Sr. Associate Director, Programs (Laboratory Focus) - CHAMPS - The Task Force for Global Health

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Description

Assumes a senior role in the planning, development, and implementation of various aspects of a complex global program. Serves as a liaison and key spokesperson to various committees and organizations. Leads policy formulation, strategy development, and management of daily operations. Collaborates with representatives from private, government, and international agencies to design, implement, and/or evaluate program-related projects and strategies that effectively address the public needs associated with the program. Conducts research, designs new initiatives, and writes publishable articles and papers. May write grant proposals and prepare/present associated reports to funding organizations and to clients. May engage in fundraising initiatives on behalf of the program. May oversee the annual budget and other financial aspects of the program. May supervise staff. Performs related responsibilities as required.

 

TFGH BACKGROUND:

The Task Force for Global Health, founded 40 years ago to advance health equity, works with partners in more than 150 countries to eliminate diseases, ensure access to vaccines and essential medicines, and strengthen health systems to protect populations. Expertise includes neglected tropical diseases and other infectious diseases; vaccine safety, distribution, and access; and health systems strengthening. For more information, visit www.taskforce.org.

 

BACKGROUND: 

The Senior Associate Director, Laboratory position is located in the Science, Site Strategy and Implementation Unit (S3I), and reports to the Deputy Director for Science, Site Strategy, and Implementation. The position provides day-to-day support and technical expertise for the CHAMPS laboratory workstream. This role is responsible for coordinating laboratory activities such as diagnostics, quality assurance, workforce training, and supply and inventory management for laboratory diagnostics within the CHAMPS Network.

 

Primary Responsibilities include:

 

Laboratory Management and Technical Oversight (65%):

• Develop and manage a network-wide plan for transitioning TAC production and technical oversight from CDC-based operations to the CHAMPS program office.
• Coordinate the CHAMPS laboratory workstream, including oversight of testing platforms, quality assurance, supply chain management, and personnel training.
• Collaborate with external partners to ensure CHAMPS laboratories receive consistent, high-quality supplies for MITS procedures and diagnostic testing.
• Oversee the production and quality control of diagnostic reagents for the CHAMPS network.
• Provide tailored technical assistance, both in-person and remotely, to laboratory staff in molecular diagnostics, quality management systems, biosafety, and diagnostic reagent production.
• Support continuous improvement of laboratory systems and quality assurance processes across all CHAMPS sites.
• Develop, update, and implement laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring staff training and compliance across the network.
• Oversee implementation, troubleshooting, and routine use of TAC production and other diagnostic tools at CHAMPS laboratories.
• Conduct annual performance assessments of site laboratories, providing feedback and follow-up support to address gaps and enhance quality.

 Network Learning, Coordination, and Capacity Building (35%):

• Lead the design, planning, and delivery of laboratory capacity-building initiatives across the CHAMPS network.
• Co-lead the laboratory technical working group to develop and implement a cross-network laboratory learning curriculum.
• Hold regular meetings with site laboratory teams to troubleshoot issues and provide technical guidance
• Develop a long-term, strategic plan to transition TAC production and technical oversight from U.S.-based operations to qualified in-country laboratories, with emphasis on building regional TAC production capacity and technical expertise.
• Serve as a primary liaison between the Program Office and CHAMPS site laboratories, ensuring clear communication, accurate reporting, and coordination of laboratory activities.
• TRAVEL:
• Up to 20% domestic and/or international travel

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in a field related to the program and seven years of professional experience related to the program and previous supervisory and program/project management experience, or equivalent combina