The Laboratory Systems Strengthening (LSS) Consultant will provide technical expertise to improve the quality, capacity, and sustainability of laboratory services, often in resource-limited settings. He or she will focus on strengthening diagnostic networks, quality management systems, biosafety, and data systems to support public health surveillance and disease response.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning and Assessment: Conduct gap analyses and diagnostic assessments of national/regional laboratory networks to develop costed improvement plans and strategic, sustainable laboratory systems.
• Quality Management Systems (QMS): Support implementation of QMS based on ISO 15189 standards and the WHO Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) framework.
• Diagnostic Capacity Building: Enhance testing capacities for priority pathogens (e.g., HIV, TB, Malaria, AMR, Emerging threats) by introducing new technologies such as molecular diagnostics (PCR, GeneXpert) and NGS.
• Lab Information Systems (LIS) & Data: Strengthen LIS for improved data management, reporting, and interoperability with surveillance systems to reduce turn-around time for lab results.
• Mentorship and Training: Design and facilitate training programs for laboratory personnel on lab techniques, SOPs, biosafety/biosecurity, and quality assurance.
• Supply Chain Management: Facilitate the procurement, distribution, and tracking of lab reagents and consumables to reduce stock-outs.
• Policy and Guidelines: Assist clients in developing contemporary lab policies, SOPs, and biosafety adherence.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Master’s degree (or PhD) in Medical Laboratory Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Virology, or a related field; a Public Health degree (MPH) is highly desirable.
• Experience: 2–3+ years of relevant experience in laboratory management or systems strengthening, preferably in low-resource settings.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of ISO 15189, SLIPTA, WHO Biosafety Manual, and molecular diagnostics.
• Donor Experience: Proven experience working on donor-funded projects (e.g., USAID, CDC, Global Fund) and in supporting government health structures.
• Soft Skills: Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and report-writing skills, with the ability to work independently in a multicultural environment.
• Languages: Fluency in English is required; proficiency in French, Portuguese, or other regional languages will be a plus.

Common Deliverables

• Laboratory capacity gap analysis reports.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and laboratory manuals.
• Training curricula and lab assessment reports.
• National Laboratory Strategic Plans.
• Monthly or quarterly technical activity reports

• Strategic Planning and Assessment: Conduct gap analyses and diagnostic assessments of national/regional laboratory networks to develop costed improvement plans and strategic, sustainable laboratory systems.
• Quality Management Systems (QMS): Support implementation of QMS based on ISO 15189 standards and the WHO Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) framework.
• Diagnostic Capacity Building: Enhance testing capacities for priority pathogens (e.g., HIV, TB, Malaria, AMR, Emerging threats) by introducing new technologies such as molecular diagnostics (PCR, GeneXpert) and NGS.
• Lab Information Systems (LIS) & Data: Strengthen LIS for improved data management, reporting, and interoperability with surveillance systems to reduce turn-around time for lab results.
• Mentorship and Training: Design and facilitate training programs for laboratory personnel on lab techniques, SOPs, biosafety/biosecurity, and quality assurance.
• Supply Chain Management: Facilitate the procurement, distribution, and tracking of lab reagents and consumables to reduce stock-outs.
• Policy and Guidelines: Assist clients in developing contemporary lab policies, SOPs, and biosafety adherence.

• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and report-writing skills
• Ability to work independently in a multicultural environment
• Fluency in English
• Proficiency in French, Portuguese, or other regional languages (a plus)
• Deep understanding of ISO 15189, SLIPTA, WHO Biosafety Manual, and molecular diagnostics

• Master’s degree (or PhD) in Medical Laboratory Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Virology, or a related field
• Public Health degree (MPH) is highly desirable
• 2–3+ years of relevant experience in laboratory management or systems strengthening, preferably in low-resource settings
• Proven experience working on donor-funded projects (e.g., USAID, CDC, Global Fund)
• Experience in supporting government health structures