CDC/LAB Officer

The Organization for Development of Economic Social and Capacity Building (ODESC) is a non profit organization dedicated to enhancing the economic and social well-being of communities through strategic capacity-building initiatives. We empower individuals and communities to achieve sustainable development and equitable growth. Established in 2016 in Afghanistan, ODESC addresses critical needs and fosters long-term development in vulnerable regions.

Purpose of the Role:

The CDC and Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the implementation, quality, and coordination of disease surveillance, laboratory services, and outbreak response activities in alignment with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) policies and UN agency standards. The role ensures timely collection, testing, and reporting of specimens, supports the monitoring of communicable diseases, and strengthens laboratory and field epidemiology capacity. The supervisor provides technical guidance and mentorship to laboratory personnel and CDC staff, ensuring adherence to national protocols, biosafety standards, and data quality requirements to inform evidence-based public health interventions.

Main duties and responsibilities:

1. Surveillance and Disease Control (CDC)

• Supervise and coordinate communicable disease surveillance activities at health facility and community levels.
• Monitor trends in reportable diseases and ensure timely notification of outbreaks to Line Manager, PHD and relevant stakeholders.
• Support the investigation, verification, and response to suspected outbreaks in coordination with district/provincial health authorities through Line Manager
• Analyze surveillance data to identify disease patterns, risk factors, and gaps in detection and reporting.
• Ensure implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in health facilities and community settings.

2. Laboratory Supervision

• Oversee the collection, transportation, and testing of clinical and public health specimens according to MoPH and WHO/UN laboratory protocols.
• Ensure laboratory activities follow biosafety, biosecurity, and quality assurance standards.
• Maintain and monitor laboratory equipment, reagents, and supplies to ensure uninterrupted diagnostic services.
• Supervise and mentor laboratory technicians to improve diagnostic accuracy, record-keeping, and reporting.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of laboratory results to surveillance teams and decision-makers.

Capacity Building and Technical Support:

• Provide on-the job training, coaching, and mentoring to CDC officers, laboratory staff, and HFs teams.
• Identify training needs and facilitate workshops or refresher sessions on surveillance, outbreak response, and laboratory practices.
• Promote adoption of MoPH and UN agency guidelines, protocols, and standards across CDC and laboratory activities.

Data Management and Reporting:

• Ensure accurate collection, analysis, and interpretation of surveillance and laboratory data.
• Prepare and submit regular reports on CDC and laboratory activities to provincial Line Manager.
• Support data-driven decision-making and evidence-based public health interventions.

Northern Region Applicants are Prioritized!!

Qualifications and Requirements:

1. Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in MD or Public Health, or related field from a recognized university.
• Preference for additional training in community health, MNDSR, TB. Malaria expert and experience with the IPC Waste management, Laboratory expert, or public health programs approved by MoPH or UN agencies.

2. Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in communicable disease control (CDC), Surveillance, public health, or laboratory supervision within BPHS/EPHS or similar health programs.
• Proven experience in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and implementation of national CDC protocols.
• Practical background in laboratory management, including specimen collection, testing, quality assurance, and biosafety procedures.
• Experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting through DHIS2, HMIS, or other health information systems.
• Demonstrated ability to train and supervise lab technicians and CDC Team at facility and community levels.
• Prior experience working with MoPH, WHO, UNICEF, or other international health organizations is highly desirable.

3. Language Requirements:

5. Fluency in Dari and Pashto (spoken and written).
5. Working knowledge of English is an asset.

ODESC has a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse therefore, all staff will be subjected to background and security checks. We are also against all forms of gender-based violence, exploitation, and abuse of children in the context of our operation in the country. We are committed to the “Do No Harm” principle in our workplace and throughout our operation in the country therefore, our staff must also respect the organizational code of conduct and safety policy. ODESC provides equal employment opportunities in transparent ways for everyone without any demands.

Interested applicants should apply through the below Form . Short-listed candidates will be directly contacted for further process. If you are not contacted two weeks after the closing date, please know that your application has not been successful for the post.