MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Position Title: Public Health Laboratory Officer
Program: Ministry of Health – CDC Cooperative Agreement
Project Title: Strengthening Ministry of Health’s Capacity (MOH-Cap) for HIV Diagnosis, Treatment and Monitoring in the Kingdom of Lesotho
Duty Station: Ministry of Health Headquarters, Maseru
Level of Effort: Full-time
Duration: Ten (10) months; renewable subject to performance and availability of funding
Reporting to: Director, Laboratory Services and Research
1. Background
The Ministry of Health has received support from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) under the project titled “Strengthening Ministry of Health’s Capacity (MOH-Cap) for HIV Diagnosis, Treatment and Monitoring in the Kingdom of Lesotho.”
The Ministry is seeking a suitable candidate for the position of Public Health Laboratory Officer.
The Ministry of Health, with support from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), is strengthening its national HIV/AIDS response with a particular focus on sustainability, epidemic control, and the strategic use of data. Laboratory systems are central to HIV service delivery, supporting accurate diagnostics, effective treatment monitoring, and the delivery of high-quality patient care.
A key element of this response is the implementation of HIV Drug Resistance (HIVDR) testing and monitoring, which plays a critical role in ensuring the long-term effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART). HIVDR testing enables timely identification of treatment failure, supports individualized patient management, and informs updates to national treatment guidelines—ultimately improving patient outcomes and preserving the gains made in HIV care and treatment.
In recognition of the need for an integrated approach to laboratory services, this position will also contribute to broader public health functions such as molecular diagnostics, capacity building, and the development of national laboratory systems and policies. These cross-cutting responsibilities will enhance the health system’s ability to respond more effectively to both current and emerging health challenges.
2. Purpose of the Position
To provide technical support to the Ministry of Health and PEPFAR in the implementation, quality assurance, and oversight of HIV Drug Resistance (HIVDR) testing and related public health laboratory functions.
The officer will ensure that HIVDR and molecular diagnostic services are timely, accurate, and aligned with national guidelines, contributing directly to improved clinical decision-making, treatment outcomes, and long-term patient care.
In addition, the officer will contribute to strengthening national laboratory systems by supporting the integration of advanced diagnostic platforms, offering technical input into policy and planning processes, and promoting quality and efficiency across public health laboratory services. This role is key to enhancing the responsiveness and resilience of public health laboratory services.
3. Key Responsibilities
a. Technical and Programmatic Support
- Support national HIVDR surveillance implementation, including pre-treatment and acquired resistance surveys.
- Conduct or supervise HIVDR genotyping, sequencing, and data analysis in accordance with WHO guidelines.
- Assist with validation and verification of HIVDR testing platforms and methods.
- Provide ongoing technical input to HIV-related molecular diagnostics and lab-based public health surveillance activities.
b. Capacity Building and Quality Management
- Facilitate training, mentoring, and supportive supervision of laboratory staff involved in HIVDR and molecular testing.
- Ensure compliance with Laboratory Quality Management Systems (LQMS), including participation in proficiency testing (PT) and External Quality Assurance (EQA) schemes.
- Support development and regular revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), job aids, and QA/QC checklists.
c. Strategic Information and Data Use
- Contribute to the generation, analysis, and interpretation of HIVDR laboratory data for program use.
- Coordinate with epidemiology and SI teams to link HIVDR data with clinical and programmatic data to inform decision-making.
- Assist in the preparation of technical reports, dashboards, abstracts, and publications.
d. Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement
- Liaise with national HIV programs, PEPFAR implementing partners, CDC, WHO, and other stakeholders to ensure harmonised HIVDR programming.
- Participate in national laboratory technical working groups, strategic planning meetings, and HIVDR review forums.
- Provide timely updates on HIVDR implementation progress and challenges to the Ministry of Health and PEPFAR teams.
e. Broader Public Health Laboratory Support
- Assist with drafting, reviewing, and operationalising national laboratory policies, strategies, and guidelines aligned with broader public health goals.
- Support cross-cutting laboratory capacity development initiatives including workforce training, biosafety and biosecurity, and monitoring of core laboratory indicators.
- Participate in inter-program collaborations to ensure laboratory inputs are effectively integrated into national disease control and prevention frameworks.
- Contribute to national pandemic preparedness initiatives through laboratory system strengthening and integration of multi-pathogen testing platforms.
- Provide technical support to the development and implementation of broader public health laboratory surveillance activities.
4. Expected Deliverables
- Annual and quarterly work plans aligned with national HIVDR priorities.
- Monthly activity and performance reports detailing key outputs and progress.
- HIVDR sequencing and data reports submitted in accordance with national timelines.
- Updated SOPs and training materials for HIVDR testing and QA.
- Documentation of mentorship visits, QA findings, and corrective actions.
- Contributions to PEPFAR program performance reviews.
5. Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Molecular Biology, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- At least five (5) years of post-qualification experience, including two (2) or more years in HIV molecular testing or HIVDR-related work.
- Experience working in PEPFAR-supported programs or national public health laboratories is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated knowledge of HIVDR testing technologies, WHO/PEPFAR HIVDR protocols, and sequencing platforms.
- Experience with laboratory data management and bioinformatics tools is an added advantage.
6. Core Competencies
- Demonstrated technical expertise in HIV virology, drug resistance testing, and molecular diagnostics.
- Solid understanding of laboratory quality management systems and their application in public health programs.
- Proven ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government, partners, and technical teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
- Strong team player with the ability to work collaboratively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments.
How to Apply
Written applications, CVs, and certified copies of educational certificates should be hand-delivered to:
Human Resources & Administrative Officer
Ministry of Health Headquarters, 3rd Floor
Corner Constitution and Linare Road
P.O. Box 514, Maseru 100
For more information, contact:
Tel: (+266) 63969777
Email: [email protected]
Closing Date: Friday, 14th November 2025 at 12:00 noon
Note: Only hand-delivered applications shall be considered.