reports and other required project documentation.
• Gathers information, data, and statistics needed to provide evidence for reports, presentations, and technical papers.
• Assists with compiling technical content including reports, presentations, and manuscripts.
• Participates in data review processes and supports the use of data for decision-making.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• Basic working knowledge of laboratory systems, biosafety, and quality management principles relevant to public health programs.
• Familiarity with South Sudan’s public health system and national laboratory landscape.
• Basic understanding of diagnostic methods and laboratory quality standards (e.g., ISO 15189, SLIPTA) as they apply to national health systems.
• Proficiency with database management software and online 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, government counterparts, and staff.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; professional proficiency in English required.
• 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 scope that require analysis or interpretation of various factors.
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Builds rapport with internal and external staff.
• Decision may affect a work unit or area within a department.

Supervision Given/Received:

• Has no supervisory responsibility.
• Receives general instructions on routine work and detailed instructions on new assignments or projects.
• Reports to the Senior Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer, STRIDES South Sudan.

Education: ** **

• Bachelor’s degree or its international equivalent in Laboratory Sciences, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.

Experience: ** **

• Typically requires 2+ years of relevant experience in laboratory systems, diagnostics, or a related technical area.
• Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization preferred.
• Exposure to USG-funded projects in South Sudan or the region is an advantage.
• Professional proficiency in English; strong written and verbal communication skills required.

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.

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%

How to Apply:

FHI 360 has a competitive compensation package. Interested candidates may apply by visiting www.fhi360.org/careers and uploading their Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume, Copies of Certificates and Names and Addresses of three (3) referees.

FHI 360 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Closing Date: 15 September 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The expected hiring salary range for this role is USD 18,000 - 24,000 for annual basic salary. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, market pay, and budget. For internal candidates, salary placement will also follow FHI 360’s current promotional increase guidelines.

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 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.