Senior Laboratory Scientist - 2009-Q-11048

Description The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is seeking applications from qualified applicants for a Senior Laboratory Scientist position located in Nairobi, Kenya. The resultant contract shall be a Personal Services Contract (PSC). See PL 109-149, Section 215(1), Reference 22U.S.C.2669(c). SOLICITATION NUMBER: 2009-Q-11048 POSITION NUMBER: KE-PSC-03 ISSUANCE DATE: 12/03/2008 CLOSING DATE/TIME: 12/19/2008 at 3:00PM Eastern Standard Time POSITION TITLE: Senior Laboratory Scientist BASIC SALARY: $ 67,260 to $ 107,180 per year -- Final compensation will be based on individual salary history, work experience, and educational background. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One Base Year and Four Option Years PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya SECURITY CLEARANCE: NACI (Non-sensitive) AREA OF CONSIDERATION: United States Citizens and residents and third country nationals. Citizens and permanent residents of the host country are not eligible for this position. Duties and Responsibilities: This position is located in NCHHSTP/GAP with a duty station in Nairobi, Kenya. Incumbent serves as Senior Laboratory Scientist providing expert scientific and technical laboratory support to the mission of the PEPFAR and CDC GAP Country Offices and to PEPFAR collaborating partners. This position functions as a focal point for clinical and public health laboratory science, coordinating the development of policy and programs affecting public health and provision of clinical laboratory services in support of PEPFAR in HIV/AIDS prevention, surveillance, treatment, and care programs. Incumbent assists and advises the Country Director on matters relating to laboratory systems analysis and developmental planning, operational research, and all aspects of laboratory quality assurance in support of USG priorities and objectives in Kenya. Incumbent works with CDC-Kenya and CDC-Atlanta and with the Kenya Ministry of Health (MOH) and Laboratory Interagency Coordinating Committee, to develop and implement a national laboratory program designed to build capacity in Kenyan public health labs, and to move selected laboratories up to accreditation standards, and to provide laboratory technical assistance and support for all PEPFAR program activities involving laboratory sciences. These program activities provide assistance in the situational and needs assessments of central and provincial laboratories; formulation and implementation of sound policies for laboratory quality assurance and control; development and implementation of training activities to strengthen knowledge and skills of laboratory personnel in the operations and management of laboratories; identification of appropriate resources to support ongoing laboratory needs; and, coordination with international partners in the provision of laboratory technical assistance. These efforts seek to enhance the working relationships between the central laboratories and the provincial and local laboratories. Incumbent's activities will include a primary focus on developing and strengthening national laboratory capacity. Major Duties of this position include: Serves as the lead technical advisor on laboratory issues for the PEPFAR Kenya team to provide guidance and technical assistance for creation of an integrated PEPFAR laboratory portfolio and provide programmatic support for PEPFAR programs. Provides professional services aimed at developing the capabilities of governments, public health authorities, non-governmental organizations and others to establish and conduct public health and clinical laboratory services. Incumbent serves as the CDC expert on matters relating to laboratory systems analysis and developmental planning, operational research, and all aspects of laboratory quality assurance. This position serves as the critical interface for CDC GAP and PEPFAR partner laboratory collaboration and support (USAID, DOD, and DOS). Coordinates, collaborates and consults on scientific and technical issues with high-ranking officials within the Kenya Ministry of Health, local and international public health agencies and non-governmental organizations on the development, implementation and coordination of scientific and technical laboratory systems and services. Provides technical assistance to the Kenyan National Public Health Laboratory Services (NPHLS) managers to develop and implement an effective national administrative and organizational structure for laboratory operations, and to the Medical Laboratory QA Advisory Committee on the provision of quality lab services, including at provincial and district laboratories. Develops and maintains professional relationships with international, national, and local laboratory policy makers, universities and schools of public health and key personnel in appropriate clinical and laboratory organizations. As a recognized expert in laboratory science and technology, provides scientific advice and consultation in devising solutions to critical problems by developing approaches consistent with current best practices. Coordinates and collaborates with government and public health officials to identify and develop the infrastructure and other resources necessary to support local laboratory systems. Serves as a key member of the PEPFAR Kenya team to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate project goals and objectives related to laboratory technical assistance. Provides guidance and direction to all staff and outside program collaborators on the implementation and management of laboratory projects, consistent with CDC and international policies and guidelines. Provides expert scientific advice on matters relating to organizational structure, including physical laboratory structure and space issues and public health laboratory testing procedures and systems such as the evaluation of new diagnostic technologies, quality assurance procedures and guidelines, laboratory management and staffing issues, and the provision of training in all areas of laboratory activity. Serves as the lead in identifying and strategically developing pathways to meet short- and long-term laboratory staffing needs. Conceives, develops, coordinates, implements and evaluates programs and services and directs local laboratory program activities and provides leadership in developing scientific policy related to laboratory practices, services, and systems for HIV prevention, surveillance, treatment, and care. These include, but are not limited to, TB, HIV, STI, ARV resistance testing, international standards, training and quality assurance. Participates in all decisions related to the commitment of resources, including the allocation of personnel and funds, for projects related to laboratory technical assistance, as well as procurement, logistics and personnel management for laboratory services. Assists central and provincial laboratories in establishing and maintaining controls, management information systems, policies and guidelines concerning laboratory equipment and services. Supports the development and strengthening of national laboratory capacity. Consults on scientific training and education programs, and coordinates the development and delivery of public health-related training programs. In collaboration with peers, including PEPFAR and its collaborating partners, the Kenya MOH, other donors and non-governmental organizations, provides ongoing technical assistance in the creation of training materials and guidelines, and offers support for training implementation, protocol development and quality assurance for laboratory testing. Evaluates training programs for appropriate content and recommends changes to assure accurate and current scientific information. Coordinates the development and distribution of scientific and technical laboratory-related educational materials and promotes the sharing of scientific information and assistance in the region. Writes reports, abstracts, articles, opinions, and makes oral presentations to disseminate operational research findings and to advocate for laboratory programs and services in the region. Provides consultation to public, private, professional, and academic partners (which may include public and private foundations, international health leaders, ministries of health in other countries, local and international organizations, and universities) in substantive matters related to public health and clinical laboratory services, practice and training. This includes scientific and technical assistance in methodology as well as project and data management. As a member of a management team responsible for laboratory operations, incumbent shares responsibility with the CDC Director for all major decisions regarding long-term strategic planning related to laboratory and technical issues, including administrative infrastructure and staffing, for CDC GAP and PEPFAR Kenya. Assists high ranking MOH officials in developing laboratory strategic planning approaches, human resource needs and documentation. This position will not have duties that involve direct line management of staff, but will work in an advisory capacity providing information that will allow CDC and its partners to better determine overall staff needs. Has substantial project management responsibility, overseeing 10 cooperative agreements between CDC, Ministry of Health, and other partners, e.g., AMREF participation in QA activities. In this capacity, works with 10 teams of 6-8 each as the principal advisor for the direction and implementation of the PEPFAR laboratory program in Kenya. Provides oversight and organizational expertise to guide partners' project activities. Works with partners to develop effective organizational structures. These projects provide services to 50 prime partners and more than 200 staff throughout the country. Incumbent provides technical oversight and guidance to contractors involved in PEPFAR laboratory activities to ensure that contract provisions are being followed. CDC has cooperative agreements with Association for Public Health Laboratories, the American Society for Microbiology, and the American Society for Clinical Pathology, as well as the Kenya Medical Research Institute and the National AIDS/STI Control Program (MOH). Incumbent is the focal point and in-country manager for this relationship for CDC. Incumbent also directs the work of short-term laboratory contractors (2-3 per year) and manages all requests (including projecting needs far in advance for contract assistance) and contracts supporting the delivery of laboratory services. Additionally, incumbent provides oversight and coordination of USG-funded laboratory renovation projects on behalf of the PEPFAR team. Incumbent collaborates with laboratory directors to assess need for and to develop, provide and evaluate both formal classroom and informal (workshop, seminar) training for PEPFAR, national, and local agency staff in serologic, microbiologic and molecular laboratory activities, laboratory data management and quality assurance techniques. Provides expert assistance in the creation of training materials and guidelines, and offers support for training implementation, protocol development and quality assurance for laboratory testing. Mentors key leaders (e.g., top managers in MoH, U.S. Government, GoK and partners) on an ongoing basis with regard to building lab capacity and infrastructure. Personally provides capacity-building training for persons in high-level positions at Ministry of Health, e.g., how to build the most effective administrative and support structures for laboratory operations. Incumbent provides daily work allocation for staff conducting laboratory assessments and QA visits. As part of the GAP Management Team, incumbent routinely allocates work across the various sections of GAP-Kenya related to developing and improving the laboratory environment at CDC-Kenya. As a member of a management team responsible for laboratory operations, incumbent serves as the technical advisor and de facto leader. In this setting, incumbent provides guidance and supervision to assure that team objectives are accomplished. Although the decisions are made by the team, incumbent strongly influences the direction of the work. Incumbent also makes recommendations for the long-range planning, administrative infrastructure and staffing for Ministry of Health laboratory operations and partners' laboratory operations. Office computer, monitor and printer - user (value approx. $5,000 USD) Office furniture, including adequate shelving and secure file storage - user (value approx. $2,000 USD) Incumbent also has responsibility for assuring that laboratory equipment is kept in proper working condition, that maintenance contracts are in place to assure routine maintenance and repairs, and that staff operate this equipment safely and within operational guidelines. Value of equipment is estimated at $1 million. Incumbent monitors and projects laboratory and technical services supplies, including reagents for PEPFAR and assists MOH and SCMS to develop consolidated supply inventory and requests for all PEPFAR supported partners. Makes recommendations and participates in decisions regarding procurements for laboratory operations, and participates in the managerial oversight of a supply budget. This value is estimated at $500,000. Incumbent does not handle cash. As a member of the management team, responsible for preparation of annual PEPFAR laboratory budget and shares responsibility for financial decisions (funding levels, budgets). Duties require management, tracking, and financial analysis of 10 USG implementing partner budgets for these activities. Total value of these cooperative agreements is estimated at $29 million. Assists with budget approval and activity implementation. Ensures delivery of results, monitors expenditures by MOH and cooperative agreement partners. Collects data from various collaborating agencies to support monitoring and evaluation of the progress and impact of laboratory activities funded by CDC/ GAP cooperative agreements. Much of this information contains sensitive or confidential information, e.g., surveys, budget documents, evaluations, and must follow appropriate CDC protocols. Incumbent maintains records and reports related to country laboratory operations. Incumbent provides assistance in developing contracts with national and international consultants for laboratory services, including the defining of requirements, development of deliverables, project monitoring, and evaluation. Incumbent frequently is part of the selection committees for the open and competitive procurement of technical assistance. Value of contracts is estimated to be $20 million. The assignment of tasks, direction, and review of activities and progress will be provided by the CDC GAP Country Director. Incumbent also will interface on a regular basis with the Laboratory Director to support CDC laboratory operations. However, as an internationally recognized laboratory expert, incumbent works independently to develop and maintain an ongoing mentoring relationship with key managers and administrators to build country infrastructure, to strengthen laboratory systems, to build capacity and to provide technical consultation on laboratory program activities of ongoing or proposed public health programs funded by PEPFAR. Incumbent has the discretion to plan and adjust not only own work, but also the work of others related to the delivery of quality laboratory services in Kenya. Incumbent discusses the development of laboratory and other technical services activites, including designing technical indicators and collection instruments, interpreting results, and making recommendations for program improvement, with senior staff at MOH and other laboratory partners throughout the country. Incumbent in this position has freedom to independently take action and make decisions on work area and to work with implementing partners from national and local public health agencies, including HIV/AIDS,TB, STI, provincial and district hospital laboratories, etc. Incumbent's expertise and experience in technical laboratory and program management, as well as knowledge to Kenya, demand that he/she be able to resolve even the most difficult laboratory related problems independently. As a recognized expert in laboratory science and technology, provides scientific advice and consultation in devising solutions to critical problems by developing approaches consistent with current best practices. Incumbent has the discretion, authority and ability to manage these projects, to make day-to-day decisions on direction and approach, and to adjust plans to meet emerging issues. Examples of problems routinely encountered and solved by incumbent include: ? For systematic problems with the transmission of information or data, incumbent makes recommendations to improve data flow between sites; ? For functions that have insufficient staffing, incumbent makes recommendations as to where additional human capital can be located to perform these functions (either by restructuring within the organization, or through provision of additional staffing); ? Laboratory samples not being delivered correctly; ? Laboratory supplies not available to conduct quality testing; and, ? Laboratory results not appearing to be accurate. A major portion of incumbent's responsibilities include influencing the overall strategic direction of the MOH laboratory system in Kenya. Incumbent is responsible for providing overall direction and technical assistance to the GOK in the development of a new, long-term national laboratory strategy. This includes building capacity to develop budgets and work plans, determine and adjust work priorities, and resolution of routine and complex problems for the project as they arise. Incumbent has the authority to develop and adjust long-range strategic plans with senior level MOH officials, to counsel and guide them in the setting the priorities necessary to make substantive changes in thinking related to the delivery of laboratory services in Kenya, particularly as it relates to developing quality assurance systems and consistently using them. This is a long-term project that requires the formulation of detailed proposals for the development of a national laboratory network covering both clinical and diagnostic laboratories, and the development of technical and administrative guidance documents for a system that allows for more rapid adjustment of policy as laboratory methods and systems change. The technical advice and consultation of incumbent is central to this project. Incumbent is required to monitor and evaluate progress, and to make adjustments to project impact and outcome, and to carefully document results. Provides highly technical and strategic advice to MOH and PEPFAR implementing partners related to development and monitoring of laboratory systems for management tracking, supervision and evaluation of PEPFAR Vietnam programs. Assists in formulation of annual and strategic plans for overall program direction. Develops and provides guidance for technical documents related to program evaluation and monitoring, such as policies, protocols, manuals, etc. For PEPFAR Management Team and CDC GAP Country Director: Provides advice on strategic information and monitoring and laboratory systems training and other requirements; improvement of program quality through development of laboratory protocols, procedure manuals and quality assurance instruments; and, identification of consultants for laboratory program activities. For other CDC, GAP senior staff and interagency PEPFAR partners: Reports to technical working groups on the progress and outcomes of laboratory infrastructure systems assessments and shares laboratory program data and information and makes suggestions to ensure a highly effective integrated approach. Inasmuch as laboratory is a cross-cutting area for all prevention, care and treatment programs, these reports show the effectiveness of referral systems to non-laboratory services offered by other programs. Advice and recommendations are made in order to improve overall program quality as well as effective supervision and quality assurance. For subordinates and colleagues: Provides advice and recommendations on improving program quality, including training, implementing and monitoring field activities. As an example, provides advice and suggestions, when finding out from monitoring and quality assurance (Q/A) visits that provincial staff do not understand the importance of analyzing and presenting laboratory program data in a way that can assist them to identify problems, and from there negotiates and suggests solutions to ensure a high quality program. For national and international organizations: As the nationally recognized expert on laboratory systems, provides recommendations on the development of state-of-the-art methods and practices, such as how to structure and operate an efficient laboratory management system. Major decisions related to laboratory program changes by the MOH will be made on the basis of advice, counsel and guidance provided by incumbent. Incumbent provides