Laboratory Specialist COVID

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

UNDP has been supporting the national Covid response utilizing a comprehensive approach, including UNVs for reinforcing the laboratory, monitoring and evaluation systems, epidemiology, and contact tracing and risk communication. The support of these international experts has effectively reinforced the national efforts by increasing the efficiency of the laboratory, the treatment of Covid patients and the way the impact of the pandemic is measured.

As the impact of the latest strain of the pandemic (Omicron) diminishes in the country, the laboratory needs to keep on reinforcing the search of new cases amongst the community. At the same time, the laboratory needs to train its team ensuring that best practices in PCR analysis are preserved; at the same time, the laboratory expert needs to promote research on key issues, specifically supporting molecular biology activities .

The iUNV works under the supervision of the Health and Social projects Coordinator, in close coordination with the Laboratory Coordinator. The Laboratory Expert will be permanently based at the Tuberculosis Referral Laboratory, of the HAM. Being permanently at the laboratory, during his day-by-day activities the Laboratory Expert will report to the Laboratory Coordinator

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Program Coordinator for Health and Social projects or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Laboratory expert will:

1. Conduct PCR tests for Covid as decided by the Ministry of Health. Despite the recent decline in the number of new cases, the country will remain vigilant on new surges of Covid cases. The role of the Laboratory expert will be to conduct these tests at the Tuberculosis referral laboratory and organize community testing, including taking samples, when needed.

PCR for Covid testing will need to be continuously done for epidemiologic and clinical research. Contact tracing will need to be supported, either by conducting Antigen tests, Genexpert or any other of test. At the same time, the Laboratory expert will conduct PCR for another virus or micro-organism, as needed in the laboratory.

2. Lead the preparation of the National Laboratory Plan. Sao Tome and Principe needs to update the National Laboratory Plan. Under the supervision of the Laboratory Coordinator and UNDP health/social Coordinator, the iUNV Laboratory Expert will propose an updated version of the Plan, following the guidelines provided by the Laboratory Coordinator. An updated National Laboratory Plan is considered a deliverable for this iUNV.

3. Support the design and implementation of a Genexpert national strategy. The Global Fund has provided several Genexpert equipment for the laboratory. The Laboratory Expert will design a Genexpert strategy and a plan, in order to guarantee an optimized utilization of these crucial equipment, including planning of supplies. A national strategy for Genexpert is considered a deliverable for this iUNV.

4. Organize the training of the national team of laboratory technicians. The iUNV must train the national team of the laboratory. He will present a curriculum for the training and will organize the logistics and planning for the training, which will include a theoretical and hands-on sessions, as well as a comprehensive evaluation of results. The curricula for training and the results will be considered a deliverable for this iUNV. Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

5. Promote clinical research in the molecular biology field. Jointly with the Coordinator of the Laboratory and with the support of UNDP´s health and social projects Coordinator, the Laboratory Expert will support on-going clinical research and will propose new initiatives.

6. To follow up the implementation of Global Fund/UNDP projects. UNDP is implementing key projects at the hospital and the laboratory in Sao Tome. The iUNV will support the Health and Social Coordinator by following these initiatives, following payments and supervising activities.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP´s procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and The Global Fund in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: This is a very important competency. The ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, • Commitment to continuous learning and public health research: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

PCR test, molecular biology. - Experience during Covid pandemic - Experience in conducting PCR in African settings - Experience in training and coaching teams at the laboratory - Experience in infection control management at laboratories and hospitals

The Republic of Sao Tome and Principe is a small island country located in the Gulf of Guinea. The security situation is excellent, with low banditry. Sao Tome is a town of around 80,000 habitants, with a central historic district, and roads without maintenance. There are frequent and water electricity cuts.

The Saotomense people is kind and generous, open to expatriates. The cost of living can be considered high, as all commodities and manufactured products are imported. The capital city is surrounded by beaches and the country is characterized by a luxuriant vegetation and beautiful landscapes, easily accessible from the capital. The city has plenty restaurants, with international and local cuisine available.

Dress code is very relaxed and alcohol consumption is allowed everywhere. Banking facilities are limited, but ATMs are available in Sao Tome and Principe localities. Medical facilities are scarce and low quality. The city has air connections to Portugal with 2 airlines. There are also weekly flights to Gabon, Ghana, and Angola.

Sao Tome is considered a success story of stability and development in Africa; UNDP is one of the main development agencies in the country. Living in the country can be challenging, but the results and the working environment is relaxed and can be very rewarding.