Provide technical expertise and operational support for the timely response to outbreaks/epidemics and health emergencies, in collaboration with national health officials, including laboratory staff, and other partner organizations.Adapt and coordinate the development and implementation of technical guidelines and standard operational procedures for laboratory testing practices for outbreak detection,including those caused by (re-)emerging and other infectious diseasesCoordinate the participation in Quality Assurance Systems of International Mobile Laboratories deployed in country and National Central Laboratories involved in the event management.Lead the enhancement of laboratory infrastructure and the implementation of standard operating procedures to ensure safe collection, handling, shipment, storage and analysis of human and environment specimens.Cooperate with partners in improving analytical and diagnostics services, quality and environmental management, equipment maintenance, safety and bio-safety for laboratories.Manage the implementation,reporting, performance assessment and evaluation of the approved activities and ensure proper communication with partners as appropriate.Contribute in strengthening the national capacity at the health laboratories; assess training needs and provide training for laboratory personnel in the related technical areas.Oversee updating and maintaining the related reporting and information systems, documenting there response and laboratory strengthening activities, as and when required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced University degree (Master’s level or above) in life science, laboratory medicine ormedical microbiology from anaccredited/recognized institute. Certified training or qualification inmolecular biology, virology, bacteriology, infectiousdiseases, and/or epidemiology and laboratory techniques.
Desirable: Master’s level degree in public health or health related field

Experience

Essential: Atleast 7 years of progressive practical and operational experience and management of laboratory services, laboratory diagnosis of communicable diseases at the national level.Experience in establishing or improving laboratory infrastructure for microbiology and/or detection of infectious diseases.Experiencein planning and implementing laboratory trainings Experiencein evaluating novel diagnostics assays for emergency use authorization during outbreak response.
Desirable: Previous experience in UN organizations/agencies, health clusterpartners, recognized humanitarianorganizations, international institutions or non governmental organizations, particularly in developingcountries.

Skills

Proven ability to analyse laboratory activities in diagnostic,biosafety and quality management, in order to develop innovative and appropriate solutions for their improvement.Sound knowledge in biosafety standards, methodology and techniques in health laboratories,including those in molecular biology,virology, bacteriology and biosafety.Sound knowledge in Quality Assurance Systems for laboratories.Knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Promoting innovation and organizational learning
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: of French.