• Support to build laboratory network and foster collaboration between the Regional Centre of Excellence (Laboratory complex) and other National and regional Public Health Laboratories.
• Support to establish a sample referral system and feedback mechanism between the Regional Centre of Excellence and other National Public Health Laboratories.
• Contribute to the development of research agenda for priority pathogens including result dissemination and scientific publications.
• Contribute to development of BSL3 laboratory standard operating procedures and other management documents compliant with national and international quality and governance standards.
• Support the development of management processes such as supply chain monitoring plan for the BSI-3 laboratory.
• Participating in activities relevant to laboratory committees, working groups and other expert groups as required.
• Participate in developing and monitoring of annual work plans and budgets and execute the work-plan and budget using team effort.
• Support the development of training plan and participate/ facilitate in trainings for laboratory staff that include test methods, QMS (including mentorship towards accreditation), biosafety & biosecurity, laboratory management and others.
• Conduct assessment of needs for expansion of laboratory testing profiles and procurement of new equipment and support operationalization of satellite BSL 2 laboratory sites and public health laboratory network laboratories.
• Support laboratories in data management and data sharing.
• Support the implementation of laboratory-based sentinel surveillance activities and ensure timely laboratory communication of results of notifiable disease from sub national to national level and within the national public health laboratory network.
• Support the implementation of laboratory activities in the AMR national action plan.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Timelines and Duration

This is a full-time position for the duration of the Project.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory sciences or biological sciences or other related biomedical sciences discipline is required.
• Postgraduate qualification in a Science field, Public Health field, or any relevant equivalent subject preferred.
• At least five-year work experience at senior level managing public health laboratories and/or laboratory programs under donor funded projects.
• Experience of working with high pathogens risk and biosafety level 3 or 4 laboratories will be an added advantage.
• Experience in supporting the design, construction and equipping of a laboratory will be an added advantage.
• Experience in implementing quality management systems and laboratory quality control (including external quality assurance program).
• Familiarity with international biosafety and biosecurity regulations.
• In-depth understanding of relevant laboratory policies, standards, and guidelines.
• Experience of participation in research and publications.
• Experience in organize and facilitate training/ workshop for health professionals.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) in English.
• Proficiency in use of general computing applications such as MS Excel, Word, Power point.
• Member of relevant professional body is an added advantage.

Demonstrate Skills And Competencies

• A team player with strong interpersonal, communication skills, relationship building and networking skills;
• Strong analytical skills with an ability to evaluate and propose strategic options;
• Ability to multi-task (prioritize, organize, schedule work);
• Ability to think critically and strategically in difficult conditions to diplomatically challenge the status quo and encourage shared ownership of outcomes;
• Commitment to ensuring that knowledge transfer and capacity building is central in the work;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Interested candidates should obtain detailed Terms of Reference from this link: https://znphi.co.zm/news/employment-opportunity-Laboratory-Specialist and further information from address below during office hours i.e. 08.00 to 13.00 hours and 14.00 hours to 17.00 hours.

Application letters addressed to the Director General, Zambia National Public Health Institute, should include certified copies of academic / professional certificates and detailed Curriculum Vitae with three traceable references. Applications must be submitted in hard copy to the address below or emailed to the Tender Public Health Institute, Levy Mwanawasa Medical University Campus Lot/Lusaka/3170151 Great East Road Lusaka by 16th October 2026 before 10:30 hours local time. Envelopes should be clearly marked “Recruitment of a Laboratory Specialist under the ACDCP” Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Regional Investment Financing Project (P167916) – Zambia.