Technical Advisor for Laboratory Systems Strengthening (LSS) to the Director of CSEW, USAID LEAP Global

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About the Position

Global Solutions Ventures (GSV) - a joint-venture partnership between ZemiTek, LLC and Dexis Consulting Group - is implementing the Long-term Exceptional technical Assistance Project (LEAP Global), a mechanism used by USAID to battle against infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases, and pandemic influenza. This initiative aims to address the complex human resource challenges faced by national infectious disease programs in USAID-supported countries.

The intervention of this project is to hire and embed technical expert advisors and subject matter experts within government entities. By directly embedding the technical expertise within the national programs, LEAP will provide long-term, sustainable mentoring and capacity building for program staff, empower host governments to lead and manage key aspects of their infectious disease portfolios, and improve coordination between USAID and the host government.

The Technical Advisor for Laboratory Systems Strengthening (LSS) will provide technical expertise and support to the Director of CSEW, focusing on implementing recommendations related to LSS from the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) and raising the demonstrated capacity of the Government of Uzbekistan to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies. The Advisor will provide day-to-day support to enhance the capacity of CSEW in managing LSS activities and ensuring compliance with WHO's 2005 International Health Regulations.

Responsibilities

1. JEE Recommendations Implementation:

• Analyze and prioritize the JEE recommendations related to laboratory systems strengthening, with a focus on improving laboratory quality management systems.
• Provide expert technical advice about implementing the LSS activities described in action plans developed to address the JEE recommendations. These action plans include, but are not limited to, the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS), Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Action Plan, National Emergency Preparedness and Response Action Plan, Tripartite Zoonotic Disease Action Plan, and other action plans, operational plans, and roadmaps related to global health security and the national One Health Framework.
• Monitor and report on the progress of implementing the JEE recommendations on LSS in the context of approved National One Health/Global Health Security Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks. 

2. Technical Support:

• Provide day-to-day technical support to the Director of CSEW on LSS issues.
• Assist in designing, implementing, and evaluating laboratory systems and procedures.
• Assist in developing LSS content for proposed policies, strategies, standard operating procedures, and protocols.
• Provide expertise in specimen referral and transport systems, laboratory quality management systems, laboratory testing capacity modalities, and laboratory diagnostics.
• Assist Technical Working Groups (TWGs) in providing LSS advice to the CSEW and multisectoral steering committees.

3. Capacity Building:

• Provide input to and/or conduct training sessions and workshops to build the LSS capacity of CSEW staff.
• Develop training materials and resources on laboratory best practices and standards.

4. Coordination and Collaboration:

• Collaborate with Secretariats, other departments, and stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to strengthening the national laboratory system.
• Participate in meetings and discussions related to LSS and public health. 5. Reporting and Documentation:
• Prepare detailed reports on the implementation of JEE recommendations pertaining to strengthening laboratory systems.
• Document best practices and lessons learned from national LSS projects and initiatives.
• Provide LSS-related indicator-related information and data to USAID, as requested and in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines and procedures.

6. Advisory Role:

• Provide strategic advice to the Director of CSEW on LSS matters.
• Stay updated on the latest developments and trends in LSS and public health.

7. One Health:

• Advocate and promote an integrated One Health approach.
• Establish working relationships with stakeholders including other Government of Uzbekistan entities, such as the Committee for Veterinary and Livestock Development, Samarkand State Veterinary College, and the Ministry of Emergency Response.

8. General:

• In consultation with USAID, provide other services related to LSS and public health requested by the Director of CSEW.

Qualifications 

• Advanced degree in Laboratory Sciences, Public Health, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in laboratory system strengthening and public health, preferably in a post-Soviet health system.
• Experience and familiarity with Laboratory Quality Management Systems.
• Proven experience in implementing public health recommendations and strategies.
• Fluency in Uzbek and/or Russian and proficiency in English.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge about WHO's International Health Regulations, JEE assessments, One Health concepts, public health surveillance, animal health and agricultural systems, antimicrobial resistance, infectious disease outbreak investigations, and public health emergency response is desirable.
• Knowledge about post-Soviet health systems and working with international donors is desirable.

Duration and Location:  The position is for 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding. The Advisor will be based at the CSEW office, with potential travel as required.

Reporting:  The Advisor will report directly to the Director of CSEW and will provide monthly performance reports to the USAID Activity Manager.

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