Laboratory System Specialist at the U.S. Embassy

The U.S. Embassy in Abuja is seeking to employ a suitable and qualified candidate for the position below in the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Nigeria:

Job Title: Laboratory System Specialist, FSN-10/FP-5/5*

Ref.: A96038
Location: Abuja - Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Work Hours: Full-time; 40 hours/week

Basic Function of the Position

• Under the supervision of the Laboratory Services Team Lead, the incumbent serves as funded Laboratory portfolio of one or more CDC supported cooperative agreements.
• S/he serves as a key contributor to the planning, development and review of these CoAGs, which are part of the Annual Country Operational Plan (COP) for Nigeria.
• This position provides technical expertise to the Nigeria President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), implementing partners (IPs), as well as to the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and other relevant key stakeholders, on sundry laboratory issues, including the use of laboratory evidence to inform PEPFAR program strategies and program implementation, and overall public health policies.

Position Requirements
Note: All applicants MUST address each required qualification listed below with specific information supporting each item. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.

• A university Degree in one of the following disciplines: Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Chemistry, Medical Microbiology, Hematology or any related Medical Laboratory Science degree is required.
• Minimum of four (4) years progressive work experience in a multi-disciplinary hospital or health department laboratory is required.
• Level IV (fluent) Speaking/Reading/Writing in English is required.
• Language Proficiency will be tested.
• Knowledge of advanced laboratory procedures, diagnosis and management related to HIV/AIDS, as well as knowledge of Laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS), and public health laboratory systems in Nigeria is required.
• Ability to provide leadership, technical direction, and technical expertise in monitoring and analyzing laboratory quality and service performance data, being able to analyze and interpret the spectrum of laboratory medicine services. This includes the identification and resolution of a wide variety of related cooperative agreement and laboratory problems such as; identifying underperforming implementing partners and understanding current issues around laboratory QMS is required.
• Good computer skills with proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet are required.

Hiring Preference Selection Process
When qualified, 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**

Importation Information

• Applicants who claim status as a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran must submit a copy of the most recent Member Copy Four (4) of the DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and, if applicable, a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• If claiming conditional eligibility for U.S. Veterans' preference, applicants must submit proof of conditional eligibility.
• If the written documentation confirming eligibility is not received in the HR office by the closing date of the vacancy announcement, the U.S. Veterans’ preference will not be considered in the application process.
• Mission HR’s decision on eligibility for U.S. Veterans’ preference after reviewing all required documentation is final.
• This level of preference applies to all Foreign Service employees on LWOP.

Additional Selection Criteria

• Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and residency status in determining successful candidacy.
• Current OR employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply. Current OR employees with an Overall Summary Rating of Needs Improvement or Unsatisfactory on their most recent Employee Performance Report (EPR) are not eligible to apply
• Current NOR employees hired on a Family Member Appointment (FMA) or a Personal Service Agreement (PSA) are not eligible to apply within the first 90 calendar days of their employment, unless they have a When Actually Employed (WAE) work schedule
• The candidate must be able to obtain and hold the local security certification after selection.
• Candidates who are EFMs, USEFMs, AEFMs, or MOHs must have at least one year remaining on their sponsor’s tour of duty to be considered eligible to apply for this position.

Salary
OR - Ordinarily Resident - N9,304,635 p.a (Starting basic salary) Position Grade: FSN- 10
In addition to the basic salary, all allowances will be paid in accordance with the Mission Local Compensation Plan.
NOR - Not Ordinarily Resident - AEFM/EFM - US$49,804 (Full-Starting Salary) p.a. Position Grade: FP-5/5*

Application Closing Date
20th December, 2016.

How to Apply
Interested applicants for this position MUST submit the following, or the application will not be considered:

• Application for US Federal Employment (DS-174); or a current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information as a DS-174; plus,
• Candidates who claim U.S. Veterans preference must provide a copy of their Form DD-214 with their application.
• Any other documentation such as degrees or diplomas earned and NYSC Certificates/exemptions or awards.
• A type-written and signed application letter specifically applying for this position, and addressing the minimum requirements as advertised. Please reference the job title and announcement number on the application letter.
• Limit all electronic (e-mail) submissions to one entry/e-mail not larger than 5MB.
• Please submit attachments in PDF and Word formats, not pictures.
• E-mails received without the appropriate subject line and incomplete applications will not be considered.

Submit Application to: HRNigeria@state.gov

Click here to download the Position Descriptions (PDF)

Click here to download Application Form for Employment as a Locally Employed Staff or Family Member (DS-174) (PDF 1.78 MB)

Click here to download the Instructions for Completing DS-174 (PDF 2.40 MB)

Note:

• Mailed (paper/hard copies) applications will NOT be accepted.
• All not ordinarily resident applicants must have the required work and residency permits to be eligible for Consideration. A U.S. Citizen EFM does not have to be residing in country to be considered, but the sponsoring officer under chief of mission (com) authority does have to Be assigned officially to post.
• Due to the high volume of applications received, we will only contact applicants who are being considered. Thank you for your understanding.