Laboratory Assistant

Job Description

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.rescue.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 40 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies.

The IRC began programming in northern Uganda in 1998 in response to mass displacement and devastation wrought by rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army. In 2002, the IRC expanded to the remote, conflict-affected region of Karamoja and in 2011, began working with refugees in Kampala. Monitoring the influx of South Sudanese refugees at the end of 2015, the IRC began scaling up its response to refugees arriving in the West Nile region. By promoting durable solutions that deliver on the interdependent aims of saving lives, strengthening institutions, and supporting social cohesion, the IRC in Uganda is laying the building blocks for long-term stability and development –bringing people from harm to home. The IRC currently works in 8 districts in Uganda, including Kitgum, Lamwo, Kyegegwa, Yumbe, Kirandongo, Arua, Kasese and Kampala.

The IRC is currently implementing its health and nutrition program in West Nile and Acholi focusing on providing primary health care services to refugees in their settlements.

Job Overview: Carry out routine and specialized laboratory investigations for the diagnosis, treatment and control of diseases.

Key Performance Indicators: •Manage the laboratory sections to which you are assigned. •Maintain high professional and technical standards in the laboratory. •Support sample and results transportation

Duties and Responsibilities: •Collect, receive, evaluate and process various biological specimen for analysis. •Perform laboratory tests accurately and in a timely manner to produce reliable test results. •Review and verify test results, confirm panic values and abnormal results before release to clinicians. •Maintain and keep updated records of all laboratory samples and results transported collected, investigations and procedures performed, and results generated and delivered. •Correctly operate equipment/instruments, perform routine function checks, troubleshoot if unacceptable and document corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from established specifications. •Maintain a safe and tidy work area and follow safety procedures. •Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies and document procedural calibrations and maintenance activities. •Participate in External Quality Assessment schemes and ensure proficiency test panels are handled in the same manner as routine (patient) samples. •Order supplies, update stock cards and maintain an inventory of all equipment and reagents. •Promptly report and document all laboratory-related accidents (injuries and exposures) and unsafe conditions to the immediate supervisor. •Participate in laboratory departmental meetings, trainings, supervisions, orientations and audits as may be required. Undertake such work as permitted to you effectively and efficiently, in compliance with approved guidelines. •Work flexible hours according to the laboratory requirements, as decided by management. •Effectively communicate in a friendly, helpful and non-prejudicial manner in your dealings with laboratory customers. •Observe privacy and maintain confidentiality on matters pertaining to patients and staff and must only be discussed in the course of your duty.

Qualifications

•A Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology from a recognizable institution. •Must be registered with Allied Health Professional Council with a valid practicing license. •At least 2 years’ experience working in a busy laboratory setting •Basic knowledge of performing quality controls and quality assurance regarding HIV testing. •Knowledge of good laboratory practice •Good written and verbal communication or interpersonal skills is a must.

Working Environment: Field base work environment, computer shall be provided depending on availability for report writing, etc.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.