1. Support the implementation of the National Health Policy and Strategy by strengthening laboratory services as a core element of epidemic preparedness and response.
2. Work with national and regional laboratories in updating and applying testing protocols for priority diseases and high-threat pathogens (e.g., influenza, COVID-19, RSV, CCHF, dengue, cholera, Hepatitis B and C and bacterial pathogens).
3. Monitor the performance and utilization of public health, COVID-19, bacteriology, and reference laboratories, ensuring their full functionality and integration into the system in alignment with all programmatic priorities.
4. Assist in conducting assessments of laboratory capacity, infrastructure, and staffing using standardized WHO tools, and contribute to reports and recommendations.
5. Provide training and mentoring to laboratory staff in molecular diagnostics (RT-PCR, ELISA, NGS), bacteriology methods, and basic quality assurance practices.
6. Coordinate information sharing among national and reference laboratories to strengthen networking and support outbreak response.
7. Support timely and accurate reporting of laboratory results to national stakeholders and WHO global platforms (e.g., FluNet, EMFLU).
8. Contribute to drafting and revising SOPs, biosafety guidelines, waste management manuals, and laboratory quality system documents.
9. Assist with the procurement process for laboratory supplies and equipment, including bacteriology materials, and support distribution planning.
10. Support quality control processes including proficiency testing (EQAP), troubleshooting, and coordination of equipment calibration.
11. Assist in monitoring and managing laboratory consumables, ensuring timely requests based on usage trends.
12. Contribute to annual planning processes, including procurement planning and work plan inputs for laboratory strengthening activities.
13. Strengthen coordination within other programmes (Polio, EPI and HSD) to ensure laboratory services are linked to wider health system and emergency response activities.
14. Perform other related duties to enhance laboratory services, as identified by the supervisor.
Education Qualifications
Essential
- University degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology, Bacteriology, Virology, or a related field.
Desirable
- Advanced degree (Master’s) in Microbiology, Virology, Public Health, or related laboratory sciences.
- Specialized training in laboratory quality management, biosafety/biosecurity, or molecular diagnostics.
Experience
Essential
- At least 2 years of relevant experience in public health laboratories, with hands-on work in diagnostics of epidemic-prone diseases.
- Experience in molecular methods (e.g., PCR, ELISA) and bacteriology (culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing).
Desirable
- Working Experience with the central public health laboratory or regional reference laboratories.
- Working experience with WHO/ UN or international organizations
Language Skills
- Excellent knowledge of English
- Excellent knowledge of local languages (Pashto or Dari)
Other Skills (e.g. IT)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Working knowledge of online data collection applications, and statistical analysis packages (Stata, SPSS, etc.).
Competencies:
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
- Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond.
- Ensuring effective use of resources
Functional Knowledge and Skills
- Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory diagnostic methods for epidemic-prone viral and bacterial diseases, including, CCHF, dengue, influenza, cholera and others
- Familiarity with molecular and bacteriological techniques (e.g., RT-PCR, ELISA, NGS, culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing) and their application in public health surveillance.
- Proven skills in laboratory quality management, biosafety, and biosecurity practices.
- Ability to support development and implementation of SOPs, manuals, and quality assurance systems.
- Capacity to provide on-the-job training, mentoring, and technical guidance to laboratory staff.
- Good understanding of WHO procedures for procurement, distribution, and monitoring of laboratory supplies.
Additional Information
WHO has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct, inaction against it and any form of retaliation against victims/survivors or bystanders who disclose, report, or participate in an investigation. Parallel to technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring decisions will give due emphasis to assessing candidates value congruence, thorough background checks and reference check processes. This will ensure children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded from abusers and that abusers are prevented from joining WHO Afghanistan office. Please report any concerning information regarding sexual exploitation and abuse by WHO workforce and partners to WHO office of Internal Oversight services at investigations@who.int
Submission Guideline:
Interested applicants (Afghan National) meeting the above qualifications are requested to submit their applications quoting this Vacancy Announcement Number (WHOAFG-2026-09-24) along with their curriculum vitae, copy of National ID (Tazkira) to below mentioned email: emacoafghr@who.int
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. ONLY CANDIDATES UNDER SERIOUS CONSIDERATION WILL BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEW AND TEST.
WHO is a smoke free environment.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the technical and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership in global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical and implementation support and monitoring and assessing health trends. In Afghanistan, WHO works to improve the health and well-being of all Afghans by preventing and reducing mortality, morbidity and disability and strengthening health services in close coordination with national and international partners.