Senior CDST and Sample Referral TB Laboratory Advisor

About the role

The Senior CDST and Sample Referral TB Laboratory Advisor will support national and regional TB reference laboratories in Ethiopia, strengthening integrated specimen referral and transport systems for GeneXpert, culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST). The role focuses on improving diagnosis and management of drug‑susceptible and drug‑resistant TB.

Key responsibilities

• Support national and regional TB reference labs to strengthen culture and DST services, especially second‑line DST for MDR, pre‑XDR and XDR‑TB.
• Provide technical guidance on optimal use of GeneXpert, line probe assays and other molecular diagnostics.
• Assist laboratories in planning and delivering CDST and sample referral activities, including on‑site and off‑site capacity building for laboratory professionals.
• Strengthen regional specimen referral networks, coordinate postal/alternative referral systems, and ensure SOPs for specimen and waste management are in place.
• Represent the project in national and regional laboratory technical working groups and monitor performance against milestones.

Required profile

• BSc in laboratory sciences or a master’s in public health sciences (or higher) from a recognized university.
• At least 7 years of experience in TB program implementation in public or private health sectors.
• Proven ability to build capacity of healthcare workers and TB laboratory professionals.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, with willingness to travel up to 50% of the time.

Required skills

• GeneXpert operation and interpretation
• Culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST)
• Line probe assays and other molecular diagnostics
• Specimen referral and transport logistics
• Microsoft Office suite proficiency