National Program Officer – Laboratory Systems

Jhpiego is a non-profit global health leader and Johns Hopkins University affiliate that is saving lives, improving health and transforming futures. We partner with governments, health experts and local communities to build the skills and systems that guarantee a healthier future for women and families. Through our partnerships, we are revolutionizing health care for the world’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable people.

In India, Jhpiego works across various states in close collaboration with national and state governments, providing technical assistance in the areas of family planning, maternal and child health, strengthening human resources for health, and non-communicable diseases. These programs are funded by USAID, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, David & Lucile Packard Foundation, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), MSD for Mothers and other anonymous donors Jhpiego intends to respond to the urgency and magnitude of the second wave of COVID-19 in India while identifying areas and modalities of implementation aligning it to the country and state’s response to the surge.

Jhpiego is hiring for the position of National Program Officer – Laboratory Systems based at New Delhi for its RISE project. The position will work closely with the India country office and state office teams for strengthening of lab capacity.  The position will report to the Associate Director.

• Lead national-level planning, budgeting, and project management for laboratory systems strengthening under the RISE project.
• Develop—and continuously refine—national strategies and roadmaps for laboratory capacity enhancement, aligning with government priorities.
• Serve as the principal liaison for laboratory systems between Jhpiego, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, state health departments, and other stakeholders, fostering collaboration and ensuring alignment of objectives.
• Implement comprehensive gap assessments of laboratory infrastructure, workflows, biosafety, and biosecurity systems; drive targeted improvements through infrastructure upgrades, equipment deployment, and optimized SOPs.
• Champion the introduction and scale-up of advanced diagnostic modalities, including metagenomic (NGS) and other molecular techniques, to enhance pathogen identification and genomic surveillance.
• Establish a rigorous quality management system—encompassing proficiency testing, audits, and corrective action plans—to sustain high standards in diagnostic accuracy and biosafety compliance.
• Design and lead national-level training programs for laboratory personnel on pathogen-specific diagnostics, data management, biosafety, and laboratory leadership skills.
• Mentor state-level laboratory teams and focal points, building their capacity to manage laboratories independently and to train others.
• Document and disseminate best practices, guidelines, and policy briefs on laboratory strengthening, facilitating knowledge exchange among government partners and technical stakeholders.
• Architect and oversee the roll-out of a robust national laboratory network, including sample referral pathways and electronic data management platforms that support real-time reporting and analysis.
• Collaborate with digital health teams to optimize laboratory information management systems (LIMS) integration with national health surveillance databases.
• Analyze laboratory performance metrics and surveillance data to inform strategic decision-making and to produce high-quality reports for donors and government counterparts.
• Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with international agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and private sector stakeholders to leverage resources and technical expertise.
• Represent Jhpiego at national and international forums, advocating for investments in laboratory systems and shaping policy dialogues around diagnostic preparedness.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, contributing to proposal development and budget design.

Abilities/Skills:

• Familiarity with Biosafety norms, Quality management systems and laboratory information management systems
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with government agencies, international organizations, and NGOs.
• Ability to analyse data and produce documents and reports of professional quality and coordinate activities independently.
• Fluency in spoken and written English and Hindi required.
• Computer skills demonstrating competency in MS Office Suite
• Ability to handle a variety of assignments under pressure of deadlines
• Ability to multitask and work in a multi-cultural team.
• Ability to develop productive working relationships with other team members, agencies, stakeholders and other organizations.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time.

Qualifications/Knowledge and Experience:

• MD/PhD in microbiology/pathology.

• At least 7 years’ experience in implementing Lab programs

• Experience in HIV/TB/PM ABHIM is desirable
• Experience with next-generation sequencing/metagenomics applications in pathogen surveillance is desirable.

• Experience in capacity building e.g. developing content, planning, and facilitating training and providing technical assistance.

• Familiarity with the Indian public health system, newer initiatives in health sector and relevant government policies/ strategies particularly National Health Mission, and Ayushman Bharat.

Jhpiego is an equal opportunity employer and offers highly dynamic and enabling work environment.

Jhpiego offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive employee benefits package.

Women candidates are encouraged to apply.

Due to high volume of applications, only shortlisted applicants will receive a response from Jhpiego

HR.

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