FHI 360 is a global organization that mobilizes research, resources and relationships so that people everywhere can access the opportunities they need to lead full, healthy lives. For more than 50 years, we have worked to develop bold solutions to global challenges and create measurable results through research and application of scientific breakthroughs. We listen to, learn from and work with communities to expand social and economic opportunity, improve health and well-being, respond to humanitarian crises.

Since 1977, FHI 360 Nepal has been a trusted partner in transforming the country’s health and development landscape. Leveraging a blend of global expertise and local insights, we have consistently strengthened community capacities, enhanced systems, and reinforced institutional frameworks for sustainable impact. In close partnership with the Government of Nepal (GoN), civil society, academia, and the private sector, FHI 360 Nepal delivers integrated programs across critical sectors. Our initiatives span essential health services—including HIV, maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) and nutrition—procurement and supply chain management (PSM) for life-saving drugs, global health security (GHS)—including laboratory strengthening, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), disease surveillance, evidence-based public health messaging and community engagement, and health emergency management—and air quality management.

The U.S. government’s (USG) GHS program provides life-saving assistance to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats which pose risks for public health outbreaks that could cost lives. As part of the USG’s GHS program, the STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) Activity advances cross-sectoral efforts to successfully identify, manage, and respond to infectious disease threats; detect and prevent further outbreaks; and instill confidence and trust in a country’s disease detection and surveillance structures and services.

POSITION : Laboratory and Diagnostics Advisor

The Laboratory and Diagnostics Advisor will provide technical leadership and guidance to support the staff and projects for the US Department of State (DOS)-funded STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES Activity for the laboratory and diagnostic components in Nepal. Lead and manage the development, implementation, and monitoring of strategic and technical initiatives to strengthen laboratory systems and diagnostic capacities. Provide technical guidance around the issues, challenges, and strategies for building laboratory capacity in Nepal and improving access to quality diagnostic testing related to project activities. Work closely with country-level teams, including the project management team, project technical providers, and key stakeholders, to ensure the provision of technical assistance to achieve effective, high-quality, and reliable laboratory services. 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. This position is based in Kathmandu with frequent field visits (around 50 percent) in different parts of Nepal.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides technical leadership and strategic guidance to project staff for the laboratory and diagnostic services component of the project, including coordination with other GHS technical areas (e.g., surveillance, data, etc.) to ensure synergy.
• Monitors and maintains project protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials, and reports related to the technical area of expertise.
• Works in close collaboration with national, regional, and local counterparts to provide technical assistance required to fulfill project objectives and targets, primarily related to strengthening laboratory systems and diagnostic services.
• Leads or contributes to the development and writing of technical briefs, reports, or other necessary materials to facilitate assessments, best practices, policies, and procedures.
• Provides subject matter expertise to guide the implementation of laboratory and diagnostic network strengthening activities (e.g., specimen referral, quality assurance, laboratory information management system, training, etc.) across relevant GHS technical areas, including antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, biosafety/biosecurity, diagnostic networks, and surveillance.
• Provides technical oversight and support in the scale-up and optimization of new diagnostic tools.
• Provides mentorship to support capacity building for more junior project team members and subcontractors.
• Leads diagnostic network and laboratory capacity assessments, including the reporting of findings and recommendations.
• Leads or contributes to research initiatives to improve laboratory practices and diagnostic outcomes.
• Participates in client and stakeholder meetings and drafts reports/presentations.
• Promotes adopting and integrating new diagnostic technologies, tools, and methodologies based on the country's needs and priorities for project implementation.
• Works closely with the country team, project management, subcontractors, and stakeholders to align laboratory and diagnostic activities with overall project goals.
• Develops and monitors implementation of technical components of project work plans, along with associated budgets and resources, with a focus on project activities and sub-activities related to laboratory and diagnostic-related components.
• Conducts analysis of project implementation to identify areas for improvement and proposes appropriate technical strategies to manage risks, overcome barriers, and advance project objectives.
• Monitors project activities, results, and deliverables.
• Builds productive working relationships internally and externally by fostering collaboration with national and international organizations, government agencies, academia, and other relevant entities.
• Leads the preparation and drafting of the technical/laboratory and diagnostic portion of work plans, presentations, and reports for the DOS and other key stakeholders.
• Participate and represent the project in meetings and forums as required.
• Ensure project activities are on track with work plans, with technical expertise informing project implementation.
• Oversees project timelines and budgets. This includes monitoring of project activities to ensure they are on track with approved work plans, the spending on technical scope under broad supervision, and the collection of data for financial and technical reporting.
• Monitors project activities, results, deliverables and regularly reports to management.
• Oversees procurement as needed, coordinating with DOS and suppliers.
• Prepares reports and papers summarizing project results and analyzing data sets, including technical assessment findings.
• Establishes and maintains SOW and budget tracking systems.
• Serves as a primary author for relevant technical deliverables (e.g., reports, presentations, manuscripts) from STRIDES Nepal.
• Develops in-depth knowledge of quality standards through formalized system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving quality policies and objectives.
• Coordinates and direct activities to meet client/funder and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other relevant duties assigned by supervisor, Project Director, and the Country Representative.

REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in microbiology or other relevant subject in biological sciences within a clinical or diagnostic discipline or specialty.
• 8+ years of experience in working with infectious disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening (preferably including microbiology, AMR/AMU or disease surveillance).
• Prior work experience with USG-funded projects and familiarity with USG 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 and GHS stakeholders is highly desirable to support strategy development, implementation plans, and decision-making.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the ethical issues surrounding research and surveillance.
• Willing and able to travel locally and regionally up to 50% of the time.
• Proactive in managing multiple tasks, managing, and working in the virtual work environment, and flexible and open to managing time for working with different teams in different time zones as needed.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication, team building and management, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written English and Nepali including documentation skills.

The final deadline for application is 5:00 p.m. February 22, 2026.

This job description summarizes the primary duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development, and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

FHI 360 is an equal employment and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

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FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

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