Scientist (Laboratories)

The incumbent shall be responsible for providing technical support to Member States and Regional Office in planning and establishment of quality laboratory services support to mount an effective response to avian influenza. The incumbent as an expert in strengthening laboratory services provides support to Regional Office in normative functions related to laboratory services and support networking of laboratories within the country as well the Region. Contributes to resource planning and resource mobilization. Assists Member States in capacity building in public health laboratories with emphasis on avian influenza.

Under the direct supervision of Director, Department of Communicable Disease, the incumbent will assume responsibility for the following:

1. Develop and adovcate formulation and implemenation of national laboratory policy in SEAR countries.
2. Design and implement strategies that help Member States plan and establish public health laboratory services with focus on diagnosis of viral infections especially avian influenza.
3. Coordinate networking of national laboratories with WHO Reference Laboratories.
4. Plan and implement activities for capacity building for efficient laboraty services in Member States.
5. Support integration of quality system in health laboratories.
6. Formulate strategies for production of diagnostic reagents within the Regional and transfer of technology to commercial manufacturers.
7. Contribute to development of resource mobilization proposals at national and Regional level.
8. Develop guidelines and manuals for establishment and quality services of the laboratories in the Region.

Education:
A degree in medicine from a recognized university with postgraduate experience/training in the microbiology/virology, with particular reference to deveoping countries.

Competencies: 1) Fostering integration and Teamwork; 2) Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond; 3) Producing results; 4) Ensuring the effective use of resource; and 5) Communicating in a credible and effective way.

Skills:
Ability to assess public health laboratory services, plan, coordinate and assist in implementation of efficient laboratory support. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with international and national staff at all levels. Ability to write concise reports and technical documents.
Experience:
Over ten years experience in the organization and management of microbiology/ virology laboratories at the national or regional level.
Desirable: International experience in organization and management of public health laboratories.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.