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Diagnostic Laboratory Network Consultant - Pacific

Abt Associates
  • Seeking an experienced adviser to conduct analysis of laboratory networks in the Pacific
  • Short-term, desk-based consultancy
  • Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security

About the Program

In October 2017, the Minister for Foreign Affairs launched the Indo-Pacific Health Security Initiative (HSI) to contribute to the avoidance and containment of infectious disease threats with the potential to cause social and economic harms on national, regional or global scale. The Initiative is funded at $300 million over five years and has prioritised activities to build workforce capacity and to improve the efforts of regional organisations to effectively respond to disease outbreaks.

The Initiative is implemented by the Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security. Based in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Centre brings together expertise from relevant Australian government agencies and contractors; many of whom have expertise sourced through the Specialist Health Service (SHS); DFAT’s preferred mechanism for sourcing health expertise.

About the Opportunity

In partnership with international donors, CHS seeks to develop a comprehensive understanding of One Health laboratory networks[1] in the Southeast Asia and Pacific regions, to assist in bolstering and integrating existing laboratory networks. This effort would achieve improved disease detection communication across human, animal, and environmental health sectors and international borders to facilitate early detection and prevent expansion of future emerging or re-emerging disease outbreaks, to establish opportunities for laboratory mentorship and collaboration in biosafety and biosecurity, and to share best practices regarding local and endemic disease diagnostic challenges informed by international standards. CHS additionally seeks to identify regional leaders to sustain the continued evolution and success of the network.

The adviser will complete a desk-based review and analysis and conduct consultations with relevant major stakeholders in Southeast Asia. The analysis will focus on the current human, animal, wildlife, environmental and food safety (One Health) laboratory diagnostic network landscape in Southeast Asia.

The adviser(s) will be responsible for performance outcomes listed below:

  1. Identify and consult with major stakeholders in human, animal, wildlife, environmental and food safety (One Health) diagnostic laboratory networks in the Pacific region.
  2. Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the existing diagnostic laboratory networks and any key capacity gaps including the scope and resourcing of such existing diagnostic laboratory networks.
  3. Make particular note of the scope and resourcing of any planned future support for diagnostic laboratory networks by regional organisations or donors other than BTRP and CHS.
  4. Consult closely with the adviser conducting a parallel assessment of Southeast Asian laboratory networks in order to produce separate but harmonised reports and noting any particular linkages between networks in Southeast Asia and the Pacific that could minimise duplication of effort and improve information sharing and network sustainability across both regions.
  5. Provide recommendations for potential joint Australian/US sponsored laboratory network strengthening activities in the Pacific at a regional level that could be implemented in the period July 2022 – June 2027.
  6. Recommendations will include any specific and relevant cross-cutting issues such as gender equality and women’s empowerment, disability and social inclusion that should be considered.
  7. Identify existing laboratory networks outside of the Southeast Asian and Pacific regions that can be analysed to determine best practices or lessons learned which could be applied to Southeast Asia and Pacific regional laboratory networks.
  8. Consultation with DTRA/DFAT regularly to establish indicative questions for analysis.

The review will require up to a maximum of 30 days input between February - April 2022.

About You

We are seeking an individual who will bring:

  1. Ten or more years demonstrated experience working in human, animal, wildlife, environmental or food safety diagnostic laboratories and/or related laboratory networks in the Pacific region.
  2. Understanding of health security capacities in the Pacific region.
  3. Qualification or equivalent experience in laboratory diagnostics, epidemiology, One Health, or a related discipline.
  4. Experience and ability to engage extensively across human, animal, wildlife, environmental or food safety diagnostic laboratories and related laboratory networks in the Pacific region.
  5. Demonstrated knowledge of major health security stakeholders and donors in the Pacific region.
  6. Demonstrated ability to independently conduct interviews, gather information and synthesise results into a concise report with recommendations.

How to Apply

Please submit your application online.

Your application must include a current Resume/CV and cover letter (max. 1.5 pages) addressing the following:

  • Key Selection Criteria for the position with a focus on Criteria four
  • Brief outline of how you will approach working across sectors

[1] For the purposes of this TOR ‘networks’ means collaborative and supportive structures between diagnostic laboratories of a regional or international nature, not domestic or national laboratory networks.

About Us

Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader with a proven track record in complex program implementation in the international development sector. We offer bold solutions and technical excellence in Health, Economic Growth, Governance, Research & Evaluation, Environment & Energy, Gender Equality & Social Inclusion. Working with our many partners, we have driven measurable social impact for more than 55 years, to achieve our mission of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people worldwide. We operate in remote and challenging environments and employ more than 3,700 staff in over 50 countries. For more information about us and what we do, visit our website at www.abtassociates.com

Equity

Abt Associates values individuality and celebrates difference with a strong commitment to diversity, equality, racial equity, gender, and disability inclusion. We strongly encourage people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this position. We offer flexible work arrangements and a culturally safe environment for staff members from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Safeguarding

We are deeply committed to safeguarding, to protect and prevent harm and abuse to individuals we work for and who work for us. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, child abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation in any form, and expect everyone to be treated with respect and dignity.

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