Laboratory Technician

Result of Service Delivery of laboratory services to all UNISFA locations.

Work Location Abyei

Expected duration 6 months, with an assumed average working time of 22 days per month. Extension subject to funding availability/continued requirement.

Duties and Responsibilities The incumbent will provide both routine and specialized laboratory testing services and ensure reliable access of all UNISFA personnel to efficient rt-PCR and routine medical laboratory services COVID-19 RT-PCR Laboratory Services - Collect nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal samples from patients/clinical suspects and process for COVID-19 PCR diagnostic testing - Ensure efficient service provision to all staff members requiring COVID-19 rt-PCR testing for travelling purposes - Provide technical expertise and strengthen capacity for the Laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 in all sectors under the mission’s area of responsibility - Coordinate the laboratory pillar activities for the COVID-19 pandemic response within the Mission Area - Provide technical expertise and operational support to strengthen COVID-19 Contact tracing and surveillance efforts by the Medical Unit - Facilitate the development of a standard framework for COVID-I9 laboratory services including, laboratory analysis, interpretation and reporting based on current diagnostic practices and guidelines, quality management practices, use of laboratory information management systems and safe work practices - Adapt global guidance and facilitate development of a standard framework for COVID-I9 laboratory services including, laboratory analysis, interpretation and reporting based on current diagnostic practices and guidelines, quality management practices, use of laboratory information management systems and safe work practices - Provide technical oversight and support for logistics management of COVID-19 laboratory consumables, kits, and reagents - Provide technical support and coordinate quality management system (Biosafety, waste management, equipment management/maintenance, stock/inventory management) for the COVID-19 PCR laboratory - Contribute to development of information and technical documents, situation reports, data analysis and strategic planning in support of the current COVID-19 response within the mission area - Adapt global guidance and facilitate the development of relevant protocols, guidelines, documents, and SOPs, to ensure that best practices and standards are operationalized and maintained at the PCR Laboratory - Liaise with Focal persons from the National Public Health Laboratory to ensure that essential requirements and guidelines are observed to facilitate the smooth functioning of the COVID-19 Lab - Collaborate with the Medical team to strengthen their COVID-19 emergency preparedness, readiness, and response systems and activities, while facilitating laboratory, and clinical management of diagnosed persons - Provide Administrative support to the Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19 Laboratory related issues - Any other duty assigned by the Chief Medical Officer

Routine Laboratory Services - Manage the Level 1 Clinic laboratory to ensure smooth operation of day-to-day functions - Draw blood samples/receive specimen/body fluids from patients (applying international sterilization and bio safety standards) for biochemistry, Hematology, Parasitology, Bacteriology, Immuno-serology tests that the laboratory can accommodate - Perform diagnostic and screening laboratory tests using the available equipment and - instruments - Perform all laboratory tests as requested by the Medical Doctor in a prompt and - professional manner - Release reports of tests to the Medical Officer in a timely manner, ensuring confidentiality - Ensure proper record-keeping of patients' information with strict adherence to confidentiality protocols within the electronic data management system - Identify and recommend quality control mechanisms and design laboratory modules and workplan that ensures safety and proper biohazard waste management - Promote Lab systems strengthening and capacity for efficient service provision and release of reliable test results by ensuring that Standard Operating Procedures are adopted, and other quality control measures are implemented - Perform routine calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment with timely adherence to planned preventive maintenance cycle - Ensure effective communication and coordination with maintenance technicians and prompt facilitation of on-site equipment servicing and repairs when needed - Collaborate with the pharmacy and logistics unit to ensure timely requisition for the supply of Lab essentials, consumables, and reagents, with proper stock-taking and inventory to avoid wastages and stock-out issues - Liaise with relevant logistics sections to coordinate the transportation and delivery of essential cold chain laboratory reagents and Human Blood units to Level 2 Hospital within the mission area - In close coordination with the Medical Officers, assist with HIV Voluntary Confidential Counselling and Testing (VCCT) program, following current international standard and guidelines - Ensure that results for patients using VCCT services are managed in a confidential and - timely manner - Identify challenges to laboratory service provision and collaborate with Clinic team members to match client needs with appropriate solution - Support the implementation of Medical Section’s workplan by providing technical assistance for infection prevention and control activities, and health promotion campaign within the mission area - Support administrative activities by developing technical reports, workplans, monthly & quarterly Laboratory progress reports - Foster a positive work environment and promote achievement of the various preventive and curative health campaign objectives, by maintaining collaborative working relationships with multicultural team members - Any other duty as assigned by the Chief Medical Officer

Qualifications/special skills Competency: Professionalism: Ability to analyze and produce laboratory results with maximum precision leading to reliable results. Demonstrates initiative and professional judgment in applying SOPs, Rules & Regulations to cover special cases and in exceptional circumstances. Strict adherence to prevailing policies governing UN staff conduct and responsibilities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently. Academic Qualifications: University degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences is required. Additional qualification in relevant areas will be an advantage. National Registration and License are essential. Experience: At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in medical laboratory services and diagnosis including molecular biology techniques (mainly PCR techniques) is required. Recent dealing with COVID-19 testing is essential, and experience of working and possibly managing a government approved Laboratory is highly advantageous. Hands-on experience, particularly in support of peacekeeping or a related field mission is desirable. Language: French and English are the working languages of the United Nations. For this position, fluency in English (written and oral) is required.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.