Senior Technical Consultant, Global TFA Laboratory Capacity Strategy

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Evaluate and integrate existing evidence regarding laboratory capacity deficiencies, obstacles, and best practices across program countries, utilizing completed country assessments and pertinent global literature.

• Carry out organized stakeholder engagement, which includes conducting key informant interviews with government representatives, regulatory agencies, laboratory professionals, and technical partners to enhance understanding of country-specific contexts and priorities.

• Create a comprehensive global laboratory capacity strategy that articulates a clear vision, strategic priorities, and a phased investment approach across program countries and regions.

• Develop (or identify experts to assist with) a training framework/model aimed at enhancing and maintaining TFA laboratory capacity, incorporating recommendations on delivery methods and sustainability mechanisms in collaboration with partners.

• Identify procurement bottlenecks and propose solutions, while exploring the standardization of processes and specifications to simplify the procurement and delivery of materials; where applicable, assist partners in procuring laboratory materials.

• Investigate and compile options for sustainable financing and supply chain solutions to tackle recurring procurement and consumable challenges that hinder laboratory capacity across program countries, leveraging relevant models from global health and food safety.

• Provide support for RTSL research and activities related to laboratory methodologies and capacity support as necessary.

• Travel as needed to conduct reviews/stakeholder meetings and engage in any scheduled laboratory training throughout the consultancy period.

• Upon request, assist with country-specific laboratory enhancement efforts in priority program countries. This may involve offering technical guidance to national laboratories and regulatory bodies on analytical methods, quality management systems, and accreditation pathways; advising on equipment procurement and consumable supply chains; and contributing to the design and execution of in-country capacity-building initiatives.

⛳️ Requirements

• Advanced degree in public health, food science, food technology, analytical chemistry, laboratory science, or a related discipline.

• Proven expertise in strengthening laboratory systems.

• Demonstrated experience in developing laboratory capacity to achieve public health outcomes, particularly in contexts of low- and middle-income countries.

• A successful history of creating technical strategies, frameworks, or program plans within a global health or food safety framework, with evidence of adoption by commissioning organizations.

• Familiarity with relevant international analytical standards and quality frameworks, including ISO laboratory accreditation standards, AOAC International methods and validation protocols, and AOCS official methods for fatty acid and lipid analysis, along with their practical application in regulatory and food safety laboratory settings.

🏝️ Benefits

• Length of Engagement: Up to 9 months, approximately 150 days, with the potential for an extension.

• Location: Remote, with possible travel to program countries.

• Job Structure: Independent Contractor.