Laboratory Technician (ELISA)

Organizational Setting

This position is in FMD-FAO Project Office Islamabad, Pakistan and the incumbent will be based at National Veterinary Laboratories (NVL), Islamabad. FAO Project and NVL work closely for the diagnosis of FMD in the country. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

Under overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Pakistan (FAOR) and under direct supervision of the Project Coordinator and Assistant FAOR (Program); the Laboratory Technician (ELISA) will be responsible for the below mentioned tasks and responsibilities.

Technical Focus

• The Laboratory Technician will be a part of the FMD-FAO Project Team.
• Liaison with Project staff, provincial diagnostic laboratories and relevant stakeholders for smooth implementation of activities
• According to the needs, prepare detailed implementation plan of the allotted activities (project work plan, procurement plan).
• Undertake diagnostic tests for FMD
• Prepare Lab Reports for the FMD Management Specialist and other Project staff

Tasks and responsibilities

• Develop and maintain record of all SOPs being used to process samples in the lab
• Ensure that all equipment are in good working condition
• Prepare a list of all expendables for procurement required for routine use in the lab
• Prepare specifications of all reagents/media for procurement
• Maintain record of all expendables and non-expendables
• Keep record of all samples received for FMD diagnosis in the lab.
• Process samples for virus FMD diagnosis through ELISA and keep record of results for sharing with the Project staff on regular basis
• Assist FMD Management Specialist in the procurement of all expendables and non-expendables as required
• Assist to organize training workshops for the provincial lab staff
• Assist the Project staff in the shipment of samples to the FMD-World Reference Lab UK or other reference labs for further analysis
• Coordinate with the staff of Virus isolation and PCR labs for sharing samples for further analysis and characterization
• Assist NFO-Diagnosis and Project Associate in the development of technical material
• Perform any other duty as required by the Project staff

Minimum Requirements****CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

• Minimum qualification is graduation in veterinary sciences, Medical Laboratory science or Microbiology . Preference will be given to the candidate having research degree (M.Sc./ M.Phil).
• A minimum of one year of work experience in the field of ELISA and laboratory work.
• A working knowledge of the English language and ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams is essential.
• National of Pakistan

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in the laboratory to handle and process infectious material for ELISA;
• Willingness to undertake field visits when required in remote environments and interact with different stakeholders, especially primary stakeholders for the collection of samples;
• Experience in similar settings would be considered a distinct advantage
• Understanding of the purpose and functions of technical programmes, operational guidelines and programme/project management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO would be considered an added asset
• Good knowledge of common administrative and financial rules and regulations
• Good knowledge of communication and documentation standards

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be assessed against the requirements listed above.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/