Laboratory Systems Strengthening Specialist, Global Health Security (GHS)

About EVIHDAF

EVIHDAF (www.evihdaf.com) is an international research and development organization headquartered in Yaoundé, Cameroon, which serves the West and Central Africa region. We have an office in Niamey, Niger, and a Data Unit satellite office in Parakou, Benin. Utilizing a diverse array of approaches rooted in rigorous design, adaptive, cutting-edge, and locally relevant methods, we provide services in Health Program Implementation and Scale-Up; Research, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (RMEL); Data Systems for Decision-Making; and Capacity Strengthening. We are positioned to serve as a Regional Hub for the coordination of various initiatives in West & Central Africa. Our practice areas include Health and Health Systems, Nutrition and Food Security, Climate Change Preparedness and Resilience, and Population Migration and Displacements.

Position Overview

EVIHDAF and its partners are looking for an experienced Laboratory Systems Strengthening Lead in anticipation of a Global Health Security (GHS) project funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Laboratory Systems Strengthening Lead manages implementation of laboratory systems strengthening activities in support of CDC-funded GHS initiatives. Reporting to the Project Director or Technical Director, this position works closely with CDC country offices, Ministries of Health (MoH), national public health laboratories, and regional partners to deliver high-quality support that aligns with the America First Global Health Strategy. This role focuses on building efficient, self-reliant diagnostic networks that reduce foreign dependence on U.S. taxpayers while ensuring the rapid detection of infectious disease threats. The Specialist requires a high degree of technical expertise, flexibility, and the ability to navigate complex multi-stakeholder environments to facilitate the transition of diagnostic ownership to partner governments.

Specific Responsibilities

Program Implementation and Technical Assistance

• Lead technical assistance to national and subnational laboratories to strengthen their capacity for the detection, confirmation, and reporting of high-consequence pathogens, ensuring alignment with Bilateral Agreements on Global Health Cooperation.
• Provide overall technical leadership and strategic guidance to project staff for the laboratory and diagnostic services component of the project including coordination with other GHS technical areas to ensure synergy.
• Support partner countries in designing and implementing activities to optimize specimen management and testing algorithms to achieve the 7-1-7 target (specifically the target to detect within 7 days) for diseases of epidemic and pandemic potential.
• Assist in the development of national laboratory strategic plans that prioritize smart and strategic investments, ensuring systems are sustainable through domestic co-investment.

Laboratory Quality and Systems Strengthening

• Leads the rollout or enhancement of Quality Management Systems (QMS), including stepwise accreditation approaches (e.g., SLMTA/SLIPTA), while streamlining performance monitoring to ensure investments reach the frontline.
• Provide technical guidance on laboratory biosafety, biosecurity, and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), ensuring strict alignment with international guidance and the America First objective of protecting populations from infectious threats.
• Liaise with partners to design and implement diagnostic network strengthening that integrates One Health priorities and incorporates private sector and faith-based health facilities to expand coverage.

Training and Coordination

• Lead the development and adaptation of competency-based curricula for laboratorians.
• Conduct technical training workshops and mentorship visits to improve the quality of diagnostic practices and data management, ensuring workforce development efforts lead to long-term self-reliance.
• Support the integration of laboratory technical content into Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETP), ensuring that training investments are transitioned to national ownership.
• Coordinate all GHS laboratory activities with CDC HQ and country teams, ensuring that technical assistance plans are aligned with Bilateral Agreements and co-investment milestones.

Key Experience and Qualifications

• Educational Background: Advanced degree (PhD, MPH, MSc, or equivalent) in Medical Laboratory Science, Microbiology, Public Health, or a related field.
• Professional Experience: At least 10 years of experience in public health laboratory systems, including quality management and technical assistance in international contexts.
• Donor Expertise: Prior strong experience on U.S. Government (USG) funding projects is essential. Demonstrated knowledge of CDC initiatives, the America First Global Health Strategy, and Bilateral Agreements on Global Health Cooperation is highly desirable.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong technical expertise in microbiology, molecular diagnostics, AMR, and interoperable Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). Familiarity with the 7-1-7 target and One Health approaches.
• Soft Skills: Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and maintain flexibility in dynamic public health environments.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English; fluency in French is highly desirable.
• Cultural Competence: Proven experience working in multicultural contexts and the ability to lead diverse technical teams effectively.
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel frequently within the region (up to 40%).

How to apply?

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application package via email to Recruitment@evihdaf.com, with subject line “Laboratory Systems Strengthening Lead   – GHS”.

The application package must include:

1. A Cover Letter (maximum three pages) detailing the candidate’s relevant experience and suitability for the position.
2. A Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum of seven (7) pages), including the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional referees.

The position will remain open until it is filled.

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