technical support on laboratory aspects of prevention, care and treatment projects, as well as provides valuable information needed for improvement of program implementation. This support has a high level of impact on PEPFAR and CDC activities. For example, incumbent works with the Prevention, Care and Treatment, and Strategic Information technical working groups to assure that effective program indicators for laboratory testing and training requirements are incorporated into their programs. Incumbent's efforts will improve the performance of other individuals within the CDC country program office, improve the quantity and quality of outputs of the program, and will build local capacity for future performance. Incumbent has a significant impact on the formulation and delivery of laboratory services within Kenya. The need for directional change in the delivery of services requires an individual with strong persuasive skills who is recognized and respected for their professional skills in laboratory science. Incumbent's work impacts the highest levels of the Ministry of Health (e.g., Director of Laboratories), as reflected in the design and implementation of effective administrative structures to support laboratory operations, the creation and operation of new laboratories, and the development of a comprehensive national QA system. This, in turn, strengthens the ability of programs that depend on laboratory results to improve their delivery of services. Knowledge: Essential: Scientific and organizational knowledge of laboratory science and operations, public health, epidemiology and infectious diseases relevant to the international and African setting. Experience working effectively with the highest levels of USG and African governments (e.g., Government of Kenya, Ministry of Health) and other governmental and non-governmental partners. Experience providing laboratory related training. Master's in Laboratory Science, Microbiology or Virology or related laboratory field is required. Incumbent is expected to possess the necessary technical training and skills required to perform the duties and responsibilities required of the position. Post-entry training will be focused primarily on keeping incumbent current on latest scientific and technical developments and on PEPFAR and USG agency policies, procedures and regulations that govern specific activity management, including monitoring and program assessment/evaluation and procurement systems. Necessary post-entry training will be provided on-site or at Regional or Atlanta-based facilities. Minimum of seven years progressively responsible work as a subject matter expert in a public health laboratory related field (microbiology, virology, serology, molecular diagnostics), including at least 5 years of public health laboratory experience in the following: overseeing lab activities; setting up governmental laboratories and organizational structures; strengthening country lab capacity; and developing national QA systems. English, Level 4 is required (reading/speaking/writing). Proficiency in relevant software including Word Processing, Database management, Spreadsheets Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines. Ability to establish effective diplomatic working relationships with individuals and official representatives of public health organizations, particularly those representing host nation Ministries and other international organizations. Strong interpersonal communication and negotiation skills in achieving results with a wide range of program partners. Skills necessary to write clear and concise documents, reports, program and policy guidelines, directives, articles for peer review; skill and ability to clearly deliver oral presentations on programmatic matters. Time required for a qualified outside job holder to perform the full range of duties and responsibilities of the job after first entry into the position 3 months. Desired: Experience with governmental operations, budgets, and procurement mechanisms A thorough technical familiarity with the public health laboratory system in Kenya. An understanding of PEPFAR and how different U.S. Government agencies and CDC GAP work together to meet the President's goals and objectives. Orientation in CDC and host country laboratory activities will be provided, if needed. Master's Degree (or equivalent) in public health, public administration, or business administration, or a relevant field. Experience overseeing or assisting with implementation of large surveys and surveillance systems Broad perspective and thorough knowledge of the principles of public health programs and practice A good working knowledge of Kiswahili Demonstrable expertise in the proper operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment is desirable. Intellectual Skills: As the senior laboratory expert for the PEPFAR team in Kenya, incumbent is responsible for developing, disseminating, and evaluating the impact of highly complex laboratory technical policies, procedures, regulations and guidance that will assure a high quality of laboratory service delivery. Incumbent is required to absorb and understand the most technical aspects of laboratory systems, especially technical aspects of laboratory testing, equipment maintenance, and to acquire knowledge of the relevant