Laboratory & Diagnostic Officer

The Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer provides basic technical support and assistance in laboratory systems strengthening and diagnostics under the STRIDES Morocco Activity. The position supports the day-to-day implementation of laboratory-related activities under the guidance of the Senior Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer, assists with the development of technical materials and reports, and contributes to workplan preparation and progress documentation. Working closely with the senior technical team, relevant government counterparts, and in-country partners, the Officer will support the delivery of laboratory and diagnostic interventions, monitor activity progress, and assist in building the capacity of the national laboratory system. 

Accountabilities: 

• Assists in providing technical support for the implementation of laboratory systems strengthening and diagnostic activities in alignment with Morocco's national health priorities and STRIDES Morocco workplan objectives. 

• Supports engagement with the Ministry of Health and relevant government counterparts by preparing documentation, logistics, and follow-up materials for technical meetings and activities. 

• Contributes to the development and dissemination of laboratory-related tools, guidelines, training materials, and standard operating procedures. 

• Monitors and maintains project protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials, and reports related to laboratory systems and diagnostics. 

• Conducts searches of published literature and technical resources on evolving issues in laboratory systems, diagnostics, and global health security. 

• Contributes to the development and sharing of lessons learned, knowledge products, innovations, and best practices related to laboratory strengthening in Morocco. 

• Works closely with the assigned technical team to ensure laboratory activities are implemented according to standard operating procedures and project quality standards. 

• Provides quality control and quality assurance support for laboratory-related technical outputs and deliverables. 

• Supports workplan preparation, finalization, and tracking of activity progress against approved timelines. 

• Participates in client and funder meetings and assists with the preparation of related reports and presentations. 

• Provides administrative and logistical support for technical training events, workshops, field visits, and other laboratory-related activities. 

• Supports preparation of quarterly and annual progress reports and other required project documentation. 

• Gathers information, data, and statistics needed to provide evidence for reports, presentations, and technical papers. 

• Assists with compiling technical content including reports, presentations, and manuscripts. 

• Participates in data review processes and supports the use of data for decision-making. 

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Applied Knowledge & Skills: 

• Basic working knowledge of laboratory systems, biosafety, and quality management principles relevant to public health programs. 

• Familiarity with Morocco's public health system and national laboratory landscape. 

• Basic understanding of diagnostic methods and laboratory quality standards (e.g., ISO 15189, SLIPTA) as they apply to national health systems. 

• Proficiency with database management software and online search tools required. 

• Has sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of the political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas. 

• Articulate, professional, and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients, government counterparts, and staff. 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; professional proficiency in Arabic, French, and English required. 

• Excellent organizational and analytical skills. 

• Demonstrated proficiency with using Microsoft Office Suite required. 

• Ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports. 

• Ability to solve problems and implement corrective action as needed. 

Problem Solving & Impact: 

• Works on problems of moderate scope that require analysis or interpretation of various factors. 

• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. 

• Builds rapport with internal and external staff. 

• Decision may affect a work unit or area within a department. 

Supervision Given/Received: 

• Has no supervisory responsibility. 

• Receives general instructions on routine work and detailed instructions on new assignments or projects. 

• Reports to the Senior Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer, STRIDES Morocco. 

Education: ** ** 

• Bachelor's degree or its international equivalent in Laboratory Sciences, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field. 

Experience: ** ** 

• Typically requires 2+ years of relevant experience in laboratory systems, diagnostics, or a related technical area. 

• Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization preferred. 

• Exposure to USAID- or U.S. Department of State-funded projects in Morocco or the MENA region is an advantage. 

• Professional proficiency in Arabic, French, and English; strong written and verbal communication skills in all three languages required. 

Typical Physical Demands: 

• Typical office environment. 

• Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard. 

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time. 

• Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs. 

Technology to be Used: 

• Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment. 

Travel Requirements: 

• 10% - 25% 

The expected hiring salary range for this role is MAD 160,000 - 220,000 for annual gross salary. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, market pay, and budget.