Job Description

The Regional Microbiologist / Laboratory Specialist will play a key role implementing the Fleming Fund’s approach to improving bacteriology in laboratories supported by the Fleming Fund in the Southeast Asia (SEA) region. The grants programme seeks to improve national surveillance of antimicrobial resistance by improving laboratory services and engaging clinical staff in the planning, execution and use of diagnostic services.

The Regional Microbiologist / Laboratory Specialist will play a vital role in the Fleming Fund’s approach to improving AMR surveillance. The position holder will lead the Fleming Fund’s oversight of programme laboratory quality in the SEA region, covering the countries of Laos, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Pakistan, and Vietnam. The position holder will provide expert input and coordination in grant management as a member of the Regional Team supporting the end-to-end process of grant management: this includes developing requests for proposals, country visits and site assessments, evaluation of proposals, contributing to programme recommendations, and monitoring of grant implementation. The position holder will additionally guide and support the approach to training, continuing professional development, the Fellowship Scheme and clinical and practitioner engagement.

The position holder is expected to have an excellent working knowledge of medical bacteriology, laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, and laboratory quality management systems. They will work with grantees to ensure a consistently safe and high-quality laboratory improvement programme in line with the grant’s ToRs. They may also be required to provide support to other regions and work in partnership with their counterparts in each of the three other regional hubs. They will join a team which includes a One Health / veterinary specialist, with whom they will work closely to provide complementary technical input.

The role includes regular travel to countries within the region for on-site verification and partner liaison. The amount and type of travel is carefully considered and undertaken following Mott MacDonald’s rigorous safety and security policies.

The Regional Microbiologist / Laboratory Specialist will report to the Regional Coordinator and work closely with the rest of the regional team, with the Lead Clinical Microbiologist, and with members of the Core Technical Team.

Key responsibilities

Provide technical and strategic input into the rollout and monitoring of the country and Fleming Fellowship grants programme in the region.
Contribute to the grant development process, including country visits, sites assessments, liaison with key country stakeholders, and conducting site assessments.
Contribute to the technical review of funding applications and make recommendations for approval.
Support countries in implementation of Fleming Fund Grants, including liaison with Government, UN agencies and other key stakeholders.
Define roles for consultants and other technical assistance and assist in management and performance assessment.
Evaluation of laboratory development, quality management, training and procurement plans
Assist in interpretation of both AMR and AMU surveillance data
Assist in monitoring grant performance and reviewing grantee reporting.
Provide advice to grantees for problem solving and addressing technical challenges to delivery of grants.
Support Regional Grants by assisting in monitoring the performance for the Fleming Fund’s multi-country Regional Grants being implemented in SEA.
Assisting in procurement planning and central procurement.

NB: The postholder can be a registered and practicing clinician and if so will be encouraged to continue with clinical practice to maintain the relevant licensing / CPD.

Candidate Specification

Essential:

Clinical scientist with specialism in Microbiology including significant experience in bacteriology or Senior laboratory scientist with specialism in Microbiology including significant experience in bacteriology.
History and track-record of providing technical advice to programmes, organisations or other institutions.
Experience of quality assurance processes, biosafety and biosecurity standards, and LMIS.
Significant experience working in low- and middle-income settings.
Excellent practical laboratory experience in bacteriology, including in low-income settings.
Demonstrated ability to work within teams in a multi-disciplinary environment.
Knowledge of different diagnostic techniques for bacterial pathogens.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to use evidence-based decision making
Ability to work collaboratively: communicating, building relationships, and influencing effectively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders in a LMIC environment.
Excellent communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills.
Able to multi-task and maintain a critical overview of interrelated tasks, projects, and issues, ensuring delivery according to targets.
Excellent written and oral English language skills.

Desirable:

MSc in Biomedical Science, Medical Microbiology or related field
Completion of higher specialist training or scientist training programme in microbiology
PhD or equivalent qualification.
Proven technical writing skills in English.
Excellent presentational skills, including at high-level conferences and policy fora.
Ability to work in other language(s) would be considered an asset
Experience of teaching and training and/or a relevant higher education qualification.
Experience in developing surveillance systems
Research or professional interest in drug resistant bacteria
Experience in surveillance for antimicrobial use at facility and/or national level.
Working with a funding agency or similar organisation.
Experience in monitoring and evaluating programmes.
Knowledge and networks in the region within the subject area.
Demonstrated excellence in publications and/or a research track-record.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

Agile working

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team and personal commitments. We embrace agility, flexibility and trust.