LABORATORY SYSTEMS STRENGTHENING (LSS) CONSULTANT

Job description

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 HOW TO APPLY Please send CV and qualifications to jobs@clivelikumbi.co.za