Laboratory Technologist at International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Context:

• Under the overall supervision of the Regional Health Assessment Programme Coordinator (RHAPC), the direct supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor (mPDA), and the technical guidance of the Regional Laboratory Coordinator, the incumbent will be responsible for duties and responsibilities related to the Medical Processing and Deployment Arrangements (mPDA) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The mPDA unit is tasked to support the RHAPC in implementing pre-immigration medical examination activities in the region, particularly providing mobile missions and surge support to the country offices, capacity-building of medical personnel, and systematic monitoring and evaluation of the Health Assessment Programme in the region.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

In particular he/she will:

• Perform laboratory procedures as assigned by the laboratory supervisor for pre-examination, examination, and post-examination activities through the use of standard relevant equipment.
• Contribute to the implementation of laboratory quality management systems under the guidance of the laboratory supervisor. Take on the focal point role for one or more quality system essentials (QSE) as requested by the laboratory supervisor.
• Ensure standards and the quality of laboratory procedures by strictly following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Adhere to biosafety measures adopted in the laboratory, being responsible for the safety of oneself and others.
• Organize and operate activities on assigned stations for accurate, efficient, and timely delivery of results.
• Perform quality control and quality assurance activities for assigned stations and document results as required.
• Facilitate laboratory equipment maintenance to ensure these are in good working order and operate equipment appropriately following SOPs.
• Facilitate laboratory stock management and monitor that the equipment and consumables are sufficient for the anticipated work.
• Alert the laboratory supervisor to any problems related to operations, including equipment, stock management, and biosafety.
• Facilitate maintenance of established systems of organized record keeping and information management for timely delivery of results, data collection, analysis, and reporting for laboratory monitoring and facilitation of operational research.
• Develop and/or update SOPs in coordination with the laboratory supervisor.
• Participate in the improvement of the service system according to the adopted work plan in the laboratory.
• Manage and meet client expectations by prioritizing interests and providing services with guiding principles of patients’ dignity, beneficence, and non-maleficence in a courteous manner.
• Ensures compliance with IOM instruction INS 278 and undertakes all designated mandatory training.
• Assist with the coordinations with the staff in the mPDA team, the Migrant Health Assessment Centre and IOM country missions when needed.
• Participate in the organization and preparation of the mobile missions and training sessions when required.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma from an accredited academic institution in Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology or a related discipline in countries where the scope of responsibilities are fulfilled according to national regulations.
• A valid license to practice, if applicable

Experience

• Three years for Bachelor’s degree holder and five years for diploma holders of relevant clinical laboratory experience in a busy institution, preferably in a laboratory;
• Relevant technical knowledge and practices to personnel and laboratory operations;
• Knowledge and experience in clinical laboratory techniques;
• Knowledge of laboratory quality management systems;
• Knowledge of the principles and practices laboratory biosafety;
• Computer literate with understanding of accurate data collection and analysis for monitoring and continuous improvement of laboratory services and performances; and,
• Good awareness of the laboratory role in health systems, optional use of resources for quality and efficient services delivery.

Skills

• Effectively applies and transfers relevant technical knowledge and practices to personnel and laboratory operations;
• Organizational skills;
• Communication skills;
• Good computer skills, especially in Microsoft Excel is essential.

Languages

• Fluency in both written and spoken English and Kiswahili is required. Knowledge of French is an advantage.

Required Competencies

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 1

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way

Submit cover letter indicating the Position Title & Vacancy Notice Number (Laboratory Technologist- IOMRONBO/VN/034/2023), and CV with telephone and e-mail contacts including 3 Referees (Supervisors) to: IOM, RO Human Resources Department, via e-mail to ronairobihrdrec@iom.int