[Hiring] Lab and Diagnostics Advisor @FHI 360

Role Description

FHI 360 is recruiting a Lab and Diagnostic Advisor located in Bogotá, Colombia, to support the STRIDES project. The Lab and Diagnostic Advisor provides technical leadership and guidance on laboratory systems strengthening and diagnostics under the STRIDES Colombia activity. The position leads the day-to-day implementation of laboratory-related activities, ensures alignment with Colombia's national health priorities and donor requirements, and supports the development of technical deliverables and reports.

• Provides technical leadership in laboratory systems strengthening, diagnostics, and related public health areas in alignment with Colombia's national health priorities.
• Engages with the Ministry of Health and relevant government entities to support the implementation of laboratory-related activities and ensure alignment with national standards.
• Supports the development and implementation of laboratory policies, standards, and quality improvement processes at the national and subnational levels.
• Maintains ongoing technical dialogue with in-country counterparts, implementing partners, and relevant stakeholders.
• Contributes to the development of tools, guidelines, and training materials relevant to laboratory and diagnostic systems in Colombia.
• Works on problems of moderate to complex scope that require evaluation of variable factors and demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and approaches for obtaining solutions.
• Leads the day-to-day technical implementation of laboratory activities and tracks delivery of outputs against the workplan.
• Identifies gaps in laboratory capacity and develops targeted strategies to address them.
• Provides ongoing technical mentorship and on-the-job support to national counterparts.
• Prepares and delivers presentations on progress to the project team and HQ staff and DOS as required.
• Contributes to the development and review of annual reports and workplans.
• Ensures technical deliverables are consistent with best practices in the industry/subject and meet client/funder contractual obligations.
• Identifies areas for improved efficiency or effectiveness within prescribed parameters, and institutes enhancements to procedures.

Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge of laboratory systems, biosafety, and quality management systems (e.g., ISO 15189, SLIPTA).
• Strong technical knowledge of diagnostic methods including molecular methods and genomic sequencing.
• Familiarity with Colombia's public health system and national laboratory landscape.
• Experience working with government counterparts and national health institutions in Colombia or the broader Latin American region.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills in both Spanish and English.
• Solid knowledge of standards for the technical area, operational processes and procedures, work, and task flow.
• Ability to manage projects, set realistic priorities, and plan for the successful implementation of activities.
• Relevant computer software skills including, at a minimum, the standard applications in MS Office.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree or its International Equivalent in Knowledge/Information Services, Communications, Education, Environment, Health, Behavioral, Life/Social Sciences, International Development, Human Development or Related Field.
• PhD preferred.
• Project Management (PM) Certification preferred.
• Typically requires 8+ years of relevant experience in technical implementation of large projects and/or programs.
• Documented experience providing technical assistance, capacity building, and business development in the specific technical domain.
• Experience on USAID-funded projects in Colombia or the Latin America region is strongly preferred.
• Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization.
• International or Domestic (US) Program Development or Program management preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance.