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ZemiTek · 2 weeks ago

Senior Tuberculosis Laboratory and Diagnostic Network Advisor, DOS LEAP Global - Nigeria

Bethesda, MD

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

10+ years exp

ZemiTek, LLC is a Woman-Owned, SBA-certified 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business based in the Washington, DC metro area. The Senior TB Laboratory and Diagnostic Network Advisor will support life-saving humanitarian assistance by strengthening the TB laboratory and diagnostic network, ensuring timely and quality-assured TB and drug resistance diagnosis across all tiers of the laboratory system.

Information ServicesInformation Technology

Responsibilities

Conduct a comprehensive review of the current TB diagnostic network, mapping existing GeneXpert, Truenat, TB Lamp, culture, LPA, and DST sites, their coverage, utilization rates, HRH availability and referral linkages

Identify key gaps in functionality, connectivity, biosafety, and maintenance across the network

Evaluate the operational capacity, quality management system (QMS) compliance, staff proficiency, staff adequacy and turnaround times (TAT) for advanced diagnostics (LPA, culture, DST) at key reference laboratories

Develop a network optimization plan recommending strategic placement, workload redistribution, and tiered referral linkages between microscopy, WRDs, and reference laboratories

Review existing specimen referral pathways (from collection to testing and result return), identifying inefficiencies, duplication, and delays

Support NTBLCP to design and pilot an integrated sample referral system, leveraging courier and digital tracking mechanisms to link peripheral facilities with higher-level labs

Develop or update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for specimen collection, packaging, transport, and biosecurity

Conduct on-site assessments and mentorship visits to reference laboratories (culture, LPA, DST) and selected WRD hubs to strengthen quality management systems

Provide hands-on support to implement internal quality control (IQC) and participate in external quality assurance (EQA) programs

Support calibration and preventive maintenance plans for key diagnostic equipment, ensuring uptime and adherence to service schedules

Facilitate the development of performance dashboards tracking test volumes, positivity rates, turnaround times, and error rates

Provide intensive, hands-on mentorship and training to reference lab staff on best practices for performing, interpreting, and reporting LPA, culture, and DST, focusing on techniques that minimize contamination and ensure accurate results

Support the implementation of improved Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) protocols within the reference laboratories to align with national and international quality standards

Develop competency assessment tools and mentor reference lab staff in molecular diagnostics, culture, DST, and data management

Advise on strategies for the optimal deployment and maintenance of molecular diagnostic platforms (e.g., optimizing utilization rates, machine calibration schedules, and procurement processes)

Strengthen coordination between NTBLCP laboratory units, implementing partners, and state TB programs through regular technical working group (TWG) meetings

Monitor and evaluate ongoing laboratory programs through regular meetings with relevant implementing partners, site visits and analysis of reports and data

Support integration of laboratory data into national dashboards and surveillance systems for real-time performance monitoring

Develop an implementation roadmap and sustainability plan for diagnostic network strengthening aligned with the NSP and WHO’s Laboratory Strengthening Framework

Provide technical briefs and evidence summaries to inform donor and government decision-making on laboratory investments

Qualification

Public HealthTB Laboratory ExperienceDiagnostic Network OptimizationCapacity BuildingAnalytical SkillsTechnical LeadershipTraining ExperienceEnglish CommunicationTeam CollaborationProblem-Solving

Required

Master's degree or local equivalent from an accredited program in Public Health, Medical Laboratory Sciences, International Development, Health, Social or Behavioral Sciences, Epidemiology, Biology, Infectious Disease, Medicine, Pharmacy, Immunization or relevant qualification required

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of public health programming in developing or middle-income countries, with a focus on immunization

Minimum of six (6) years of TB laboratory and TB control experience, preferable at the national level

Prior experience working with or for bilateral or multilateral donors/stakeholders such as the World Bank, the Global Fund, UN agencies, or national-level public sector projects and ensuring compliance with U.S. Government rules and regulations

Demonstrated technical leadership, and problem-solving skills

Ability to work both independently and in a team environment to achieve consensus on policy, program and administrative matters

Ability to work effectively with a broad range of Nigerian Government and US Government personnel and partners and have demonstrated skills in donor coordination and collaboration

Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate information to both health and non-health audiences, and achieve consensus on policy, project, research, and administrative matters

Proven ability to communicate clearly and concisely in English - both orally and in writing is essential

Excellent verbal communication skills, tact and diplomacy are required to establish and develop sustainable working relationships at the highest level and a high level of trust with public/private organizations

Demonstrated experience in teaching/training and capacity building

Experience working with the key stakeholders in TB program, preferably the national stakeholders and international donors

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills