Overview
Provide technical leadership and day-to-day coordination for the implementation of laboratory systems and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) workstream under the Pandemic Fund project in Malawi. Support strengthening veterinary and One Health laboratory services.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, organize, and support/supervise in-country technical missions.
- Coordinate with national counterparts, implementing/delivery partners, and FAO technical teams.
- Lead FAO work on laboratory quality assurance, biosafety, and biosecurity.
- Support the preparation and implementation of national roadmaps for laboratory biosafety/biosecurity and quality assurance.
- Support the development/adaptation of National Laboratory Standards.
- Support the development and implementation of laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS).
- Supervise and facilitate hands-on training for key laboratory staff.
- Develop and support the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Support the piloting of new technologies.
- Lead the development and/or strengthening of laboratory data management.
- Conduct regular laboratory capacity assessments.
- Support monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
- Support the preparation of lists of laboratory items for procurement.
- Support the establishment and strengthening of a national laboratory network.
- Support networking/linkages with regional and international laboratories.
- Contribute to enhanced collaboration with public health laboratories and other One Health partners.
- Facilitate the operationalization of One Health coordination platforms.
- Coordinate the implementation of AMR/AMU activities.
- Support the preparation of a situational analysis on AMR/AMU surveillance and diagnostic needs.
- Support the development and/or updating of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance.
- Identify and compile relevant technical documents.
- Support implementation of AMR diagnostic and surveillance activities.
- Promote Quadripartite collaboration.
- Support the development and implementation of strategies to promote prudent antimicrobial use.
- Adapt existing advocacy tools and support AMR awareness campaigns.
- Participate in monthly SFS–CUFAPH coordination calls.
- Submit periodic progress updates and a final technical report.
- Perform other duties as required.
Required Experience
- At least five (5) years of relevant experience in AMR and veterinary and/or One Health laboratory systems.
- Demonstrated expertise in the implementation and coordination of laboratory systems and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) workstreams, particularly within a One Health framework.
- Extensive experience in developing and implementing laboratory quality assurance, biosafety, and biosecurity programs, including conducting needs assessments and supporting national roadmaps.
- Proficiency in laboratory strengthening, diagnostics, and the development/implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Priority Zoonotic Diseases (PZDs) and AMR.
- Experience in laboratory information systems, data management, and conducting laboratory capacity assessments using relevant tools.
- Proven ability to establish and strengthen national and international laboratory networks and foster One Health collaboration among various stakeholders.
- In-depth knowledge and experience in AMR/AMU surveillance, national policy support, and the development of strategies to promote prudent antimicrobial use.
- Extent and relevance of experience in coordinating with national counterparts, implementing partners, and technical teams, particularly in the context of laboratory and AMR initiatives in Malawi.
Qualifications
• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in a field relevant to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and/or veterinary/public health laboratory sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory Sciences, or a closely related field.
