Laboratory Technician

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.

The UNV Laboratory Technician is responsible for the sampling, transporting and analysis of water and wastewater samples collected from different sampling locations and sites in the mission area in Somalia. The incumbent will be based in Mogadishu and travels and stays frequently to the sectors including Forward Operation Bases (FOBs) and Battalion locations as required to implement the water and wastewater quality analysis.

Under the direct supervision of the Water and Sanitation unit Chief and overall supervision of the Chief of Engineering and Facilities Management Section the UNV Laboratory Technician will ibe responsible for the sampling, transporting and analysis of water and wastewater samples collected from different sampling locations and sites in the mission area in Somalia and monitoring Missions water and wastewater activities comply with the WHO and environmental standards as well as UN Department of Field Operations (UN-DOS) agreed guidelines.

Duties shall include, but not be limited, to the following: • Carrying out water quality surveillance • Carrying out water quality analysis to ensure continuous supply of water that meet WHO Drinking Water Quality Guidelines • Prepare water & waste water quality monitoring schedules, • Conduct on-site water & waste water sampling and quality testing • Carry out detailed laboratory analysis for physical, chemical and micro-bacteriological quality parameters, preparing reports on the status of the water quality and providing recommendations to the water treatment plant operators. • Ensure proper update of the database on the water quality surveillance. • Carry out training to ATMIS, SNA, FGS, and UNSOS Personnel on water quality testing and analysis, equipment maintenance, record keeping and process control of water treatment. • Carrying out wastewater quality surveillance to ensure quality confirm to environmental standard and acceptable levels for reuse in watering plants, flushing toilets, fire-fighting, washing vehicles, construction and dust control • Conduct advanced water quality analysis related to forensic toxicology • Conduct advanced wastewater quality analysis including but not limited to Cholera Vibrios and other enteric pathogens • Carrying out operation and first level maintenance of laboratory equipment for ensuring their proper operation. • Carry out process control of the drinking water and waste water treatment • Provide monitoring and quality control for disposal of hazardous materials and liquid waste in an acceptable environment standard. • Prepare annually laboratory equipment and chemical requirement for acquisition planning and replenishment • Travel to front locations (FOBs and Battalion locations) and conduct on site water and waste water quality analysis as a routine support to TCC (troop) and PCC (police contributing country). • Prepare water quality analysis reports on weekly, monthly basis and whenever required.

Professionalism – A certified quality analyst with thorough knowledge of operation of water and wastewater laboratory instruments, preparing of reagents, water and wastewater sampling, transporting and analysis of water and waste water samples. Planning and organization – Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor work plans Technology Awareness – Practical knowledge, understanding practical experience in quality analysis of influent and effluent from Water and Waste/Sewage Treatment Plants Teamwork – Good interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationship with colleagues and subordinates. Communication – Good written and oral skills, including ability to prepare and present concise oral and written engineering, facilities and environmental management reports, briefing, updates and other documentations

in Vibrios as well as other enteric pathogens, physical, chemical and microbiological quality analysis. Experience with standard techniques and practices for operation and maintenance of various types of water and wastewater laboratory instruments and preparation of reagents. Proven Ability to work with computer software such as Words, Excel, Internet, Emails,etc.

General: Mogadishu is the HQ of UN operations in Somalia area and is a non-family duty sta-tion. The UN Volunteer will be subject to the overall direction and guidance of the UN Desig-nated Official (DO) for security. The volunteer will be incorporated into all applicable security protocols and will be required to adhere to the guidelines, security plans and other directives issued by the DO. While in Somalia, the volunteer will be housed in UN provided accommoda-tion in the UN Compound at the Aden Abdulle International Airport (AAIA).

Accommodation: Due to the security situation in the UNSOS mission area and the fact that there is no private living accommodation, expatriate personnel deployed to Mogadishu are provided secure accommodation in a camp environment. Some accommodation (hard wall and prefabs) is paid for by UN personnel on a monthly basis, while bunkerized sea container accommodation is provided free of cost. UN-provided accommodation is equipped with basic furniture. Power and water are provided by the UN inside the camp to its occupants.

Food and Diet: There are UN Contractor-managed dining facilities within the UN Camp in Mogadishu where food can be purchased. Personnel may cook their own meals in common kitchens within the camp.

Health: Exposure exists to several tropical diseases. All medical formalities specified in the Offer or Travel Advisory should be completed before traveling. Yellow Fever vaccination is compulsory before coming to the mission area, while vaccinations for Hepatitis A & B, Ty-phoid, Tetanus/Diptheria, Polio and Meningitis are recommended. Vaccination Card (yellow card) must be brought. Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended. Due to large number of various types of insects in the mission area, it is also recommended to use insecticide-impregnated nets and insect repellants. UN personnel have access during working hours to a Civilian Clinic inside the UNSOS Camp in Mogadishu.

Rest and Recuperation: International personnel, including UN Volunteers working in the UNSOS mission area are entitled to a Rest and Recuperation break after every four-week pe-riod in Somalia. Nairobi is the designated R&R location to which transportation is provided. R&R consists of five calendar days, with an additional two days of travel time. Accommoda-tion, meals and other expenses while on R&R are borne by the individual. The timing of when R& R is taken must be balanced against operational requirements.