Laboratory Specialist at the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) - The Global Fund is a 21st-century organization designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria as epidemics. As a partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector and people affected by the diseases, the Global Fund mobilizes and invests nearly US$4 billion a year to support programs run by local experts in more than 140 countries. By challenging barriers and embracing innovative approaches, we are working together to better serve people affected by the diseases.

In close collaboration with the Federal government of Nigeria (FGoN) through the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health's National Products Supply Chain Management Programme (NPSCMP), we are embarking on an ambitious and innovative approach to the challenges across Nigeria's supply chain.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Laboratory Specialist

Vacancy Code: VA/2017/B5316/12359
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Contract type Local ICA Specialist
Contract level LICA Specialist-8
Duration 6 Months with possibility of extension

Background Information - Job-Specific

• To achieve this objective in its continuous efforts collaborating with Donors/Partners, the National Supply Chain Integration Project (NSCIP) was created in 2014 as a transitory mechanism to full Government ownership after a three year implementation. The goal of NSCIP is to improve on the effectiveness and efficiency of the national supply chain by removing duplications while promoting synergy; strengthening collaboration through mutual participation in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; skill transfer through improved local content participation in project execution which would in turn prevent stock outs of health products in store/facilities, minimise wastages and effectively run the entire system.

Functional Responsibilities

• The officer among other things will support and organizes laboratory related work by ensuring some documentations, quality assurances, equipment standards, trainings, consolidating laboratory data, supporting procurement, inventory, storage and distribution of laboratory commodities, and arranging reports for decision making.
• Maintains quality results by running standards and controls, verifying equipment function through routine equipment maintenance and advanced trouble shooting; calibrating equipment utilizing approved testing procedures; monitoring quality control measures and protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the Laboratory supplies and demand process including ordering, procurement, warehousing and distribution of laboratory supplies.
• Coordinate reports on Laboratory inventory and LMIS for the Project
• Support the Forecasting and Quantification of Laboratory commodities
• Development of standard tools for evaluation & troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
• Development & revision of Instrument maintenance policy and manuals.
• Liaising with manufacturer’s service engineers to ensure the continuous functionality of all laboratory equipment.
• Liaising closely with other medical professionals, such as doctors and nurses as well as with end-users (patients and their care-givers) to ensure proper understanding and utilization of laboratory protocols and equipment.
• Supporting and training of Secondary Health Facilities personnel on the protocols for quality in the laboratory.
• Plan, monitor and supervise mentoring and coaching of site personnel on Laboratory techniques.
• Track and diagnoses equipment malfunctions and dismantles and repairs equipment.
• Evaluate quality control and quality assurance statistics
• Develop and update SOP manuals as and when needed
• Design of protocols for efficient quality management of a clinical laboratory.
• Test new and improved laboratory methods and procedures.
• Prepare laboratory notes, charts and graphs and writes up results of examinations.
• Keep accurate monthly Laboratory Project Records
• Prepare & distribute testing panels for Quality Laboratory Assessment
• Management of staff Performance at Secondary Health Facilities Laboratories
• Serve as resource persons for GF laboratory trainings
• Trains or supervises training of partner laboratory staff.
• Preparation of training manuals
• On-site hands-on trainings on general Laboratory procedures
• Case-based demonstrations of proper laboratory procedures
• Auditing of the laboratory system
• Monitoring of product (laboratory reagents and supplies) consumption rate
• Monitoring of the storage condition of commodities at Health Facilities, zonal warehouses, laboratories etc.
• In collaboration with other program team members, ensure monthly collation of Laboratory data from the zonal warehouses
• Compile a comprehensive report for all laboratory item
• Facilitate sample logging between facilities to support a facility with faulty equipment.
• Ensure that there is no stock-out of reagents and supplies at facilities.

Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:

• Bachelor degree in Medical Laboratory technology, and related field.

Experience:

• 5 years of relevant work experience in managing laboratory supply chain in the development world.
• Experience working with the relevant health programs ATMRH would be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of donor government environment is required.
• Proficiency in Laboratory supply management system tracking and design.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills, as well as system troubleshooting.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills .
• Good interpersonal skills and a team player.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.

Language:

• Fluency in spoken and written English is required.

Competencies

• Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms.
• Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first.
• Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
• Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas.
• Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them.
• Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
• Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks.
• Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Functional Competencies:

• Strong problem solving and analytical skills, as well as system troubleshooting
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills
• Good interpersonal skills and a team player

Background Information - UNOPS

• UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.
• Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.
• Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.
• With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.
• A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

Contract Type, Level and Duration:

• Contract type: Local ICA Specialist
• Contract level: LICA 8
• Contract duration: 6 Months

Application Closing Date
5th June, 2017.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Mandatory cover letter: All applicants are requested to support their application by a one-page cover letter explaining the skills, experiences and characteristics that make them especially suited to the advertised position.