Health Security and Strategic Partnerships Advisor (DOS/LEAP Global) - Phil at ZemiTek LLC

Bethesda, Maryland, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

13 Feb, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

15 Nov, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Laboratory Services, TB Control, Public Health Programs, Strategic Planning, Capacity Building, Diagnostic Networks, Communication Skills, Data Management, Quality Assurance, Technical Assistance, Stakeholder Engagement, Operational Research, Molecular Testing, Training, Negotiation, Supervision

Industry

International Trade and Development

Description

Who We Are ZemiTek, LLC is a Woman-Owned, SBA-certified 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) based in the Washington, DC metro area. We have a strong record delivering innovative and high-quality solutions. Since 2007, ZemiTek has provided technical assistance, project management, information technology (IT), knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, training and learning development, and institutional support services. Position Description 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 originally used by USAID to battle against infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases, and pandemic influenza. As of July 1, 2025, LEAP Global transitioned to the U.S. Department of State (DOS). This initiative aims to address the complex human resource challenges faced by national infectious disease programs in the USA-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 provides long-term, sustainable lifesaving support to empower host governments to lead and manage key aspects of their infectious disease portfolios and improve coordination between the U.S. Government and the host country. Responsibilities The Laboratory Services Advisor TB Technical Advisor will support the National TB Program of Zambia in carrying out life-saving humanitarian assistance (LHA) in full alignment with the new Presidential Executive Order (EO) directives. S/he will support the NTP in strengthening the diagnostic network services with the goal of moving more accurately and efficiently to detect and monitor TB and Drug Resistant TB (DR-TB). Responsibilities Build capacity of the NTP to provide Laboratory technical assistance: Develop and implement the National TB Laboratory strategic plan. Strengthen the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) National Reference Laboratories (NRL) to provide quality assurance and quality control for TB diagnostics across the laboratory network. Support the capacity building of National, Provincial Health Office and District Health Office in management of laboratory services, laboratory data management, quality assurance and diagnostics. In coordination with NTP, conduct technical supervisory visits to provincial level. Support and strengthen NTP for an effective specimen transportation system. Support further expansion of diagnostic techniques including molecular testing, digital chest X-ray, data connectivity, and culture/ DST. Improved timely identification of technical assistance needs and coordination of responses among stakeholders:Identify TB Laboratory technical assistance needs and work with US DoS and other partners to address those needs. Explore opportunities for improvement across multiple issues in TB diagnostic network, such as molecular testing expansion planning, connectivity, specimen transport, quality assessment and improvement processes including lab accreditation, and supervision processes. Together with the NTP, facilitate the coordination of TB and TB/HIV Laboratory strengthening activities with other partners. Participate in Laboratory technical working group and the Global Fund’s implementation meetings. Provide technical assistance to the NTP in the area of TB laboratory commodity forecasting and quantification. Provide regular updates on Laboratory and diagnostic progress to NTP and DoS, including developing and submitting technical monthly progress report Collaborate with partners for implementation of operational research on laboratory strengthening. REPORTING: The Laboratory Advisor TB Technical Advisor will work in close collaboration with the US DoS/Zambia and US DoS/Washington TB Team and will receive technical direction from the NTP Manager, who will serve as his/her Onsite Manager. Qualifications Minimum 8 years of relevant technical experience with master’s degree in medical laboratory sciences or a minimum 10 years of relevant technical experience with bachelor’s degree. Minimum 7 years of TB laboratory and TB control experience, preferably at the national level. Demonstrated strategic planning and management experience in managing public health programs in general. Specific experience in strengthening diagnostic networks is added advantage. Knowledge of mycobacteriology laboratory works in Zambia, solid and liquid culture and other diagnostics. Proven ability to communicate clearly and concisely in English – both orally and in writing is essential. Excellent verbal communication skills, tact and diplomacy are required to establish and develop sustainable working relationships at the highest level and a high level of trust with public/private organizations. Verbal communication skills are also used to negotiate activity plans and resolve activity implementation issues with counterparts, partners and team members. Excellent written communication skills are required to prepare regular and ad hoc reports, activity documentation and briefing papers. Good computer skills are required to implement, analyse, and monitor, and manage activity goals, inputs, outcomes, and achievements. Experience in teaching/training and capacity building. Experience working with the key stakeholders in TB program, preferably the national stakeholders and international donors. Zambian local nationals encouraged to apply. What We Believe ZemiTek is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, ZemiTek will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to accommodations@zemitek.com.

Responsibilities

The Laboratory Services Advisor TB Technical Advisor will support the National TB Program of Zambia in strengthening diagnostic network services to detect and monitor TB and Drug Resistant TB. This includes developing strategic plans, conducting technical visits, and coordinating with stakeholders for effective laboratory strengthening activities.