Laboratory Technician - Dagahaley Camp (Locum pool) at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

Work Location: Dagahaley Refugee Camp,  Kenya

MSF is a humanitarian medical organization providing emergency medical aid to populations in need.
We are launching locum pool recruitment for activities in Dagahaley Refugee Camp.

The selected candidate will be reporting to the Laboratory Supervisor.

Main Purpose

Perform clinical laboratory activities according to MSF protocols, security and hygiene measures in order to obtain results to determine the patient’s treatment.

Accountabilities

According to medical prescription, preparing and performing clinical exams/tests with appropriate techniques and following MSF protocols and procedures. This function includes, among others:

• Taking blood, vaginal and urethral samples.
• Centrifuging blood and urine samples.
• Performing laboratory exams (serology, hematology, biochemistry, bacteriology or parasitological, according to context of the mission).
• Ensuring proper reporting and registration of the sample results,keep a written track of activity and give information to the relevant persons, ensuring confidentiality.
• Taking care, manage and organize efficiently the laboratory material/equipment:
•  Perform cleaning and minor maintenance for biomedical equipment used. Following the user manual and protocols and alert supervisor in case of malfunctioning
• Applying hygiene and safety protocols, doing daily cleaning /maintenance, sterilization, washing general glassware after procedures are done.
• Ensuring proper sample waste disposal according to MSF protocols and highest safety standards.
• Supplying orders, do stock, storage conditions follow-up, keep inventory.
• Keeping organized the data collection system of laboratory results and all information generated from the analysis done.
• Reporting all relevant information linked to the activity in the laboratory to the line manager, especially the loss/robbery/damage of laboratory equipment or medicines.
• Performing minor maintenance and cleaning of the biomedical equipment following user manual and protocols. Alerting the supervisor in case of malfunctioning of any device.

Context Specific Accountabilities

• Implement MSF rules and regulations.
• Respect the universal hygiene standards and follow the disposal guidelines.
• Disinfect the working benches/tables before and after work according to the MSF protocol.
• Do proper and optimal waste segregation to reduce accidents and ensure safety in the department.
• Place order (weekly/monthly) for reagents and materials based on consumption with the support of the direct supervisor.
• Keep record of all investigations done: that is, the patients’ names, age, address/block, date, diagnosis, requester and result of the investigation(s) done.
• Ensure that results are dispatched according to the departmental units in a timely manner.
• Be able to prepare, stain and examine TB smears, peripheral blood film, gram’s staining and Indian Ink staining.
• Report problems and other relevant information related to patient services to the supervisor in a timely manner.
• Chart the fridges in the morning and evening and monitor the coldchain.
• Dust the microscope and the haematology machine, clean the hemoCue 301 machine according to the SOPs.
• Do blood grouping for expectant mothers sent from ANC and record the rusults correctly.
• Facilitate the transfer of samples to other centres in coordination with the lab supervisor and/or the HD.
• Do pre and post counseling, grouping, screening and bleeding of blood donors. Give them appropriate care.
• Do investigations in the departments/units/wards if required.
• Perform tests without any unnecessary delay.
• In the absence of the lab supervisor, supervise the auxiliary laboratory assistants and allocation of duties pertaining to laboratory work. Keep communication with the Hospital Director (HD).
• Generate daily, weekly and monthly reports/data from the activities of the department.
• Facilitate any needs relating to epidemic surveillance.
• Run quality controls for machines used in the lab and other departments – glucometers and hemoCue 301.
• Perform training or refreshment for auxiliary laboratory assistants when needed.
• Apply personal protective measures while working in the lab; this includes MSF recommended scrubs/tunic trousers.
• Ensure that quality control tests are carried out regularly or as required by SOPS/MSF.
• Observe punctuality and work in the lab. at odd hours if required by the supervisor/MSF.
• Implementing MSF security policy guidelines.

Requirements

• Education:    Essential Laboratory Technician diploma/degree.
• Experience:    Minimum 1 year working experience essential.
• Languages    Mission language (English) essential and local language (Somali) desirable.
• Knowledge    Essential computer literacy (Word, Excel and Internet)
• Competencies    Results, teamwork, flexibility, commitment & Service