Laboratory Branch Chief at U.S. Embassy

The U.S. Embassy in Abuja is seeking to employ a suitable and qualified candidate for the Laboratory Branch Chief position in the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Nigeria office in Abuja:

Job Title: Laboratory Branch Chief

Ref.: FSN-12/FP-3
Location: Abuja
Work Hours: Full-time; 40 hours/week

Basic Functions of the Position

• Incumbent serves as the senior scientific and technical advisor to agency officials, PEPFAR implementing partners, the Nigerian Ministry of Health and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the planning and strengthening of HIV-Related laboratory programs and activities.
• This position is responsible for program development; monitoring, reporting and close collaboration with partners to ensure that all service delivery and laboratory testing is carried out in accordance with program objectives and internationally recognized best practices.
• The job holder will lead all agency efforts to support and implement the Nigeria Medical Laboratory Strategic Plan, with a focus on quality management systems and quality improvement, strengthening the network of referral laboratories for HIV viral load and early infant diagnosis.

Position Requirements
Note: All applicants MUST address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each criterion or the application will not be considered.

• Master's Degree in Laboratory Science, Medicine, Biology, Microbiology or Chemistry is required.
• Minimum of Eight (8) years progressively responsible work experience in Clinical or Public Health Laboratory settings; preferably laboratories providing support to HIV, TB, Malaria and other public health laboratory services at local, state or international levels, and additional three (3) years of supervisory/managerial experience with multiple staff is required.
• Level IV (fluency) Speaking/Reading/Writing in English is required. Language Proficiency will be tested.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience in advanced laboratory techniques, procedures for laboratory diagnostics and associated technologies, including thorough public health knowledge of current communicable disease issues is required.
• Incumbent must have comprehensive knowledge of Nigeria's laboratory facilities, health care system and structures including familiarity with MOH policies, program priorities and regulations are required.
• Intermediate computer skill in word processing, power point, spreadsheets and advanced knowledge of statistics and data analysis is required.

Selection Process
When fully qualified, U.S. Citizen Eligible Family Members (USEFMs) and U.S. Veterans receive preference. Therefore, candidates must specifically address the required qualifications in the application.

Additional Selection Criteria

• Management will consider nepotism or conflict of interest, budget, and residency status in determining successful candidacy.
• Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.
• Current Ordinarily Resident (OR) employees with an Overall Summary Rating of Needs Improvement or Unsatisfactory on their most recent Employee Performance Report are not eligible to apply.
• Currently employed U.S. Citizen EFMs who hold a Family Member Appointment (FMA) are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment.
• Currently-employed Not Ordinarily Resident (NOR) employees hired under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment unless currently hired in a position with a When Actually Employed (WAE) work schedule.

Remuneration
Salary: OR-Ordinarily Resident: N9,045,838.00 p.a (Starting basic Salary) Position Grade: FSN-12
In addition to the basic salary, all allowances will be paid in accordance with the U.S. Mission Local Compensation Plan (LCP).
NOR-Not Ordinarily Resident: AEFM - US$77,498 EFM/MOH - US$66,728 (Starting Salary) p.a Position Grade: FP-03

Application Closing Date
19th May, 2015.

How to Apply

• 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 (e.g., essays, certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.
• 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:
Embassy of the United States of America
Human Resources Office,
Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive,
Central District Area,
Abuja.
Or submit to: [email protected]

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: 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.