Спеціаліст/ка з діагностики (ветеринарна спеціалізація) / Diagnostics Specialist – (Animal Health)

Length of contract until 30 September 2026

About FHI 360 and EpiC

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing—creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 50 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

The Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project is an eight-year (2019–2027) global health project initially funded by the U.S. Department of State (DoS) as part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). EpiC operates in approximately 50 countries, addressing key public health challenges such as HIV/AIDS, pandemic preparedness, and global health security. 

In Ukraine, the project receives Global Health Security (GHS) funding to strengthen global, regional, and local public health systems, building on broad experience and existing capabilities that align with national GHS priorities and US Government goals. EpiC will support the national and regional public health institutions, health care facilities, the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection’s (SSUFSCP) research institutes and regional departments, academic institutions, as well as civil society organizations to strengthen GHS capacities in infection prevention and control (IPC), antimicrobial resistance (AMR), health emergency management (HEM), with a particular focus on the prevention, detection and response to infectious disease outbreaks of epidemic significance. All activities will be aligned with national regulations, guidelines and standards, as well as relevant international frameworks.  

FHI 360 is seeking qualified candidates for a Diagnostics Specialist – Animal Health, who will report to the Technical Advisor for Diagnostics.   This position will be based in Kyiv, Ukraine. This position is open to Ukrainian nationals who are residing in Ukraine or are willing to relocate to Ukraine. Professional proficiency in written and spoken English, and fluency in Ukrainian, are required.

 Job Summary

Under the direction of the Technical Advisor, Diagnostics, the Diagnostics Specialist for Animal Health will support the strengthening of SSUFSCP’s diagnostic systems and laboratory networks within to ensure timely and accurate detection of priority pathogens. They will support all animal health–related laboratory technical matters associated with EpiC project implementation and reporting. Strengthened diagnostics will directly support lifesaving interventions, enable rapid decision-making in prevention, detection and response to zoonotic diseases, and contribute to effective risk communication with vulnerable populations and the general public during public health emergencies.

Accountabilities

• Under the direction of the technical advisor, provide technical leadership to strengthen SSUFSCP’s laboratory networks at national and regional levels. This includes:
• Supporting operationalization of SSUFSCP’s laboratory network improvements, including specimen referral systems and unified SOPs for diagnosing AMR across all stages of animal sample testing
• Participating in assessments of diagnostic facilities and supporting implementation of quality and performance improvement actions
• Contributing to mapping and analysis of veterinary laboratory capacity, including public-private sector roles and surge readiness
• Support the review, development, and delivery of training curricula for veterinary laboratory personnel, with emphasis on diagnostic standards, biosafety, and outbreak response
• Implement targeted interventions to address urgent diagnostic gaps, with a focus on strengthening laboratory quality management systems
• Assist in monitoring and reporting on diagnostic system improvements, contributing to project deliverables, learning products, and donor communications
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of diagnostic practices, AMR trends, and national protocols, and share relevant insights with the EpiC technical team
• Support laboratories in preparing for accreditation through the National Accreditation Agency of Ukraine, based on demand and readiness
• Contribute to emergency preparedness and response planning, ensuring diagnostic systems are integrated into national and subnational public health emergency frameworks
• Coordinate with a diverse group of stakeholders, including government entities, diagnostic network leaders, international donors and implementing partners, and regional/global EpiC and FHI 360 staff.

  Education Qualification & Experience 

• Graduate degree in Veterinary Medicine, or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) with specialized training in veterinary laboratory sciences, veterinary microbiology, and/or zoonotic diseases
• At least 6 years of relevant experience in veterinary laboratory services and laboratory management
• Demonstrated technical expertise in laboratory management, quality assurance, quality control, biosafety, document development, specimen management, and use of electronic information systems within a laboratory context 
• Demonstrated skills in capacity building through technical assistance, training, mentoring and coaching
• Knowledge and experience in strengthening laboratories to meet ISO 17025  accreditation standards 
• Prior experience working with international non-governmental, state, or private sector organizations 
• In-depth knowledge of veterinary diagnostic networks, with hands-on experience in veterinary in testing for animal pathogens using current diagnostic technologies, tools, and approaches, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory quality management systems, including veterinary laboratory diagnostics SOPs implementation, internal and external audits, and continuous improvement
• Working knowledge of laboratory reporting tools and veterinary laboratory information systems, including data entry, result validation, report generation, and dissemination of results 
• Knowledge of the Global Health Security Agenda, with awareness of strategies and mechanisms for addressing emerging zoonotic disease threats through veterinary diagnostics
• Proven project management skills in coordinating laboratory strengthening initiatives, including planning, implementation, and stakeholder engagement

Typical Physical Demands

• Typical office environment
• Ability to spend long hours looking at a computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs. 

Technology to be Used

• Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 25% within the country.

Please apply via the link above on the vacancy website or email your CV and Cover letter to [email protected] with ‘Diagnostics Specialist – (Animal Health)’ in the subject line. Only applications submitted in English will be considered. 

Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.