The Laboratory Specialist will lead and provide technical assistance (TA) for strengthening Mozambique’s national and sub-national laboratory systems under the EpiC Global Health Security (GHS) project. Working closely with the Ministry of Health (MISAU), National Institute of Health (INS), and partners, the Specialist will help improve diagnostic capacity for priority pathogens, enhance specimen transport and referral systems, and promote biosafety, biosecurity, and quality management practices. 

The role will also coordinate human and animal health laboratory activities to advance the One Health approach and contribute to Mozambique’s compliance with the International Health Regulations (2005) and Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) priorities.

Mozambican nationals are strongly encouraged to apply; qualified regional candidates with demonstrated experience supporting laboratory system strengthening in Mozambique may also be considered.

Technical Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and technical guidance for implementation of laboratory-related activities in collaboration with MISAU, INS, and other partners.
• Support review and updating of the Priority Zoonotic Diseases (PZD) list and related diagnostic strategies to reflect current epidemiological threats.
• Work closely with FHI 360 HQ lab advisor and INS counterparts to co-develop tools.
• Strengthen specimen transport and referral systems, including planning and delivery of Infectious Substance Shipping Training (ISST).
• Support establishment or enhancement of diagnostic services such as PCR-based testing for typhoid fever and exploration of multiplex syndromic testing options at national or provincial laboratories.
• Facilitate benchmarking or learning exchanges with regional reference laboratories and adapt best practices to the Mozambican context.
• Provide inputs for development and digitalization of the Outbreak Investigation Manual, ensuring laboratory components are well represented in e-learning tools for epidemiologists and investigators.
• Coordinate procurement and distribution of laboratory reagents, consumables, and essential biosafety/biosecurity materials.
• Mentor laboratory staff in safe specimen handling, quality assurance, and data recording/reporting.
• Contribute to documentation of lessons learned and to updates of national laboratory procedures and guidance documents.
• Collaborate closely with the Global Health Security Expert, Senior Surveillance Specialist, and other EpiC team members to integrate laboratory work with surveillance and outbreak-response activities.
• Represent EpiC in relevant national technical working groups (TWGs) and donor or partner coordination forums.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Applied Knowledge & Skills

• Proven technical experience in at least two of the following: diagnostic microbiology or molecular biology, biosafety & biosecurity, laboratory quality management systems, specimen referral/logistics, or outbreak investigation support.
• Experience implementing laboratory quality systems and providing TA to MOH.
• Practical understanding of international laboratory standards (e.g., ISO 15189, WHO Biosafety Manual) and their application in low-resource settings.
• Familiarity with the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) and ability to contextualize global strategies for national use.
• Experience working with government laboratory networks and supporting continuous quality improvement.
• Comfort with laboratory data systems and digital health tools (e.g., DHIS2, laboratory information systems).
• Ability to design and facilitate trainings and mentorship for laboratory personnel using participatory adult-learning techniques.
• Ability to coordinate, mentor and learn.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills; ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
• Excellent problem-solving and organizational abilities; capable of managing multiple priorities under limited supervision.
• Fluent in Portuguese and strong English.

Education

• Master’s degree (preferred) or equivalent in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Laboratory Sciences, Public Health, or a related field.
• Specialized training or certification in biosafety/biosecurity, laboratory quality management, or infectious-substance shipping is an asset.

Experience

• Minimum 6 years of relevant experience, preferably including at least 3 years within Mozambique’s laboratory network or equivalent regional experience.
• Demonstrated success implementing or supporting laboratory systems strengthening initiatives, including diagnostic capacity building and biosafety/biosecurity improvements.
• Experience collaborating with MOH/INS or other national health institutions and providing technical assistance within donor-funded projects (USAID, CDC, DoS, WHO, etc.).
• Hands-on experience with PCR or molecular testing and familiarity with emerging diagnostic technologies.
• Proven ability to deliver trainings, mentorship, or coaching for laboratory staff.
• Experience contributing to the adaptation of policies, guidelines, or SOPs for laboratory systems (preferred).
• Familiarity with One Health collaboration across human and animal health sectors.

Supervision Given / Received

• Reports to: EpiC GHS Team Leader
• May supervise short-term consultants or sub-partner laboratory activities.

Travel Requirements

• 10 – 25 % (domestic travel within Mozambique; limited regional travel possible).