Project Lead, Pandemic Specimen Referral Systems

Position Overview

The Project Lead will provide overall leadership and strategic oversight for the implementation of the Pandemic Fund–supported project to strengthen specimen referral and transportation systems across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. The role will ensure the development and operationalization of a scalable, integrated, and multisectoral specimen referral system aligned with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), IDSR framework, and One Health approach.

The Project Lead will work closely with the Ministry of Health (Mainland and Zanzibar) and other Pandemic Fund stakeholders and partners to strengthen coordination between human and animal health laboratory networks, improve efficiency and traceability of specimen transport, and support rapid detection and response to public health threats.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight

• Provide overall leadership and direction for project implementation across Mainland and Zanzibar
• Lead development and execution of work plans, budgets, and performance monitoring frameworks
• Ensure alignment with national policies, WHO guidance, and Global Health Security priorities
• Drive adaptive management using data and performance monitoring

Technical Leadership – Specimen Referral Systems

• Oversee development and dissemination of standardized SOPs and referral algorithms for priority diseases
• Ensure integration of specimen referral systems across human and animal health sectors (One Health approach)
• Provide strategic guidance on strengthening referral coordination, biosafety, and transport systems
• Support operationalization of specimen referral processes

Organization Information

Employer: Jhpiego

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Sector: Nonprofit and NGO (Healthcare, Management, Business Operations, Social Services, Civil & Government, Science & Engineering)