ABOUT FHI 360

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 Specialists

The Laboratory and Diagnostics Expert (Specialists) provides hands-on technical implementation support for the STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) Activity’s laboratory/diagnostic strategy to support implementation. They will provide technical assistance to STRIDES in-country staff, including supporting technical requirements in workplan design and quality assurance. The STRIDES Laboratory and Diagnostic Expert implement and monitors strategic and technical initiatives and contributes expertise through the development and management of reports and technical materials. Working closely with the Laboratory and Diagnostic Advisor and in-country and Headquarter (HQ) STRIDES teams, the Expert will support implementation by evaluating programmatic effectiveness, overseeing technical aspects, and providing technical assessment reports.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides day-to-day technical implementation support to project staff for the laboratory and diagnostic services component of the project including molecular diagnostics, genomic sequencing, AMR, quality management systems as well as coordination with other GHS technical areas (e.g. biosafety, 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.
• Responds to requests and inquiries from internal and external staff.
• Works in close collaboration with assigned team to provide technical assistance required to fulfill project objectives and targets, primarily related to strengthening laboratory systems and diagnostic services.
• Contributes to the development and writing of technical briefs, reports, or other necessary materials to facilitate assessments, best practices, policies, and procedures.
• Supports implementation of laboratory network strengthening activities, including specimen referral, quality assurance, laboratory information management system, training across relevant GHS technical areas, including antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, biosafety/biosecurity, diagnostic networks, and surveillance.
• Supports scale-up and optimization of molecular diagnostics and genomic sequencing tools, including PCR and sequencing platforms, ensuring laboratories adhere to approved workflows, SOPs, and quality requirements.
• Supports diagnostic network and laboratory capacity assessments including the reporting of findings and recommendations and implements follow-up actions.
• Contributes to research initiatives to improve laboratory practices and diagnostic outcomes.
• 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.
• Supports development and implementation of laboratory- and diagnostic-related components of project work plans, including activity sequencing, site-level inputs, and tracking of deliverables
• 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 and identifies and raises issues to management.
• Supports integration of laboratory diagnostic data into national platforms
• Builds productive working relationships internally and externally by fostering collaboration with national and international organizations, government agencies, academia, and other relevant entities.
• Assists with the preparation and drafting of work plans, presentations, and reports for the DOS and other key stakeholders.
• Participate and represent the project in meetings and forums as required.
• Ensures project activities are on track with work plans, with technical expertise informing project implementation.
• Monitors 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.
• Provides technical input to laboratory-related procurement, in coordination with DOS and suppliers.
• Supports the preparation of reports and papers summarizing project results and analyzing data sets, including technical assessment findings.
• Maintains SOW and budget tracking systems
• Creates technical content (e.g., reports, presentations, manuscripts) related to project activities, results, and outcomes.
• Develops broader 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 related duties as assigned by Supervisors, Project Director, and Country Representative.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in microbiology or its international equivalent in biological sciences within a clinical or diagnostic discipline or specialty.
• Requires 4+ years of relevant experience working with infectious disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening.
• Demonstrated experience with training, mentorship, and supervision of laboratory staff on molecular diagnostics, sequencing, QA/QC, and biosafety/biosecurity
• Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private company.
• Prior work experience with USG-funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and reporting requirements is preferred.
• Broad 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 support laboratory strengthening initiatives.
• Proven experience working with government agencies is highly desirable to support strategy development, implementation plans, and decision-making.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the ethical issues surrounding research and surveillance.
• Proactive in managing multiple tasks, managing and working in virtual work environment, and flexible and open for 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.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

FHI 360 will never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never request money, goods or services during the application, recruitment or employment process. If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email CareerCenterSupport@fhi360.org.

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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