Sub-Regional Laboratory Coordinator for East and Horn of Africa at International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Health Assessment Programme Coordinator and direct supervision of the Senior Regional Laboratory Coordinator for Africa and Middle East, the Sub-Regional Laboratory Coordinator for East and Horn of Africa will be responsible for coordinating the laboratory services with respect to migration Health Assessment Programmes (HAP) and other programmes or projects implemented by the IOM Migration Health Division in EHoA region. IOM laboratory services typically focus on the effective diagnosis of selected health conditions for the purpose of ensuring migrants’ health is properly addressed and to protect public health of host- and receiving communities

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and guide IOM Laboratory services in the EHoA Region for quality, effective, timely and cost-effective service delivery to IOM programmes and projects by identifying the best practices and adopting these across the region.
• Establish laboratory services in IOM operations, to support and respond to HAP needs. Determine and advise on the mode of obtaining laboratory services via either the establishment of IOM laboratories or sub-contracting external laboratory providers.
• Conduct, in collaboration with management, periodic in-depth review of IOM laboratory services in the EHoA Region for evaluating effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and optimum utilization of services to inform strategy adaptation or development.
• Facilitate the implementation of a global standardization plan of laboratory services across the region by preparing guidelines for the laboratories to be converted into Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); monitor international laboratory standards and advise on means of adopting these to the best level possible considering realities and regulations of countries of operation. Participate in development of monitoring tools, review processes for Migration Health Division (MHD) programmes and projects.
• Advise laboratory and other medical programme staff in the Region on laboratory related matters and assist in finding solutions, including effective diagnostic tools for disease detection, equipment needs, procurement, quality system setup, training and performance monitoring.
• Implement, in collaboration with IOM laboratories, the laboratory quality management system for continuous quality monitoring and improvement. Facilitate to or provide training to IOM laboratory staff in the development, implementation and monitoring of internal laboratory policies, work plan, performance monitoring and service improvement.
• Guide laboratory supervisors in developing long term strategic and work plans addressing the needs of each laboratory aligned with MHD and EHoA regional strategies to improve the health status of migrants through enhanced diagnostic capacity.
• Analyze IOM laboratory produced data and monitor laboratory services to ensure that quality and standards are met in accordance with international standards and requirements of host and receiving countries in IOM and contracted health facilities in the Region and advise on corrective action to be taken.
• Liaise with IOM medical teams in the region, health assessment officials from resettlement countries, with national counterparts, governmental and non-governmental entities, and professional bodies. Liaise with other IOM Departments and Country Offices’ management to ensure required goals are met.
• Undertake travel duty within the region to evaluate and oversee the quality of laboratory services for migrant populations. Undertake such travels on behalf of government and technical partners.
• Promote IOM activities and prepare proposals to develop projects and programmes to expand IOM laboratory services in the Region.
• Participate in annual HAP activities planning, review and verify, or prepare budgets related to laboratory services components; advise on optimal resources utilization.
• Replace the Regional Laboratory Coordinator in his/her absence.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Professional management experience in a laboratory in an international setting.
• Experience in the interpretation and quality control measures of the laboratory results and procedures.
• Previous work experience in tuberculosis bacteriology and HIV, syphilis and malaria testing required.

Skills

• Excellent communication, negotiation, interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Managerial and/or supervisory experience is a distinct advantage.
• Strong analytical and creative thinking.
• Ability to work with colleagues from varied cultures and professional background.
• Demonstrated gender awareness and gender sensitivity.
• Personal commitment, efficiency, flexibility and drive for results.
• Excellent computer skills knowledge with laboratory databases required