Public Health Specialist (Laboratory Advisor) Job Opportunity At US Embassy Cameroon Full Time

Duties:

The incumbent serves as a Senior Laboratory Specialist and technical advisor to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Global Health Protection (DGHP) program. The Specialist will be responsible for:

Providing technical assistance, support, and quality assurance management to the Ministry of Health.
Working for the CDC Cameroon DGHP program with a focus on:

Laboratory systems strengthening.
Capacity building for effective disease surveillance and outbreak investigations for priority diseases and emerging infections, in close collaboration with:Direction of Disease Control, Epidemics and Pandemics (DLMEP).
National Public Health Lab (NPHL).
Centre Pasteur Cameroun (CPC).
Other U.S. Government agencies and implementing partners.
Leveraging existing systems and previous USG investments for synergy and high impact.
Integration of surveillance reporting systems.
Increase leadership and ownership by the host government.
Ensuring a “One CDC” approach to laboratory program activities and investments.
Qualifications and Evaluations:

Requirements:

Experience:

At least 5 years of experience in medical laboratory science, including working in a medical laboratory service delivery and health research setting.
Experience in public health laboratory program implementation and laboratory-based surveillance at the regional or national level.

Job Knowledge:

Knowledge of advanced laboratory procedures.
Advanced molecular detection.
Laboratory quality management systems.
Quality assurance.
Laboratory diagnostics.
Biosafety-biosecurity of infectious diseases and epidemiology.
Knowledge of public health in general and the public health system in Cameroon.
Comprehensive knowledge and experience in advanced laboratory techniques, including procedures for laboratory diagnostics and associated technologies.
Thorough knowledge of public health aspects of HIV/AIDS and opportunistic infections.
Good working knowledge of the principles of laboratory management, including strategic planning, personnel, forecasting, and management of procurement, supplies, and equipment.
Education Requirements:

Master’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Medical Microbiology, Chemical Pathology/Clinical Chemistry, Epidemiology, or local equivalent is required.

Evaluations:

Language:

Fluency in English and French (speaking/reading/writing) are required. This may be tested.
Skills and Abilities:

Problem-solving skills to resolve problems independently associated with the delivery of laboratory services.
Ability to analyze and interpret the spectrum of laboratory medicine services.
Identify and resolve various technical issues such as testing algorithms and diagnostic procedural weaknesses.
Ability to lead project teams and workgroups to develop effective working relationships with national and international working partners.
Identify training needs and solutions.
Basic computer skills with experience/training for word processing and spreadsheets. This may be tested.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO):

The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.
“Recruiting for diversity, hiring based on merit.”
Qualifications:

All applicants under consideration will be required to pass U.S. Embassy issued medical and security certifications.
Benefits and Other Info:

Benefits:

Locally Employed Staff, including Members of Household (MOHs), and Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), working at the U.S. Mission in Cameroon may receive a compensation package that may include health, separation, and other benefits.
For EFMs, benefits should be discussed with the Human Resources Office.
The pay plan is assigned at the time of the conditional offer letter by the HR Office.
Other Information: HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants in the following hiring preference categories are extended a hiring preference in the order listed below. Therefore, it is essential that these applicants accurately describe their status on the application. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not eligible for a hiring preference.

HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER:

AEFM / USEFM who is a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran*
AEFM / USEFM
FS on LWOP and CS with reemployment rights **
*IMPORTANT: Applicants who claim status as a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran must submit a copy of their most recent DD-214 (“Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty”), Letter from Veterans’ Affairs which indicates the present existence of a service-connected disability dated within the past six months, equivalent documentation, or certification. A “certification” is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. Acceptable documentation must be submitted in order for the preference to be given.

This level of preference applies to all Foreign Service employees on LWOP and CS with re-employment rights back to their agency or bureau.

For more information (i.e., what is an EFM, USEFM, AEFM, MOH, etc.?) and for additional employment considerations, please visit the following link.

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, click the “Submit Application” button. For more information on how to apply, visit the Mission internet site.

Required Documents:

To qualify based on education, you MUST submit the requested degree and / or transcripts as verification of educational requirement by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to provide requested information, or the information is insufficient to verify eligibility, may result in disqualification for this position.

All Applicants:

Residency and/or Work Permit (if applicable)
Master’s Degree or equivalent
Work attestations
Eligible Family Member Applicants:

Copy of Sponsor’s Orders/Assignment Notification (or equivalent)
Passport copy
DD-214 – Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs, or other supporting documentation (if applicable)
SF-50 (if applicable)

Next Steps:

ONLY Applicants who are invited to take a language or skills test, or who are selected for an interview will be contacted via email.