Full ToR
TOR - Deputy Laboratory Testing Coordinator - UKHSP - 12062026
Project Background
The Timor-Leste AMR-Food Safety Nexus Initiative (TL-AFSi) – under UK Health Security Partnership (UK-HSP) Grant Reference CG1-014326 – is designed to establish a foundational, integrated One Health system to address critical gaps in food safety and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance. Timor-Leste is heavily dependent on imported food, with over 70% of consumables coming from abroad, yet currently lacks any systematic surveillance infrastructure for AMR in imported frozen foods.
The project is implemented by a consortium including the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MALFF), Autoridade de Inspeção e Fiscalização da Atividade Económica Sanitária e Alimentar (AIFAESA), Ministry of Health (specifically National Institute of Public Health of Timor-Leste - INSP-TL), and Archipelago Biotechnology Indonesia, Ltd., contracted through Instituto de Ciências da Saúde (ICS) Timor Leste, under Fundasaun da Graça Deus (FGD-ICS).
Overall Objective of the Position
To serve as the primary in-country laboratory lead for the TL-AFSi project, responsible for the day-to-day execution, supervision, and quality control of all laboratory testing activities on an 80%-time basis. The Deputy will ensure that the AIFAESA and INSP-TL laboratories perform routine testing of imported frozen food samples with high technical quality, following standardized operating procedures, biosafety protocols, and quality assurance systems. The Deputy will provide hands-on training and mentorship to laboratory technicians and act as the technical bridge between the International Food Safety & AMR Technical Specialist and the laboratory team.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Execution of Laboratory Testing (35% of allocated part-time)
- Independently perform and supervise routine laboratory testing of imported frozen food samples received from the four Points of Entry, including:
- Pre-enrichment and enrichment for food-borne bacterial pathogens (e.g., Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli)
- Isolation of pathogens using selective media
- Biochemical identification tests
- Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST)
- DNA extraction and conventional PCR for pathogen identification and confirmation
- Prepare and store culture media and reagents according to SOPs
- Ensure proper documentation of all test results, including AST interpretations, and consult with International Food Safety & AMR Technical Specialist before entering data into the TL-AFSi Digital Resource Portal
- Work with the Laboratory Testing Coordinator to select and prepare AMR bacterial isolates for Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS)
Quality Assurance, Biosafety & Equipment Maintenance (20% of allocated part-time)
- Enforce and maintain biosafety protocols (BSL-2) and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures in the laboratory on a daily basis
- Lead the laboratory's participation in proficiency testing and validation exercises
- Perform and supervise daily maintenance, checks, and calibration of major laboratory equipment
- Monitor inventory of reagents, consumables, and PPE, and initiate timely reordering through the PMU
Training & Mentorship of Laboratory Personnel (15% of allocated part-time)
- Deliver hands-on technical training for laboratory technicians at AIFAESA and INSP-TL
- Provide day-to-day mentorship and on-job supervision to junior technicians
- Co-facilitate Training for Trainers (ToT) sessions alongside the Laboratory Testing Coordinator
- Document training completion and competency assessments for each technician
Sample Management & Coordination with Field Operations (10% of allocated part-time)
- Coordinate with the Field/Port Operation Coordinator to ensure proper receipt, registration, and cold chain maintenance of samples
- Manage sample tracking within the laboratory, including chain of custody, proper storage, and disposal
- Compile laboratory results and share them with the Laboratory Testing Coordinator and Programme Leader for quarterly surveillance reports
Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL) & Reporting (10% of allocated part-time)
- Maintain accurate daily laboratory logs
- Contribute data and observations to the MEL Officer and Laboratory Testing Coordinator for quarterly progress reports
- Document technical challenges, equipment failures, or recurring testing issues
- Participate in quarterly laboratory data quality audits
Stakeholder Engagement & Professional Development (5% of allocated part-time)
- Participate in technical meetings with AIFAESA and INSP-TL laboratory staff
- Actively engage in peer-exchange activities, including virtual mentorship sessions
- Travel for study visits or technical training to peer-exchange partners institution (if required)
- Complete all mandatory GEDSI and safeguarding training
Key Deliverables
- Daily laboratory logs and test results
- Lead execution of proficiency testing and validation exercises; contribute to report
- Training completion records for technicians mentored
- Equipment maintenance and calibration log (maintained and up-to-date)
- Draft input to quarterly surveillance reports (laboratory data section)
- Completion of peer-exchange training certificates
- Handover note and laboratory SOP compliance summary at project end
Qualifications & Experience
Essential:
- Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory technology, Microbiology, Biology, or a related field (Master's degree is an advantage)
- Minimum 4 years of hands-on experience in a diagnostic or public health laboratory, with demonstrated proficiency in:
- Bacterial culture and isolation
- Biochemical identification of pathogens
- Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) using disc diffusion
- DNA extraction and conventional PCR
- Knowledge of biosafety level 2 (BSL 2) practices and laboratory quality management systems
- Experience in training or mentoring junior laboratory staff
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs meticulously
- Good written and verbal communication skills in English (Proficiency in Tetum or Bahasa Indonesia is highly desirable)
- Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple samples, and meet testing turnaround times
- Willingness to commit to 80% time (approximately 4 days per week) with flexibility for intensive periods
Desirable:
- Previous experience with food microbiology or AMR surveillance
- Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS)
- Experience with whole-genome sequencing sample preparation or bioinformatics basics
- Prior experience working with FHI 360, HSP, or UK-FCDO funded projects
Working Arrangements & Conditions
- Position Type: National (Open only for Timorese)
- Contract Duration: One year, with possibility of extension
- Contract Type: Part-time 80% (approximately 32 hours per week/4 days per week, with flexibility for intensive periods)
- Duty Station: Dili, Timor-Leste, with occasional travel to points of entry (Tibar, Motaain, Motamasin, Wini)
- Working Hours: Flexible within the standard work week (Monday to Friday, 08:30–12:00 and 14:00–17:30)
- Annual Leave: 16 working days of paid leave annually
- Sick Leave: 5 days sick leave annually, with submission of medical certification
- Reporting Line: Direct supervision of the TL-AFSi Laboratory Testing Coordinator, in close collaboration with the Project Management Unit (PMU), the FHI-360 team, and international peer-exchange partners
Commitment to Safeguarding & GEDSI
The Deputy Laboratory Testing Coordinator shall adhere to FGD-ICS's safeguarding and PSEA policies, complete mandatory GEDSI and safeguarding training, and ensure that all laboratory training and activities are inclusive, accessible, and free from harassment, exploitation, or abuse.
