Laboratory Assistant

Contract

This is a G-7 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 2,365 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN), within the DPC cluster, supports Member States in achieving the elimination of priority neglected tropical diseases through integrated, evidence-basedand people-centredapproaches. The programme focuses on generating strategic information, strengthening laboratory capacity, and supporting countries in decision-making processes required to stop mass drug administration and verify elimination.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Manages the reception, registration and trace ability of incoming epidemiological and entomological samples, ensuring compliance with established standards for collection, preservation, packaging and shipment, and maintaining proper chain-of-custody procedures. Performs pre-analytical and analytical laboratory procedures, including preparation and processing of samples, operation, calibration and basic trouble shooting of laboratory equipment, and provides support to molecular analysis workflows such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays used in onchocerciasis surveillanceContributes to vector processing and identification activities, including the application of cytotaxonomy techniques where applicable, ensuring that all laboratory work is conducted in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs).Supports the implementation of quality assurance systems by maintaining laboratory records and log books, verifying quality controls, ensuring adherence to biosafety standards, and contributing to validation and reliability of laboratory resultsMaintains laboratory inventories, including reagents, consumables, equipment and sample repositories, and supports routine laboratory operations such as equipment maintenance and calibration, cold chain monitoring, waste management, and preparation for audits and quality assessments.Collaborates with the ESPEN laboratory team and other WHO units in the interpretation andverification of laboratory outputs, ensuring accuracy and consistency of results shared with Member States.Contributes to countrys upport and capacity-building activities by participating in training, mentorship and technical assistance initiatives aimed at strengthening national laboratory capacities in molecular diagnostics and surveillance.Perform other related duties as required or instructed, including providing support to other areas of work.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Completion of secondary education, supplemented by training in the field of molecular biology. Desirable: University degree in biological sciences/molecular biology and certifications/attestations of training in laboratory quality management systems would be an asset.

Experience

Essential: 10 yearsof experience in the field of molecular testing using polymerase chainreaction (PCR) test using the pool screening method for blackflies Desirable: Experience in identification of onchocerciasis vectors by cytotaxonomy would be an asset.

Skills

The incumbent is required to demonstrate sound technical knowledge of molecular biology laboratory procedures, including sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques used in epidemiological and entomological surveillance. A good understanding of laboratory quality assurance systems, including internal quality control processes, validation procedures and biosafety standards, is essential to ensure the reliability and accuracy of laboratory results.Good hand-eye coordination, especially when using needles and microscopes during collection and preparation of specimens for analysis.Attention to detail and good organizational skillsUnderstanding of electronic and computerized equipment in laboratoriesAble to follow instructions and strictly follow proceduresGood level of computer literacy; the ability to analyze and manage electronic information.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communication Moving forward in a changing environment Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of English. Desirable: Working knowledge of any other UN official language.

REMUNERATION

WHO offers staff in the General Services category an attractive remuneration package, which for the above position includes an annual net base salary starting at XOF 16,659,000 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration according to the applicable regulatory framework.

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and eManual.

• The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.

• WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at [email protected].

• This post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station.

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