Senior Technical Consultant, Global TFA Laboratory Capacity Strategy

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

📋 Description

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

• Perform organized stakeholder engagement, which includes key informant interviews with government officials, regulatory authorities, laboratory professionals, and technical partners to enhance understanding of country 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 a training framework or collaborate with experts to establish a model for enhancing and maintaining TFA laboratory capacity, including recommendations on delivery methods and mechanisms for sustaining competency in partnership with collaborators.

• Identify procurement obstacles and solutions, exploring opportunities to standardize processes and specifications to optimize the procurement and delivery of materials; assist partners in procuring lab materials where feasible.

• Investigate and consolidate options for sustainable financing and supply chain strategies to tackle ongoing procurement and consumable challenges that hinder laboratory capacity in program countries, drawing insights from global health and food safety models.

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

• Travel to conduct evaluations, stakeholder meetings, and participate in any scheduled lab training during the consultancy period.

• Upon request, assist in country-specific laboratory strengthening initiatives in priority program countries. This may involve providing technical guidance to national laboratories and regulatory agencies on analytical methods, quality management systems, and accreditation pathways; advising on equipment procurement and supply chains for consumables; and contributing to the design and implementation of in-country capacity-building activities.

⛳️ 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 enhancing laboratory capacity for public health outcomes, especially in low- and middle-income country settings.

• History of developing technical strategies, frameworks, or program plans within a global health or food safety context, with evidence of adoption by commissioning organizations.

• Knowledge of 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, and their practical application in regulatory and food safety laboratory settings.

🏝️ Benefits

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

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

• Job Structure: Independent Contractor.