Laboratory Officer, AMR Surveillance

About this role

Amref Health Africa - Tanzania, a non-profit public health organization that has partnered with the Government of Tanzania since 1987, is seeking a Laboratory Officer to support antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance and laboratory strengthening activities funded through the Fleming Fund. The role provides technical leadership for bacteriology and antimicrobial susceptibility testing across nine sentinel laboratories, with responsibilities spanning laboratory readiness assessments, quality improvement, and surveillance data reporting. Key duties include conducting rapid capacity assessments of supported laboratories, delivering structured technical mentorship and on-site coaching to laboratory personnel on quality management systems, internal quality control, biosafety, and specimen management, and supporting enrolment and participation in External Quality Assessment and proficiency testing programmes with timely implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

The officer will promote compliance with national policies, ISO 15189, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing standards, while contributing to continuous quality improvement initiatives that strengthen diagnostic accuracy and surveillance reliability. Additional responsibilities include supporting timely and accurate AMR data reporting to the WHO Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System, analysing and interpreting surveillance findings for antimicrobial stewardship and clinical decision-making, and preparing technical reports, policy briefs, and knowledge products for the National Action Plan on AMR. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or a closely related discipline, with a Master's degree an added advantage, at least five years of progressively responsible experience in clinical or public health laboratory services including hands-on bacteriology and AST, demonstrated experience in laboratory quality management systems, technical mentorship, and working knowledge of AMR surveillance systems and WHO GLASS reporting requirements.

Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills are essential. The position is full-time, based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and requires close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, National Public Health Laboratory, and sentinel surveillance sites. Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates.