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.

UNMISS was established in 2011 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO); subsequently, UNMISS mandate has been renewed through resolutions 2057 (2012), 2109 (2013), 2155 (2014), 2187 (2014), 2223 (2015), 2241 (Dec. 2015), 2304 (2016) and 2327 (2016), 2392 (Dec. 2017), 2406 (Mar. 2018), 2459 (Mar. 2019), 2514 (Mar. 2020), 2567 (Mar. 2021), 2625 (Mar. 2022).

Under the direct supervision direct supervision of Medical officers and guidance of CMO/DCMO (please complete with the function of the supervisor), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Collects samples from patients for Biochemistry, Hematology, Parasitological, Bacteriology, Immuno-Serology, sputum and other body fluids and conduct routine and other tests that the laboratory facilities can accommodate. • Collecting swabs for Ag/rtPCR tests(COVID-19) to perform the tests and transportation of samples as needed (like in EVD etc..outbreacks). • Assisting medical team in contact tracing for communicable diseases. • Manages the day-to-day administration of the laboratory including proper filing of patient records in the data management system. • Verifies and releases quality and reliable clinical test results of patients to Medical Officers. • Identifies and recommends quality control mechanisms and design laboratory modules and work plan that ensures safety and proper biohazard waste management. • Ensures proper handling and storage of human blood products meant for transfusion. • Ensures proper record keeping and strict confidentiality of patients’ records. • Monitors laboratory inventory and prepares requisitions for laboratory reagents and laboratory consumables in collaboration with the Pharmacy unit. • Ensures proper recording and reporting of laboratory data capturing the daily, monthly, and annual laboratory tests performed. • Contributes insights on various hospital-based infection control measures. • Performs a variety of procedures using established laboratory techniques on both manual and automated laboratory equipment. • Ensures the cleanliness, maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment, as well as reporting any equipment malfunction and initiating repairs when necessary by qualified repair technician. • Acts in a professional manner, reflecting the mission’s, philosophy and values. • Trains, assists and supervises the daily activities of the Laboratory Assistant (if any) as-signed to the medical section. • Performs any other duties as may be required by the Chief Medical Officer, Deputy Chief Medical Officer or Medical officer.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote capacity development activities and transfer of skills to national personnel during the assignment; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

• Integrity and professionalism • Accountability • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Communication • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Registered Medical Technologist with 5 years work experience in a tropical country.

Solid computer skills, including full proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word); other IT applications and office technology equipment;

Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and sound security awareness.

Living conditions vary between UNMISS duty stations. Each duty station where UNMISS has a field presence has basic residential camp facilities, which includes running water and electricity. Candidates should be aware that accommodation may be austere with the possibility of water shortages and power blackouts. On arrival in Juba accommodation will be on a share basis. Ablutions will also be shared. As the accommodation situation improves single unit accommodation, with an attached ablution, should become available in all locations. Hard wall accommodation is available in Juba.

All UNMISS duty stations apart from Entebbe, Uganda are considered non - family duty stations. The security level of UNMISS duty stations is classified by the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) who will brief on arrival. A number of locations in South Sudan are prone to conflict.

Primary health care services (preventive and curative) are provided in 11 United Nations Owned Equipment (UNOE) Level-I clinics, 21 Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) Level-I clinics, 4 COE Level-II medical facilities within the mission area and the establishment of contractual agreements for Level-III and Level-IIII care outside the mission area. The 4 Level-II facilities available in Juba, Bor, Malakal and Wau, run by the Troop Contributing Countries (TCC), take referrals from the Level-I clinics and provide hospital-based care.

The climate is tropical with a rainy season in many areas, which should normally span from around April to October. Ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions is essential.