Biosafety and Biosecurity Senior Advisor - Federal Services

Business Overview

The Black & Veatch Federal Business is grounded in history and engineering the future. We have 100+ years of experience supporting the Federal government and are dedicated to employing talented and passionate professionals. Our vision is to be the greatest infrastructure solutions provider delivering top tier and high-quality design and engineering services to the Federal government. Our primary area of focus includes: Architecture/Engineering (A/E) and Classified Design Services, Construction Designer of Record (DOR) Services, and Integrated (multi subcontract) Services.

Position Summary

BV Federal seeks an enthusiastic, articulate, motivated Biosafety Biosecurity Senior Advisor to support a large USAID global health security project. The responsibilities of this position may include: 
•    Oversee the day-to-day BSBS policy components of the project and ensure overall technical alignment across countries. 
•    Supervise technical staff members ensuring that project activities are on track with work plans, with technical expertise informing project implementation. 
•    Prepare project and donor reports and drafts publications and external communications. 
•    Lead the development / revision of best practice documents. 
•    Coordinate and work with a diverse group of organizations, such as the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW), district health staff, several international and national development partner organizations, and the USAID (US Agency for International Development) mission to complete work.
•    Approximately 20% international travel anticipated.

Knowledge of operational conditions, awareness of emerging, re-emerging and endemic disease environment globally, and experience managing laboratory capacity building and strengthening projects in OCONUS locations are highly desirable  

Key Responsibilities

•    Advise in country personnel and laboratories on global/regional/country-level BSBS policies, procedures, and SOPs.
•    Review and approve local protocols, to ensure alignment with global practices.
•    Serve as subject matter expert at local, regional and global levels on issues relevant to country and site BSBS and relevant local and international regulations and guidelines.
•    Provide technical assistance to strengthen pathogen detection capacity at the national and sub-national level for human and veterinary health networks for diseases of public importance.  
•    Provide technical assistance and expertise in designing, planning, implementing, and using real-time data collection and data management for disease surveillance. 
•    Conduct risk assessments and develop risk management plans. 
•    Works on problems of complex scope that require evaluation of variable factors.
•    Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining solutions, with little supervision.
•    Networks with key internal and external personnel.
•    Decisions may cause delays or failure to achieve results that impact departmental goals.
•    Provides input to senior technical leadership on national guidelines and normative policies for subject matter areas of expertise.
•    Interpret findings and make recommendations for improvements.
 

Preferred Qualifications

•    Ability to manage projects, set realistic priorities, and plan for the successful implementation of activities.
•    General understanding of the external environment and how it affects the industry in general and the organization, including political, legal, environmental, financial, and social influences.
•    General understanding of the organization’s structure, policies and practices, and the impact on one’s own area.
•    Strong diagnostic, analytical and problem-solving skills.
•    Ability to exchange information, present recommendations and collaborate with colleagues and peers within the organization and possibly externally.
•    Ability to influence others of the benefits/importance of an idea or plan of action and to gain their support or commitment.
•    Strong negotiation skills and ability to reach mutual points of agreement and benefit among peers and colleagues.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (biology, microbiology, or related field).  Ph.D. or Master’s Degree preferred.

Experience:

•    12 years of relevant experience (8 years with a Master’s Degree or 4 years with a Ph.D.) in designing and evaluating applicable programs/services – may manage activities of lower-level staff, however, main function is individual contributor.
•    Demonstrated experience in biological safety/biosecurity program and policy implementation including the development, training, and auditing of biological safety /biosecurity practices.
•    Detailed knowledge of regulatory guideline and standards impacting work with, and security of, infectious materials
•    Experience with USAID programming preferred.
•    Prior experience with science engagement and/or laboratory capacity strengthening activities OCONUS preferred. 
•    Experience in quality management, with an emphasis on quality assurance and quality control. 
•    Fluent in English.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Certifications

Project Management (PM) Certification preferred.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Typical office environment, typical construction environment, extreme weather conditions, high noise level, safety hazards (electric currents, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to chemicals), atmospheric conditions (fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation).  Sitting, walking, talking, hearing, reading, writing, keyboarding, driving, filing, reaching, stooping, crouching, bending, standing for extended periods of time, lifting or carrying up to 40 pounds.

Competencies

Salary Plan

Job Grade