Position: Technical Laboratory Officer – Biosafety and Biosecurity

Location: Dar es Salaam

Reports to: Laboratory and BSBS Services Advisor

Job summary

The Technical Laboratory officer Biosafety and Biosecurity (TLO-BSBS) will be responsible for supporting and implementing strategies to strengthen the BSBS framework. By working closely with other project teams and key stakeholders, the TLO-BSBS will ensure that the USAID Usalama wa Afya Duniani project meets its objectives and maintains high standards of quality and effectiveness. This role involves ensuring regulatory compliance, enhancing laboratory safety standards, and building capacity in national laboratories to handle Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs) and dangerous pathogens.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the sector ministries and other key stakeholders to support capacity building in National Labs, focusing on strengthening the central bio-repository system and operationalizing BSL-3 containment across the national network.
• Support establishment of BSBS regulatory framework by ensuring robust information security measures and managing laboratory licensing and pathogen control measures.
• Ensure the dissemination of policies, guidelines, protocols, SOPs, and job aids to laboratories handling high-consequence pathogens across various sectors.
• Participate in and provide technical assistance to national BSBS Multisectoral Technical Working Groups (TWGs), and related task teams and workshops.
• Collaborate with the MoH/MoLF to expand environmental surveillance practices and improve reporting.
• Ensure laboratories working with EIDs operate in a relevant Bio-safety Level (BSL) and supervise the team to support laboratories in achieving documented certification/accreditation standards.
• Support the BSBS Regional Centre of Excellence located at the NPHL to provide training, cascaded mentorships, and certifications.
• Support execution of the Biological Safety Cabinet certification program and facilitate training of the bio-medical technicians and engineers.
• Support the Regional Centre of Excellence in Biosafety and Biosecurity in provision of training, cascaded mentorships, and certifications.
• Work closely with International Health Regulations (IHR) TWG, to provide implementation status of Biosafety and Biosecurity in IHR State Parties Assessment Annual Reporting (SPAR) and National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS).
• Support the institutionalization of molecular waste management that is integrated through the sample referral system to aid the transportation and disposal of wastes across the network of appropriate incinerators.
• Execute, and continually update the strategic plan for the CIHEB – Tanzania. Adjusts strategic goals, work plans, and operations as projects are added to and/or completed.
• Coordinate and supervise the provision of technical assistance to the BSBS-supported laboratories and its network.
• Collaborate with the M&E team to ensure appropriate data management and analysis, review and interpret the Usalama wa Afya Duniani results, and develop and review reports and technical publications.
• Manage and supervise the development, review, and finalization of quarterly and annual project work plans, monitor progress toward targets, and address bottlenecks in meeting project milestones.
• Any other duty as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements:

• BSC Health Laboratory Sciences, BSC Molecular Biology & Biotechnology or its equivalent
• Epidemiology, MSc.Microbiology, Master in Public Health, MSc Project Management Monitoring and evaluation in health and/or Laboratory Management, with 3 or more years of experience in Laboratory System Strengthening programs in developing countries,
• Specific training/fellowship on Biosafety and Biosecurity with a track record of implementation in the Tanzania NHLS
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in laboratory biosafety, biosecurity, or a related area.
• Strong knowledge of BSBS guidelines and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in training and capacity building.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Proficiency in information security and pathogen control measures.
• Strong leadership and project management abilities.
• Experience with USAID projects and familiarity with donor policies and procedures is preferred but not mandatory

Instructions for Submitting Applications:

• All applications should be submitted electronically to: [email protected]
• All applications should include a cover letter that details one’s suitability for the job highlighting key functional areas, expected qualifications, and experiences.
• Candidates should clearly highlight the position that one is applying for in the subject line of the email.
• Candidates should attach a CV/Resume that highlights one’s key achievements in areas relevant to the job.
• Job-related qualifications and experience are the basic minimum requirements that each applicant must meet to be considered for interviewing.
• Applications should include 3 references that are familiar with applicant’s work experience. References should include contact information including daytime phone, and e-mail address.
• All applicants should include daytime phone and email contact information.
• The deadline for application is 10^th January 2025 at 5:00PM EAT. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

CIHEB Tanzania is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified persons to apply regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, or any other status variable.