$63,468 - $90,652 USD annually

The Country Director will support the laboratory systems strengthening work of the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) in support of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) initiatives through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The candidate will possess an advanced degree and public health laboratory experience in Botswana. The Country Director will liaise with the CDC-Botswana Office, CDC-HQ, Ministry of Health (MoH)/National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL), Botswana National Quality Assurance Laboratory (BNQAL), University of Botswana, county laboratory coordinators, and other collaborating partners in Botswana to implement agreed-upon strategies to enhance the quality management systems and improve overall laboratory capacities.  The candidate will serve as a full-time contracted employee to APHL through September 29, 2025, with annual renewal subject to satisfactory performance and continued availability of funds. APHL Headquarters (HQ) is in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and this field position is in Gaborone, Botswana. This position will report to the APHL Global Health Director.

 

APHL (www.APHL.org) works to strengthen laboratory systems serving the public’s health in the United States and globally.

 

The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) works to strengthen laboratory systems serving the public’s health in the U.S. and globally. APHL’s member laboratories protect the public’s health by monitoring and detecting infectious and foodborne diseases, environmental contaminants, terrorist agents, genetic disorders in newborns and other diverse health threats.

APHL is seeking a Country Director with a background in laboratory sciences to support Botswana’s public health laboratory system. The scope of work will primarily focus on supporting PEPFAR activities, emphasizing strengthening the public health laboratory systems. The individual will liaise with the CDC-Botswana Office, CDC-HQ, Ministry of Health (MoH)/National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL), Botswana National Quality Assurance Laboratory (BNQAL), University of Botswana, county laboratory coordinators, and other collaborating partners in Botswana and will implement agreed-upon strategies to enhance the quality management systems and improve overall laboratory capacities. The individual will have a strong understanding of the laboratory system in Botswana and significant experience supporting laboratory initiatives in the country. In addition, the candidate will demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills.

 

• Liaise and collaborate with the CDC-Botswana Office on joint priorities and projects to ensure coordination of all activities in the country.
• Provide laboratory training, technical guidance, monitoring, and evaluation for APHL-implemented activities and develop evidence-based interventions to improve service delivery in the country.
• Provide technical assistance for designing, implementing, and monitoring strategies to strengthen the public health laboratory systems, aligned with the national laboratory strategic plan.
• Support the national mentorship program in implementing laboratory mentorship activities, such as the Foundations of Laboratory Leadership program, at the Botswana National Quality Assurance Laboratory (BNQAL) or other selected labs.
• Contribute to developing staff skills and knowledge through individual and group mentorship and training, especially in quality laboratory testing and reporting, data management, and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Provide technical guidance on ISO 15189 quality management systems in accordance with internationally accepted standards of practice as required. 
• Provide laboratory audits in accordance with internationally accepted standards of practice as required. 
• Provide training, technical guidance, and evaluation of activities focused on quality management, accreditation acquisition and maintenance, leadership, or technical training.
• Support the implementation of public health laboratory systems enhancement activities including, but not limited to, proficiency testing (PT), quality management systems, data management, workforce development, and biosafety and biosecurity.
• Coordinate small and large scale laboratory procurements as needed.
• Represent APHL at national and international meetings (as appropriate).
• Coordinate and work with diverse groups or partner organizations, including MoH, laboratory leaders and laboratory facility staff, international development organizations, APHL HQ, CDC-Botswana Office, and CDC-HQ.
• Other duties as assigned and requested.

Required:

• Advanced degree in medical laboratory technology. A graduate degree in medical laboratory science is preferred. Six years or more experience in clinical diagnostic testing or research labs, including two years of supervisory experience in a clinical diagnostic laboratory.
• Knowledgeable of current developments in diagnosing infectious diseases, including molecular methods. 
• Experience/knowledge strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards, including ISO 15189 or in-country standards. Demonstrated experience in data management and retrieval systems and online databases. 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team and across multiple partners.
• Ability to travel to laboratory sites across Botswana to work for short-term (1-2 week) assignments.

 

Preferred

• Knowledge of and experience working within public health programs in Botswana.
• Knowledge of laboratory information systems.
• Familiarity with PEPFAR initiatives and strategies used in Botswana and/or elsewhere.
• Managerial experience.
• Experience working with U.S. Government grants and programs.

Knowledge

• Knowledge and experience in managing quality laboratory systems, including PT and external quality assurance (EQA) for HIV-related tests (e.g., VL, EID, serum cryptococcal antigen (CrAg), HPV, CD4, etc.), laboratory diagnostic testing, monitoring laboratory performance indicators, conducting M&E activities, and supporting accreditation efforts.
• Knowledge and experience with advanced molecular techniques, such as next-generation sequencing/whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, are an advantage.
• Knowledge of laboratory networks and quality management systems.
• Knowledge of biosafety and biosecurity regulations and procedures, including conducting a biorisk assessment.
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret international standards documents related to quality in laboratories.
• Knowledge of and ability to provide laboratory technical assistance according to national and international standards, including ISO 15189.

Skills

• Skill in laboratory techniques, including diagnostic testing, quality management systems, accreditation, mentorship, and publications/manuscript development.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively interact with all levels of staff, members, government personnel, and others.
• Strong coordination and project management skills.
• Skill in performing laboratory assessments.
• Understanding of non-profit organizational systems and structures.
• Excellent skills in report writing and presentation development, editing, and creating appropriate charts, tables, and graphics.
• Demonstrated presentation and training skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with emphasis on details.

 

Abilities

• Ability to effectively engage and collaborate with partners with differing priorities.
• Ability to work with partners to prioritize needs and guide planning.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines and ensure completion of projects in a timely and efficient manner.
• Ability to follow APHL operating procedures and tracking systems.
• Ability to lead and collaborate within a team setting.

APHL Week is a Conference/Convention that is held at the APHL Home Office Bethesda, MD. This event is mandatory for all employees to attend. Travel and lodging will be reimbursed by APHL.

Please Note: Reimbursement for travel and lodging may not be possible for employees that are local to the APHL Home Office.

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are illustrative ones anticipated for this position. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) reserves the right to amend or change this job description to meet the needs of its programs. This job description and any attachments do not constitute or represent a contract.

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a colleague to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

During the job, the colleague may need to sit for extended periods, use a computer keyboard to type, read information visually, and communicate orally through a computer monitor.