Laboratory Technical Specialist (FHI 360)

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN PUBLIC HEALTH

FHI 360 is an international non-governmental organization that, in Vietnam, promotes the health and well-being of the Vietnamese people, particularly vulnerable and marginalized populations. It works with the Vietnam Ministry of Health and other national bodies, as well as provincial and district-level health services to achieve project aims. FHI 360 is currently implementing programs to address HIV prevention, testing, and treatment; combatting trafficking in persons; COVID-19; tuberculosis case finding and treatment; clinical research; anti-microbial resistance; health system strengthening; non-communicable diseases; maternal and child health and nutrition; and diagnostic and laboratory services.

We are seeking qualified and highly motivated Vietnamese candidates to fill the Laboratory Technical Specialist position for the Fleming Fund Country Grant for Vietnam - Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance in Vietnam, based in Hanoi.

Project Description:

FHI 360 seek Laboratory Technical Specialist for The Fleming Fund Country Grant for Vietnam—Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance in Vietnam. The Country Grant will address critical gaps in the surveillance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Vietnam. This grant supports the implementation of national plans for antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial consumption (AMC) monitoring and surveillance, and will focus on a number of AMR surveillance sites. We will work closely with local entities that are already involved in AMR surveillance, AMR/AMU/AMC oversight and improvement activities, local and national Technical Working Groups and national and regional reference laboratories for surveillance laboratories, participating AMR/AMU/AMC surveillance sites, and other government and national and international non-government stakeholders, and UN agencies as well as Mott MacDonald, The Fleming Fund Management Agent.

Job Summary / Responsibilities:

This position will focus on laboratory activities related to strengthening the capacity and systems for AMR/AMU/AMC surveillance laboratory systems. This position is based in Hanoi with frequent field visits to laboratories in surveillance systems around 20 – 30 per cent in different parts of Vietnam. Specific responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Provide technical assistance and coordinate the implementation of technical activities, including onsite mentoring, coaching, and training on microbiology techniques for AMR/AMU/AMC surveillance laboratories in either human or animal health sectors.
Participate in onsite assessment, supportive supervision and coaching/mentoring to surveillance sites on AMR/AMU/AMC.
Support planning and implementation of procurement and renovation work of selected surveillance sites
Support the operation of the national referral network to collect and transfer the specimens and isolates for AMR testing from surveillance sites to the national AMR reference laboratories.
Provide technical assistance for sample collection, coordination, and transport within the surveillance network
Serve as the focal point in working with other implementing partners, monitoring the implementation progress of their work plans, communicating issues, and challenges during implementation to the project management and facilitating identification of appropriate solutions.
Provide technical assistance to prepare and submit AMR/AMU-related data and reports as per the national, regional and global standards and share data, results, and approaches to stimulate improvement and innovation in the field of AMR/AMU/AMC surveillance
Provide support in the collection of M&E indicators. Provide data review, data analysis and visualization for M&E and other surveillance data

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or other relevant subject and minimum 3 years of experience inclinical/veterinary laboratory (preferably including microbiology, AMR/AMU or disease surveillance), or a related area. Master’s degree or Medical Technologist with relevant work experience are advantages. This combination of education and work experience would provide the following relevant specialized expertise and skills in areas associated with animal health and/or human health.

Expertise

Microbiology and related laboratory techniques
Biosafety and biosecurity
Laboratory quality management
AMR/AMU and disease surveillance or other relevant health programs (biostatics, quality management)

Skills

Ability to communicate and coordinate with stakeholders
Ability to work efficiently and effectively in an IT environment
Strong coordination, communication, and interpersonal aptitudes
Fluency in English
Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the ethical issues surrounding research and surveillance.

How to apply

FHI 360 offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits.

Interested candidates are invited to visit FHI 360’s career page at https://www.fhi360.org/careers and apply for the position ONLINE by 29 March 2024. Selection and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.