• Location: Fiji HIV/ STI Unit
• Type of engagement: 1 year contract with potential extension.

Context

The Senior Medical Scientist/National QA Officer role supports Fiji's Ministry of Health and Medical Services through the National Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Unit, in partnership with the Doherty Institute under the DFAT-funded Strategic Partnership Program. Working closely with the National Diagnostic Lead, the role strengthens disease surveillance, decentralises quality-assured diagnostic services for HIV, sexually transmitted infections, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis and other opportunistic infections, and coordinates national quality assurance activities. It also builds local workforce capability and strengthens health systems as part of Fiji's public health response to the HIV outbreak. The Doherty Institute contributes through the Australian Support for Pacific HIV Action partnership, working with national and regional partners to improve access to quality HIV, sexual and reproductive health, and viral hepatitis services adapted to local contexts. The successful candidate will be employed by AVI, an Australian not-for-profit international development organisation that has worked with governments and community partners worldwide since 1951.

ABOUT THE POSITION

This Senior Medical Scientist role is based in Fiji. The incumbent will cover the senior medical scientist responsibilities and national QA oversight. Key responsibilities include:

• Support roll out, decentralisation and supervision of diagnostic services across MoHMS clinical laboratories and SRH sites for HIV, STI, HBV, HCV and TB.
• Provide technical oversight and coordination of the national Quality Assurance (QA) programme:
• Oversee QA panel distribution, laboratory enrolment and tracking (QA Officer coordinates panel preparation and distribution);
• Oversee blind retesting/rechecks and review outcomes submitted from testing sites;
• Provide technical guidance to the QA Officer on implementation of the national EQA programme.
• Participate in validation and roll out of new testing algorithms and diagnostics, including 4th generation HIV assays, Hepatitis B/C, CrAg, toxoplasmosis, GeneXpert platforms and point of care testing (POCT).
• Develop and disseminate laboratory test algorithms and site-specific testing procedures.
• Provide hands on mentoring, training and capacity building for laboratory officers, clinicians and SRH laboratory staff.
• Support diagnostic data entry, quality monitoring and integration with national surveillance/LIS systems; support timely analyses and reporting.
• Assist in procurement planning, commodity tracking and stock management.
• Coordinate logistics and support national audits of diagnostic facilities.
• Contribute to planning, budgeting, implementation and reporting of diagnostic pilot projects.
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings, technical workshops and relevant committees to support implementation of the national HIV/STI testing strategy.
• Represent MOHMS and the Doherty Institutes HIV testing programs professionally with internal and external partners.

The incumbent is required to demonstrate a high level of professionalism and initiative and will work collaboratively with partner organisations nationally and advisers from an international team. This incumbent is required to be highly organised, communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals, and set priorities to assist in completion of project activities.

This role will be a key representative in Fiji for the work areas under the Doherty Institutes HIV laboratory diagnostics support. This role will be based at the Fiji HIV/ SRH unit.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Medical Laboratory Sciences and demonstrated experience in clinical laboratory.
• At least 5 years demonstrated experience in clinical or public health setting.
• Sound knowledge of diagnostic algorithms and test methods for HIV, STIs, TB, Hepatitis B/C and opportunistic infections
• Experience in developing and implementing SOPs and laboratory audits, with sound knowledge of quality assurance programs.
• Strong skills in laboratory mentorship, training delivery and coordination
• Demonstrated experience with data reporting, analysis and integration with surveillance systems.
• Respectful and strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to relate effectively with a range of people including government, laboratory scientists and technicians, international specialists, regional organisations such as WHO.
• Demonstrated ability to develop clear project plans and timelines, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and monitor activity progress.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work with a high level of attention to detail in relation to planning of training workshops and activities, preparation of documentation, compliance and reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills with the ability to deliver creative solutions
• High level of proficiency in the use of standard application software such as the Microsoft Office suite.
• Willingness to travel within Fiji to support delivery of key responsibilities.

Desirable

• Demonstrated experience in infectious disease serology for both point-of-care and ELISA testing.
• Familiarity with Australian Government DFAT-funded projects and donor reporting requirements.
• Understanding MoHMS governance structures and SRH service delivery models.
• Experience with field level supervision and quality improvement in low resource settings.

Find the full position description here: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:AP:0d549295-f432-4150-a5b0-256db4d86203

Send your application by 9am Monday 28 September 2026 (local Fiji time).