Technical Director- CDC Lab Strengthening

OverviewURC is seeking a Technical Director (TD) for the anticipated CDC-funded activity to strengthen national laboratory and HIV epidemic monitoring systems to enhance an efficient, resilient, and self-reliant response to HIV, TB, and related public health threats in the Kingdom of Eswatini.The goal of this activity is to support the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini—principally the Ministry of Health (MoH)—in strengthening laboratory systems and epidemic monitoring to ensure timely, accurate, and reliable diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and disease surveillance. The project will bolster MoH technical and organizational capacities to oversee and advance diagnostic network operations, laboratory quality systems, sample referral and transport optimization, interoperability of information systems, and workforce development. These efforts will contribute to sustained quality of testing, improved program oversight, and progress toward national and global health security benchmarks.ResponsibilitiesThe Technical Director will provide high-level technical leadership, oversight, and direction for all programmatic aspects of the project, ensuring that technical assistance and implementation strategies align with CDC, PEPFAR, and national laboratory and surveillance priorities. The TD will work closely with the Project Director, the MoH, and key partners to ensure coordinated, high-quality execution of evidence-based laboratory and epidemic monitoring strengthening interventions.Specific Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited ToProvide strategic and technical leadership to guide the design and implementation of evidence-based strategies for strengthening national laboratory systems, diagnostic network optimization, and HIV/TB epidemic monitoring.Lead the project’s technical portfolio, supporting the development, adaptation, and implementation of national policies, guidelines, and frameworks to improve laboratory governance, quality management, biosafety, and data integration.Ensure technical quality, consistency, and innovation across all project activities, providing expert guidance to MoH departments, the Central Public Health Laboratory, regional laboratories, and implementing partners.Oversee the design and delivery of capacity-strengthening activities for laboratory personnel, data managers, and surveillance officers to enhance leadership, quality assurance, and data-driven decision-making.Promote system interoperability and integration by facilitating coordination between laboratory, clinical, and surveillance information systems, including LIS, DHIS2, CMIS, and other digital platforms.Support implementation of quality assurance (QA), quality improvement (QI), and laboratory accreditation initiatives, advancing alignment with WHO, ISO, and SADCAS standards.Guide efforts to strengthen national sample referral and transport systems to improve efficiency, turnaround time, and equitable access to diagnostic services.Collaborate with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Director to ensure robust data systems inform performance monitoring, program improvement, and evidence-based planning.Contribute to annual work planning, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring that all technical inputs are evidence-based and aligned with Eswatini’s National Laboratory Strategic Plan and national health security goals.Represent the project in technical working groups, national coordination meetings, and regional fora with MoH, CDC, and other stakeholders to share progress, challenges, and best practices.Support documentation, dissemination, and institutionalization of innovations, lessons learned, and scalable models that strengthen laboratory system performance and epidemic preparedness.Perform other duties as assigned by the Project Director or agreed upon with the URC home office.QualificationsAdvanced degree (PhD, MSc, MD, or equivalent) in medical laboratory sciences, microbiology, molecular biology, public health, epidemiology, or a related field.Minimum 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience providing technical leadership for large, donor-funded laboratory systems or health programs, including at least 5 years in senior-level roles.Demonstrated experience in laboratory systems strengthening, diagnostic network optimization, and/or surveillance data systems in collaboration with Ministries of Health or equivalent institutions.Proven expertise in laboratory quality management systems (LQMS), accreditation, biosafety, or diagnostic technologies for HIV, TB, and related diseases.Familiarity with CDC/PEPFAR programming, policies, and reporting requirements, including laboratory and surveillance indicators.Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to engage effectively with senior government officials, donors, and implementing partners.Proven ability to apply data-driven approaches and continuous quality improvement methodologies to inform program design and implementation.Excellent organizational and analytical skills, with capacity to manage complex, multi-faceted technical portfolios.