Technical Officer, Laboratory Services

Volunteering Medical & Health

Overview

Support and implement laboratory services for health systems in Africa.

You have:

• Essential experience: practical and operational application and management of laboratory services.
• Some related experience in developing laboratory systems and/or networks at national and/or international level.
• Experience working in the African health context.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet.

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 overall objective of the Diagnostic and Laboratory Services Unit is to provide leadership and action in supporting Member States to strengthen the quality, safety, and efficacy of diagnostic and laboratory services for the prevention, detection, investigation, monitoring and eradication of diseases. This contributes to building and sustaining resilient health systems that provide equitable access to quality essential health services to people across the life course using people-centered approaches towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the WHO African Region. The Unit supports countries in translating national laboratory policies, strategies, plans and guidelines into actions in the following areas: strengthening of human resource capacities; laboratory-based surveillance and control activities; evidence-based selection and rational use of diagnostics and laboratory technologies; expansion of access to biomedical engineering services, diagnostic imaging and other diagnostics; establishment of regional laboratory networks; promotion of the integration agenda in the synergistic implementation of laboratory-based interventions, strategies and programmes; and support to the resource mobilization efforts of Member States. The goal is to enable countries in the WHO African Region to ensure evidence-based policies and strategies are in place to achieve universal access to high-quality, integrated, people-centered health services, increase the coverage and quality of effective interventions, and to create mechanisms to measure the impact of those strategies and interventions.

• Support the development and implementation of regional strategies and plans for strengthening national laboratory services, in close collaboration with other team members and laboratory staff covering related disciplines in other AFRO programmes, in order to ensure efficiency and synergy in addressing the health needs of people across the life course, while collaborating with HQ and external partners; • Support the review of national regulations, norms and standards for diagnostics and health laboratories; • Support capacity-building of countries for functional, national health laboratory systems; • Manage regional networks of laboratories; • Support the development of related workplans and budgetary proposals as required within the framework of WHO staff Rules and Regulations, financial rules and AFRO accepted procedures. • Collaborate with Clusters and units and provide support for the implementation of programmes and projects with laboratory component; • Provide technical support to countries to enhance their laboratory-based preparedness and response as part of the core capacity building for the International Health Regulations, in collaboration with the EPR Cluster; • Support the development and implementation of quality programmes for diagnostic and laboratory services, including national and external quality-control programs, biosafety, maintenance, and metrology; • Produce regular reporting on laboratory systems and services in the Region, including the preparation and submission of regular progress reports and document key achievements and best practices on laboratory systems; • Promote the development and implementation of regulatory functions for diagnostic and laboratory services; • Contribute to resource mobilization for the Cluster’s programmes, in collaboration with EPG, ORD and WCOs; • Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organizing • Professionalism • Self-management • Teamwork • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences. • Communication • Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond • Promoting WHO’s position in health leadership. • Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Clinical laboratory, Public Health laboratory, Health products quality control Laboratory.

Essential experience: practical and operational application and management of laboratory services, laboratory diagnosis of diseases at the national and/or international level. Some related experience in developing laboratory systems and/or networks at national and/or international level. Experience in working in the African health context.

Desirable experience: Planning and implementing laboratory trainings at national and regional levels, practicing laboratory-based research including evaluating novel diagnostics assays, Working with UN organizations/agencies, health cluster partners, institutions or nongovernmental organizations, particularly in Africa.

Other required technical knowledge: • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in human rights, equity, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The Republic of Congo is a low-middle income country, located in Central Africa sub-region.The country shares boundaries with Gabon in the South-West, Cameroon and Central Republic Africain the North and North East, the Democratic Republic of Congo in the East, Angola and Atlantic Ocean in the South. Since 2014, the Republic of Congo is experiencing an economic downturn, affecting the economic growth (-5 per cent in 2017). Because of the persistent drop in the price of oil, this situation drove to the decline of the gross domestic product per capita, from $3,196 in 2013 to $1,658 in 2017. Nevertheless, the country is globally stable and safe in the main urban and rural areas. Frequent disruptions are recorded in the electricity supply, particularly in Brazzaville (political capital) and Pointe-Noire (economic capital). The living cost is relatively affordable, but some concerns with the cost of decent housing should be noted. The population enjoys dressing in style and loves music both profane and religious. According to United Nations security standards, life and travel in Brazzaville and in the other areas major are secure.

Republic of Congo is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org