[Hiring] Senior Technical Consultant, Global TFA Laboratory Capacity Strategy @Resolve To Save Lives

Role Description

RTSL works to advance the elimination of industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFA) from food supplies across low- and middle-income countries, as part of a broader agenda to prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce diet-related mortality. iTFA are estimated to contribute to approximately 278,000 deaths annually, according to recent WHO estimates.

Effective elimination of iTFA requires strong regulatory frameworks and robust laboratory systems to monitor industry compliance, generate high-quality results, evidence, and support enforcement action. Over the past several years, RTSL and its partners have commissioned and supported laboratory capacity assessments in a number of countries, including India, Egypt, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Mexico.

These assessments and the implementation experience gathered to date reveal that most countries lack the required laboratory capacity to support enforcement, which includes validated/standardized protocols, specialized columns, reference standards, trained analysts and quality management systems.

Core Tasks and Activities

RTSL is seeking to hire a consultant to translate the evidence and implementation experience into a coherent global strategy for strengthening laboratory capacity for TFA analysis in priority countries.

• Review and synthesize existing evidence on laboratory capacity gaps, barriers, and good practices across program countries.
• Conduct structured stakeholder engagement, including key informant interviews with government counterparts, regulatory bodies, laboratory professionals, and technical partners.
• Develop a global laboratory capacity strategy that sets out a clear vision, strategic priorities, and a phased approach to investment across program countries/regions.
• Develop (or identify experts to work on) a training framework/model for building and sustaining TFA laboratory capacity.
• Identify bottlenecks and solutions for procurement challenges, and explore potential for standardizing processes and specifications.
• Research and synthesize options for sustainable financing and supply chain mechanisms.
• Support RTSL research and activities on lab methodologies and capacity support as needed.
• Travel to conduct reviews/stakeholder meetings and participate in any planned lab trainings during the consultancy period.
• On request, support country-specific laboratory strengthening efforts in priority program countries.

Contract Deliverables

• Report synthesizing existing assessments and results of stakeholder consultations.
• Global Lab Capacity Strengthening Strategy – Final/Draft Report covering:
  • Global, regional, country specific priorities for strengthening lab capacity.
  • Recommendations for service delivery, procurement, coordination and partnership.
  • Lab capacity training strategies and mechanisms.
  • Recommendations related to procurement standardization, vendor considerations, forecasting, supply continuity, and equipment maintenance/service models.
• Travel to a selection of program countries may be agreed during the inception phase, subject to organizational approval.
• Trip reports with summaries of findings and key takeaways following any required travel.
• Identify opportunities for sustainable financing and supply chain support.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public health, food science, food technology, analytical chemistry, laboratory science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in laboratory systems strengthening.
• Demonstrated experience in building lab capacity for public health outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income country contexts.
• Track record of developing technical strategies, frameworks, or program plans in a global health or food safety context.
• Familiarity with relevant international analytical standards and quality frameworks.

Skills and Abilities

• Proven ability to conduct key informant interviews and stakeholder consultations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to synthesize complex technical evidence into clear, actionable outputs for senior non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to work independently and manage a multi-phase assignment with limited supervision.
• Ability to travel internationally to program countries as needed.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with analytical methods, including Gas Chromatography (GC - FID/GC - MS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and other methods for fatty acid analysis.
• Experience working with international organizations, governments, and public health agencies.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their suitability for the role.

RTSL believes its programs are strengthened when they are developed and supported by individuals with diverse life experiences whose understanding of social and cultural issues can help make our work and workforce more inclusive. We encourage applications from and provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants.