Categories: Vacancies, May 2026

Senior Lab Specialist

Location: Hawassa, Ethiopia

Organization: REACH Ethiopia

Deadline: 16 Jan 2025

Job Description

External Vacancy Announcement– Re-Advertised

Brief Organizational Introduction and Project Overview:

REACH Ethiopia is a nonprofit organization registered as an Ethiopian Residents Charity, dedicated to community development through innovative projects. Since 2013, it has implemented community-based TB care and integrated health service projects in Sidama, Central Ethiopia, South Ethiopia, Tigray, parts of Oromia and Afar Regions. Currently, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Regional Health Bureaus, REACH Ethiopia is implementing various projects including a new project called USAID- Urban TB LON-II SWIF TB Initiative.

The USAID URBAN TB LON II- SWIF TB Initiative is an ambitious initiative aimed at addressing the high burden in the TB triangle of Ethiopia. Focused on 87 woredas in 10 zones across four regions, the Initiative’s primary goals include implementing high-yield interventions to identify missed TB cases and break the chain of transmission, delivering patient-centered care, and fostering innovative solutions to combat TB. This Initiative is pivotal in enhancing TB detection and treatment, with an overarching aim to reduce TB prevalence and mortality in the TB triangle area.

Position Summary:

The called USAID- Urban TB LON-II SWIF TB Initiative Senior Lab Specialist will provide technical leadership and guidance in TB laboratory services for the project. The Senior Lab Specialist will work closely with project partners, government stakeholders, and the project team to ensure high-quality TB laboratory services are integrated into the project’s activities. This position reports to the Regional Director and is based in Sidama Region Hawassa.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership and Oversight:
- Provide strategic direction and oversight for all laboratory activities within the project.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive laboratory service plan aligned with project objectives.
- Monitor performance indicators to ensure efficient and effective lab service delivery.
Quality Assurance and Improvement:
- Develop, implement, and monitor laboratory quality assurance systems in accordance with national and international standards (e.g., WHO, CDC).
- Conduct regular audits and identify areas for improvement in laboratory practices and procedures.
- Lead the development and implementation of corrective action plans to address identified gaps.
- Facilitate Health facility level horizontal integration of Biomedical Engineers with TB diagnostic units.
Collaboration and Capacity Building:
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with government stakeholders, project partners, and other relevant actors in the laboratory services landscape.
- Collaborate with government entities to strengthen laboratory infrastructure and capacity within public health facilities.
- Provide technical assistance and capacity building support to laboratory staff and partners, including training on new technologies and best practices.
Compliance and Reporting:
- Ensure all laboratory services adhere to relevant regulations and ethical standards.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of project work plans, budgets, and M&E reports related to laboratory services.
- Prepare clear and concise reports on laboratory activities for the Deputy Chief of Party and other stakeholders.
Representation and Advocacy:
- Represent the project in technical forums, meetings, and conferences related to laboratory services for TB diagnosis and treatment.
- Advocate for the importance of high-quality laboratory services in achieving project goals and improving public health outcomes.
Any other Task assigned by Immediate Supervisor

Project: USAID URBAN TB LON II-SWIF TB Initiative

Reports to: Regional Cluster Manager/Director

Contract Term: Full-time Position, Fixed Term Contract

No. of Positions: 01

Location: Hawassa

Salary Scale: As per the scale of the organization

Date posted: January 2, 2025

Deadline: January 16, 2025

Category: Senior Program Advisory

About You

Skills and Qualifications:

Master’s degree in laboratory sciences (e.g., Clinical Laboratory Science, Microbiology), Public Health, or a closely related field.
At least 7 years of demonstrably successful experience in laboratory services, with a specific focus on TB diagnosis and treatment methodologies (e.g., microscopy, GeneXpert, etc.).
Proven experience working in a resource-limited setting is a plus.
Experience working with USAID-funded projects or other international development organizations is highly desirable.
Strong technical knowledge of laboratory quality assurance systems and standards (e.g., ISO 15189, national guidelines).
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders at all levels.
Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport with government entities and community partners in a multicultural environment.
Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
Proficiency in relevant computer software programs (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, data analysis software) is preferred.

Competencies:

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
Ability to travel periodically within the region.

Required Skills

Analytical skills
Microsoft Office Pack: Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Outlook, Powerpoint
Communication
Attention to detail
Problem solving

How to Apply

Only candidates meeting the required qualifications and experience are invited to send their application letter and CV as one document through the following three step process:

Fill out the mandatory application form using the following link: http://oas2.reachet.org.et/job-application?uuid=1ae1c607-1295-48ef-8bac-054a4188aa87.

Attach your application letter and updated CV as a single document (1 pdf) through the system.

Check your email and make sure you receive an automatic response acknowledging receipt of your application

REACH Ethiopia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.

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