Overview
To support and contribute to the laboratory detection and diagnosis of communicable diseases by providing technical guidance to public health laboratories and health facilities laboratories in Pacific Island Countries.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical advisory support and conduct situational analyses of laboratory systems.
- Coordinate laboratory activities across PICs.
- Liaise with laboratories regarding testing capability and capacity needs.
- Conduct laboratory capability assessments.
- Develop country-specific laboratory strengthening plans.
- Provide ongoing technical guidance to national laboratory staff.
- Support antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance.
- Provide technical guidance on the procurement, installation, and commissioning of laboratory equipment and supplies.
- Support the procurement of consumables for safe laboratory practice.
- Build the technical and leadership capacity of laboratory workforces.
- Support the implementation of laboratory information management systems (LIS).
- Establish formalized agreements and standard operating procedures for specimen referral and transport.
- Conduct sample shipment simulation exercises.
- Support enrolment in and participation in external quality assurance (EQA) programmes.
- Support the integration of laboratory diagnostic data with national surveillance systems.
Required Experience
- Minimum of five years' experience, including relevant international exposure, in practical and operational application and management of laboratory services, and laboratory diagnosis of communicable diseases.
- Relevant experience in outbreaks and/or health emergency response of international impact.
- Experience in planning, managing and implementing laboratory investigations including experience at national level.
- Prior experience in planning and conducting training activities.
Qualifications
- University degree in health sciences or laboratory sciences from a recognized university/institute.
- Certified training or qualification in molecular biology, virology, bacteriology, infectious diseases, and/or epidemiology and laboratory techniques.
- Desirable: Postgraduate degree (master’s level or above) or training in microbiology and molecular biology.