governmental organizations, to most effectively design and operate a national laboratory system in the African setting. This requires incumbent to be able to understand and empathize with the interests and priorities of individuals working at the highest levels of government, with whom incumbent must build and maintain effective working relationships, and to creatively overcome barriers to building an effective organizational structure. The work is highly complex, covering a multitude of projects undertaken by different implenting partners. For example, incumbent must be able to successfully balance differing perspectives while influencing the development of a comprehensive national public health and clinical laboratory system. Strong analytical skills, excellent judgment and highly developed negotiating skills are frequently required to arrive at a determination of best options. The work involves the ongoing analysis of many different and unrelated processes and methods, often requiring the consideration of specific complications, physical settings and other limitations particular to the country, agency or program, to achieve the desired result. The work involves analysis of highly complex issues; negotiation between CDC-Kenya, other USG agencies, and the highest levels of the Kenyan government regarding organizational needs and the best use of available resources; and requiring the highest level of interpersonal skills such as tact and diplomacy. Incumbent's recommendations often result in official positions being taken and/or the obligation of substantial program resources, and may be scrutinized by various governmental agencies, partners, stakeholders and the general public. Problems encountered are complex and vary considerably. Incumbent frequently must exercise exceptional judgment when dealing with PEPFAR, CDC GAP and GOK officials, other international organizations, and donors, in order to project a professional and collaborative atmosphere. S/he must be a flexible, pro-active, well-organized and task-oriented manager, capable of exercising independent judgment. Most common problems: Typical problems to be resolved independently include: the most efficient methods for providing appropriate laboratory services in target provinces; scheduling conflicts between the need to participate at meetings to address activity implementation issues and agree on an action plan; responding to urgent requests from PEPFAR management for critical program-related information; and, requests for ad hoc assessments/evaluation, frequently with very limited time deadlines. Most difficult problems solved: Developing long-term, sustainable capacity within partners to manage their laboratory systems; developing a national laboratory quality assurance network. Strategic planning for setting overall direction of the national laboratory network with the MOH is conducted annually with a vision for 3-5 years in the future. PEPFAR strategic planning is five years ahead. Overall work in terms of major objectives to be accomplished is planned one year in advance. Day-to-day work is planned one week in advance, but the professional and technical nature of this management position require the ability to adjust priorities frequently to enable appropriate response to unanticipated requests requiring quick turnaround. Incumbent must identify country needs then assist the Ministry of Health and partners to design and implement relevant functional systems. For example, incumbent assists in coordinating the development of a system to ensure quality for anticipated 5,000,000 (estimate for programs implemented with FY 2008 funds) rapid tests for HIV at more than 1,500 sites. Incumbent also must examine and integrate various existing GOK and MOH systems, which require applying incumbent's expertise and interpersonal skills. Communications: Incumbent communicates with a wide variety of people at many different levels (professional and political), both inside and outside of PEPFAR and CDC (e.g., national, provincial, district and clinical health agencies, international organizations, universities). Incumbent must provide consistent and credible representation of PEPFAR and CDC GAP to GOK, donors, and other partners and coordination bodies for technical, policy, and program management issues related to laboratory evaluation. Incumbent has frequent contacts with both mid-level and high-ranking officials of MOH and other partners to define and/or reorient strategies, to discuss changing laboratory system needs, and to translate policy into program action. Incumbent represents PEPFAR to multi-lateral donor coordination bodies in discussion of laboratory management theory and techniques. Contacts outside of the organization typically are with Ministry of Health and Government of Kenya officials at the highest levels, UN personnel, managers of HIV-related programs, scientists, researchers, strategic information managers of other agencies, deliverers of HIV-related services, and conference attendees. There are occasional contacts with non-scientists and non-stakeholders, such as media or community-based groups. Incumbent must interface diplomatically and effectively with all of these internal and external contacts, and counterparts, officers and employees of collaborating institutions. Cont...