Senior Laboratory Advisor At Knowledge Network for Disease Control and Vigilance (KNCV) Nigeria

Knowledge Network for Disease Control and Vigilance Nigeria is firmly equipped with technical and administrative capacity in strengthening the service delivery of TB, TB/HIV, and other diseases of public health concern and is a key player in research and innovation in disease prevention and control in Nigeria. With over 300 program staff in 14 state offices and over 2,000 ad hoc health care workers across 1740 public and private health facilities, KNCN Nigeria has remained a major player in TB Program implementation in Nigeria. With project footprints across all the states in Nigeria and FCT, KNCV Nigeria has remained a major player in the TB program and other public health interventions in Nigeria. We employ a systems approach, using data-driven quality improvement methods to identify and address gaps in TB and TB/HIV diagnostic and management services. Our work focuses on collaborative planning, design, and implementation, engaging the private sector and strengthening service delivery platforms and community structures to improve the quality of healthcare services in Nigeria.

Tuberculosis Local Organization Network (TB LON) Regions 1&2 Project

KNCV Nigeria, in consolidating the achievements and successes of funding cycles in TB LON 1&2 project, proposes to scale and sustain current efforts to achieve quality TB services and full treatment coverage aligned with National TB and Leprosy Control Program (NTBLCP) and UNHLM targets. The TB LON 1&2 Project funded by United States Government (USG) currently supports TB Control activities in the 14 targeted states namely, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Rivers, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Anambra, Delta and Imo states to increase the number of TB cases detected, treated and notified.

Job Type: Full Time
Qualification:  MBBS/MB.Bch or Laboratory Sciences (an MPH would be an advantage)  
Job Field: Public Health  
Experience: 8-10 years Location: Abuja

Purpose of the Job

The Senior Laboratory Advisor provides strategic and technical leadership for the design, implementation, and oversight of KNCV Nigeria’s diagnostic and laboratory strengthening activities under the LON Project. This role ensures that all laboratory interventions meet international quality standards, enhance diagnostic capacity, and align with national and donor priorities. The Advisor drives the development of diagnostic networks, quality management systems, and biosafety initiatives, while fostering cross-learning and innovation among laboratories. This position also provides mentorship and supervision to laboratory staff, supports performance and capacity development, and ensures continuous improvement through evidence-based practices. Ultimately, the role contributes to strengthening the national diagnostic infrastructure and improving timely, accurate, and quality-assured detection of tuberculosis and related diseases.

Duties and Responsibilities  

  • Plans, directs, and coordinates implementation of KNCV LON-supported laboratories and diagnostic strengthening activities to ensure that goals and objectives meet or exceed relevant quality standards and are accomplished within prescribed timeframes and funding parameters.
  • Establishes diagnostic and preparedness quality standards, ensuring those standards inform workplans and MEL activities.  
  • Leads the development of KNCV LON-specific workplans and budgets for diagnostic network activities aligned with Activity goals and ensuring compliance with donor and organizational policies and procedures.
  • Leads development and implementation of technical support, diagnostic network and facility strengthening, and quality improvement interventions.
  • Leads implementation of diagnostic network enhancement activities, including specimen referral mechanisms, quality management systems, supply chain, laboratory management information systems, diagnostic standard operating procedures and tools, expansion of pointof-care molecular diagnostics and biosafety and biosecurity strengthening.
  • Leads cross-learning and networking of laboratories and diagnostic facilities across clusters.
  • Ensure new knowledge/evidence and best practices are shared with LON teams, partners, and all stakeholders and applied as appropriate.
  • Directs training and development process improvement initiatives to ensure compliance with technical standards.
  • Consults with KNCV senior/executive Management Team to improve Activity implementation and outcomes in the laboratory and diagnostic technical focus area.
  • Supervises and mentor’s laboratory/diagnostic staff at the HQ levels; provides matrixed support and supervision to cluster/state-based staff. Oversee recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes as requested.
  • Supports performance management and professional development of direct reports, including ongoing feedback, coaching, and career support.
  • Prepares and disseminates lessons learned and best practices to improve program implementation.
  • Any other assigned duties in relation to the job position.

Requirements  

  • An MPH or MSc degree in laboratory science
  • Should have at least training in public health or infectious diseases, preferably with an emphasis in TB and knowledge of current WHO policy recommendations in the use of new TB diagnostics, TB laboratory biosafety, SOPs for TB laboratory methods, and specifications for TB laboratory equipment.
  • Experience in working in the field of TB, MDR-TB, and TB/HIV and USG projects or any development partner.
  • Proven experience in a mycobacteriology laboratory with knowledge of laboratory quality management systems and the function of national and TB programs will serve as an asset
  • Competent with laboratory operational plan development, implementation, and evaluation of results
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in TB laboratory services at all levels, field experience in Nigerian health systems.
  • Strong coordination, planning, and supervisory skills, willingness to travel across the country, and if required at short notice
  • Self-motivated with strong ability to identify and develop relevant areas of work
  • Able to communicate complex issues in a concise, accessible, and engaging manner.
  • Knowledge of relevant software applications
  • Advanced verbal and written communication skills in English
  • Good numerical skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Self-starter, team player, and a dynamic personality

What do we offer

  • A full-time (40 hours per week) fixed-term contract for a year, with the intention of extending the contract depending on funding and performance.
  • Fast-paced and result-oriented culture.
  • An informal work atmosphere in an international environment where initiative is appreciated.
  • A highly motivated and diverse team of experienced, self-driven colleagues.
  • Frequent capacity building and training.
  • KNCV Nigeria has its own employment conditions scheme.

Method of Application

  • Interested Applicants are to Click here to apply
  • Deadline for receiving application is 14th of October 2025

Note: 

  • We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for the recruitment process.  
  • Any successful candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation.
  • KNCV Nigeria maintains Zero tolerance against Sexual Harassment and Abuse.
  • There will be travel requirements and opportunities both within Nigeria.  
  • KNCV Nigeria is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Share this job:
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print