• Work with Animal Health Surveillance and Detection Team Lead and partners to strengthen diagnostic capacity and establish a fully functional SRS in project supported provinces.
• Provide technical assistance in diagnostic strengthening and quality management systems including specimen referral systems, management information systems, diagnostic tools, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and biosecurity and biosafety.
• Develop the strategic plan and guidance to roll out the SRS to comply with government policies.
• Update and refine the SRS model developed by the Infectious disease detection and surveillance project to set up and implement a SRS model with real-time transport tracking in the project provinces.
• Work with key stakeholders to develop a fee-for-service SRS model in animal health and human health sectors.
• Assist to update and rollout policies on animal specimen referral and management.
• Adapt SRS training packages and conduct training of trainers, supervise field training and field staff - SRS under Hanoi University of Public Health on cascaded trainings, conduct supportive supervision trips, and follows up after cascade trainings.
• Review and analyze SRS data for system improvement.
• Conduct assessments of diagnostic facilities and develop strategic plans for enhancement.
• Build capacity among local diagnostic stakeholders and leaders.
• Assist the laboratory system in the integration of information systems including data management.
• Work closely with other project team members to develop the project quarterly, semi-annually, annual work plans and reports.

Required Skills and Experience:

• A minimum of Master in microbiology, clinical diagnostics, laboratory science, or an equivalent, Doctoral Degree is a plus
• At least five years of experience in diagnostic strengthening and capacity building.
• Familiar with laboratory quality assurance systems, especially, ISO 17025.
• Proven experiences in organizing necessary steps in sample collection, transportation and laboratory testing for zoonotic suspected cases.
• Knowledge and experience on laboratory biosafety and biosecurity and applying its principles.
• Experience in working with public and private sectors to operate specimen referral systems.
• Experience in working on laboratory capacity assessment and quality management.
• Knowledge and experience with strengthening laboratories including capacity building for laboratory and courier staff from both public and private sectors.
• Experience in working with laboratories from both animal health and human health sectors is an advantage.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in both Vietnamese and English language.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well in multicultural teams and partners.

INFORMATION

• Location: Based at PATH office, Hanoi office
• Division: Asia, Middle East and Europe (AMEE)
• Duration: Life of project