Laboratory Technical Officer

About the role

The Laboratory Technical Officer provides technical and operational support to the Laboratory Leadership Program, coordinating fellow activities, supporting laboratory data analysis and information management, strengthening the capacity of Regional Emergency Operations Center laboratory pillar leads, and helping implement the Frontline Laboratory Leadership Program. The post works under the direct supervision of the Program Coordinator and supports program activities at national and regional levels.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical support and mentorship to Laboratory Leadership Fellows, supporting Regional EOC laboratory pillar leads.
• Support collection, analysis, interpretation, visualization and reporting of laboratory and outbreak response data.
• Develop and maintain laboratory surveillance, outbreak response dashboards and routine performance reports, and review data products for accuracy and quality.
• Monitor reporting completeness, timeliness and data quality across supported regions, and share laboratory information through reports, presentations and stakeholder engagements.
• Coordinate training logistics, participant tracking and documentation for the Frontline Laboratory Leadership Program, and help develop training materials and mentorship activities.
• Organize meetings, webinars, workshops and mentorship sessions, maintain databases for fellows, mentors, trainees and program outputs, and track work plans and action points.
• Support laboratory preparedness, assessment and outbreak response during public health emergencies, and contribute to operational research, quality improvement and documentation of program achievements.

Required profile

• Master's degree in a health laboratory discipline (Medical Laboratory Science, Microbiology, Parasitology, Histopathology, Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Immunology, Virology or related fields).
• Bachelor's degree in a health laboratory field or background.
• 3 years of relevant experience.
• Willingness to travel to regional and district sites as required.
• Professional certification or specialized training in Laboratory Leadership, Public Health Emergency Management, Disease Surveillance, Outbreak Investigation and Response, Quality Management Systems, Biosafety and Biosecurity is an added advantage.

Required skills

• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, DHIS2, KoboToolbox or similar data management platforms.
• Ability to prepare high-quality reports, dashboards and presentations.
• Excellent organizational, coordination, communication and stakeholder engagement skills; ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.