Laboratory and Diagnostics Advisor at FHI 360

Job Title: Laboratory and Diagnostics Advisor at FHI 360

Date Posted: 22nd January, 2026.

Expiry Date: January 27, 2026

About the Job

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, public health threats, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing - creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

The Laboratory and Diagnostic Advisor will provide technical expertise, leadership, and guidance to support the staff and projects for the anticipated United States Government (USG)-funded Global Health Security project for the laboratory and diagnostic components in Nigeria. They will lead and manage the development, implementation, and monitoring of strategic and technical initiatives to strengthen laboratory systems and diagnostic capacities. They will provide technical guidance around the issues, challenges, and strategies for building laboratory capacity in Nigeria and improving access to quality diagnostic testing related to project activities. They will work closely with country-level teams, including the project management team, project technical providers, and key partners to ensure the provision of technical assistance to achieve effective, high-quality, and reliable laboratory services. They will lead the development of guidelines and policies for laboratory diagnostic network strengthening activities, provide technical thought leadership at the regional and country levels, and contribute to the development of project statements of work, work plan development, monitoring and evaluation systems, technical reporting, and other administrative elements of the project.

Your Job Description

Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Requirements

Provides overall technical leadership for the laboratory and diagnostic services component of the project, coordinating with other GHS technical areas to ensure synergy.
Monitors and maintains project protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials, and reports related to diagnostic services and laboratory technical areas.
Collaborates with national, regional, and local counterparts to provide technical assistance required to fulfill project objectives, primarily related to strengthening laboratory systems and diagnostic services.
Leads or contributes to development and writing of technical briefs, reports, or other necessary materials to facilitate research, best practices, policies, and procedures.
Provides subject matter expertise to guide implementation of laboratory and diagnostic network strengthening activities across relevant GHS technical areas, including antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, biosafety/biosecurity, diagnostic networks, and surveillance.
Provides technical support in the scale-up and optimization of new diagnostic tools.
Mentors project team members and subcontractors to support capacity building.
Leads or assists with diagnostic network and laboratory capacity assessments, including reporting findings and recommendations.
Contributes to research initiatives to improve laboratory practices and diagnostic outcomes.

Project Design and Implementation

Promotes adoption and integration of new diagnostic technologies, tools, and methodologies based on country needs and priorities.
Works closely with project management, subcontractors, and partners to align laboratory and diagnostic activities with overall project goals.
Develops and monitors implementation of technical components of project work plans, associated budgets, and resources.
Conducts analysis of project implementation to identify areas for improvement and propose technical strategies to manage risks and advance objectives.
Monitors project activities, results, and deliverables and raises issues to management.
Ensures project activities remain on track with work plans, informed by technical expertise.
Oversees laboratory and diagnostic activity scheduling, resourcing, and budgets, coordinating with finance, procurement, and operations personnel.

Client and Funder Support

Builds productive relationships with national and international organizations, government agencies, academia, and other relevant entities.
Assists with preparation and drafting of work plans, presentations, and reports for USG and other key partners.
Participates in and represents the project in meetings and forums as required.

Project and Program Reporting

Prepares reports and papers summarizing project results and analysis of data sets, including technical assessment findings.
Establishes and maintains SOW and budget tracking systems.
Creates technical content such as summary reports, presentations, and manuscripts related to project activities, results, and outcomes.

Quality Assurance

Develops in-depth knowledge of quality standards through a formalized system documenting processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving quality policies and objectives.
Coordinates and directs activities to meet donor and regulatory requirements.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

In-depth knowledge of laboratory and diagnostic concepts, practices, and procedures.
Experience developing scopes of work with deliverables for subcontractors and consultants.
Broad knowledge of laboratory quality assurance and biosafety/biosecurity standards.
Proficiency with database management software and online research tools.
Sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas.
Professional and articulate with excellent communication skills.
Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
Ability to influence, collaborate, and solve problems effectively.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports.

Problem Solving and Impact

Works on problems of moderate to complex scope requiring review of multiple factors.
Exercises judgment to determine appropriate methods and actions.
Identifies and raises issues with management.
Networks with key internal and external personnel.

Supervision Given/Received

Serves as technical lead for diagnostics and may mentor junior personnel.
May supervise junior-level staff.
Reports to the Country Project Director.

The Job Requirements

Qualifications and Requirements

Master’s degree in Microbiology or its international equivalent in Biological Sciences within a medical laboratory discipline or specialty.
Typically requires 8+ years of relevant experience working with infectious disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening.
Prior work experience with USG-funded projects and familiarity with US regulations and reporting requirements is preferred.
Extensive knowledge of laboratory practices, diagnostic techniques, quality assurance systems, and laboratory information management systems in human, veterinary, and/or environmental health sectors.
Knowledge and understanding of infectious diseases, their transmission, and the application of methods and procedures to safely control infectious materials.
Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and manage laboratory strengthening initiatives.
Demonstrated experience in capacity-building activities such as training and mentoring laboratory personnel.
Proven experience working with government agencies is highly desirable to support strategy development, implementation plans, and decision-making.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in the English language is required.

Typical Physical Demands

Typical office environment.
Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screens and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs.

Technology to be Used

Personal computer/laptop
Microsoft applications (Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams)
Cell phone / mobile technology
Standard office equipment

Travel Requirements

Up to 40% local and regional travel.

Method of Application: Click on this link to get detailed information and apply