Senior Laboratory & Diagnostic Officer

Job Summary: 

The Senior Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer provides technical leadership and guidance in laboratory systems strengthening and diagnostics under the STRIDES Morocco Activity. The position leads the day-to-day implementation of laboratory-related activities, ensures alignment with Morocco's national health priorities and donor requirements, and supports the development of technical deliverables and reports. Working closely with the Project Director, relevant government entities, and in-country partners, the Officer will drive the technical quality of laboratory and diagnostic interventions, oversee related workplan timelines and budgets, and contribute to building the capacity of the national laboratory system. The position may supervise junior technical staff and short-term consultants supporting laboratory activities. 

Accountabilities: 

• Provides technical leadership in laboratory systems strengthening, diagnostics, and related public health areas in alignment with Morocco's national health priorities and global health security objectives. 

• Engages with the Ministry of Health and relevant government entities to support the implementation of laboratory-related activities and ensure alignment with national standards and regulatory frameworks. 

• Supports the development and implementation of laboratory policies, quality management standards, and improvement processes at the national and subnational levels. 

• Maintains ongoing technical dialogue with in-country counterparts, implementing partners, and relevant stakeholders to advance STRIDES Morocco laboratory objectives. 

• Contributes to the development of tools, guidelines, training materials, and standard operating procedures relevant to laboratory and diagnostic systems in Morocco. 

• Works on problems of moderate to complex scope that require evaluation of variable factors and demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and approaches for obtaining solutions. 

• Leads the day-to-day technical implementation of laboratory activities and tracks delivery of outputs against the approved workplan. 

• Identifies gaps in laboratory capacity and develops targeted, evidence-based strategies to address them. 

• Provides ongoing technical mentorship, on-the-job support, and capacity building to national counterparts and subnational laboratory staff. 

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

• Develops or writes technical briefs, reports, and other materials to facilitate research, dissemination of best practices, and policy development. 

• Conducts analysis of project implementation to identify areas for improvement and propose appropriate technical strategies and guidelines. 

• Assists with implementing components of the technical portions of the project plan within given resource and financial constraints. 

• Develops and monitors technical work plans and budgets in coordination with the project team. 

• Prepares and delivers presentations on progress to the project team, HQ staff, and the U.S. Department of State as required. 

• Contributes to the development and review of annual reports and workplans. 

• Ensures technical deliverables are consistent with best practices in the field and meet client and funder contractual obligations. 

Identifies areas for improved efficiency or effectiveness within prescribed parameters and institutes enhancements to proceduresApplied Knowledge & Skills: 

• Strong technical knowledge of laboratory systems strengthening, biosafety, and quality management systems (e.g., ISO 15189, SLIPTA). 

• Strong technical knowledge of diagnostic methods including molecular diagnostics and genomic sequencing. 

• Familiarity with Morocco's public health system, national laboratory landscape, and the MENA regional health security context. 

• Experience working with government counterparts and national health institutions in Morocco. 

• Solid knowledge of standards for the technical area, operational processes and procedures, work, and task flow. 

• Has the ability to manage projects, set realistic priorities, and plan for the successful implementation of activities. 

• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; professional proficiency in Arabic, French, and English required. 

• Relevant computer software skills including, at a minimum, the standard applications in MS Office. 

Problem Solving & Impact: 

• Works on problems of moderate to complex scope that require review of various factors. 

• Exercises good judgment with selecting methods and techniques to determine appropriate action. 

• Decisions may cause delays and affect a work unit or area within a department. 

• Identifies and raises issues to senior technical staff 

• Networks with key internal and external personnel. 

Supervision Given/Received: 

• May supervise junior technical staff and short-term consultants supporting laboratory activities. 

• Serves as mentor to less experienced technical staff. 

• Reports to the Project Director, STRIDES Morocco. 

Education: ** ** 

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

Project Management (PM) Certification preferred. 

Experience: ** ** 

• Typically requires 6+ years of relevant experience in laboratory systems strengthening, diagnostics, or a related technical area. 

• Documented experience providing technical assistance and capacity building in laboratory systems or global health security. 

• Experience on USAID- or U.S. Department of State-funded projects in Morocco or the MENA region strongly preferred. 

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

• 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%