Senior Assistant Director, Medical Laboratory Services

Role Overview

This senior leadership position places you in charge of guiding public health laboratory services across the country. You will shape policy, direct research, coordinate disease outbreak investigations, and ensure that laboratory teams operate to the highest standards. Your work will directly influence how vector-borne, communicable, and non-communicable diseases are detected, monitored, and controlled.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, interpret, and implement laboratory policies, guidelines, strategies, and programs that align with national public health objectives.
• Plan, supervise, and coordinate the preparation of work plans, budgets, and technical reports for laboratory services.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of laboratory programs and introduce improvements based on evidence and performance data.
• Lead and initiate collaborative research projects on vector-borne, communicable, and non-communicable diseases, including operational research in field and clinical settings.
• Advise decision-makers on the cost-benefit implications of adopting new laboratory technologies and diagnostic tools.
• Coordinate medical laboratory teams during disease outbreak investigations, working closely with other healthcare providers to contain and understand emerging threats.
• Monitor and evaluate vector resistance to insecticides and molluscicides, and assess the public health efficacy of insecticides and rodenticides prior to registration.
• Direct, mentor, and manage laboratory personnel, ensuring efficient deployment of skills, equipment, and resources across service points.

Requirements & Qualifications

• At least three (3) years of service in the grade of Assistant Director, Laboratory Services, or an equivalent senior laboratory management role.
• A Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB).
• A Master's degree in a relevant field such as Medical Parasitology, Medical Entomology, Clinical Chemistry, Medical Biochemistry, Hematology, Blood Transfusion Science, Medical Microbiology, Virology, Mycology, Clinical Cytology, Histopathology, Immunology, Epidemiology, Public Health, Infectious Disease Diagnosis, Laboratory Management, Molecular Science, or another equivalent qualification recognized by the KMLTTB.
• Current registration certificate issued by the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board.
• A valid practicing license from the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board.
• A certificate in a Strategic Leadership Development Program lasting at least six (6) weeks from a recognized institution.
• A certificate in computer application skills from a recognized institution.
• Proven ability to organize and execute medical laboratory functions effectively, with a track record of efficiency, sound judgment, and results-driven leadership.

What We Offer / Why Join

This is a rare opportunity to influence the direction of national laboratory services and public health strategy. You will work at the intersection of science, policy, and field operations, leading teams that respond to disease outbreaks and shape the adoption of cutting-edge diagnostic technologies. The role offers meaningful professional impact, collaboration with multidisciplinary health experts, and the chance to drive research that protects communities from both existing and emerging health threats.