Regional Laboratory Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, providing services and advice to governments and migrants. The organization is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally while harnessing the full potential of migration. IOM operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration and health, and aims to improve the health status of migrants through enhanced diagnostic capacity and quality services.

Job Overview:
The Regional Laboratory Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating laboratory services within the framework of the Migration Health Division (MHD) activities in the Asia and Pacific Region. This role involves direct supervision from the Sr. Regional Health Assessment Programme (HAP) Coordinator and technical supervision from the Global Laboratory Coordinator. The successful candidate will coordinate IOM Laboratory Services to meet organizational goals for effective, high-quality services to migrants and mobile populations. The position requires establishing laboratory services to support the Health Assessment Programme (HAP) needs, advising on the mode of obtaining laboratory services, and conducting periodic reviews of laboratory services for effectiveness and cost-efficiency. The coordinator will also implement a standardization plan for laboratory services, prepare guidelines for laboratories, and monitor international laboratory standards. Additionally, the role includes providing training to laboratory staff, analyzing laboratory data, liaising with medical teams and health authorities, and promoting IOM activities to expand laboratory services in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional Laboratory Coordinator include coordinating laboratory services for quality and effective service delivery, establishing laboratory services in IOM operations, advising on laboratory service procurement, conducting in-depth reviews of laboratory services, implementing standard operating procedures, providing technical advisory on laboratory procurement, initiating and implementing laboratory quality management systems, training laboratory staff, guiding laboratory managers in strategic planning, analyzing laboratory data, liaising with medical teams and health authorities, writing research proposals, developing guidance notes, participating in international technical platforms, undertaking duty travel to evaluate laboratory services, promoting IOM activities, ensuring quality control and assurance systems, and participating in annual planning and budget preparation for laboratory services.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology, or a related field from an accredited institution, with seven years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a University degree in the same fields with nine years of relevant experience is acceptable. Mandatory qualifications include experience in setting up TB and serology laboratories according to international standards, demonstrated experience in implementing quality control and assurance principles, and experience in liaising with health authorities. Desirable qualifications include experience in developing laboratory information management systems, health assessments in the context of migration, and developing guidelines for laboratory services.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Candidates with a University degree in the same fields are also considered if they have additional relevant professional experience. The educational qualifications must be complemented by practical experience in laboratory settings, particularly in migration health contexts.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a Master’s degree, or nine years for those with a University degree. Experience must include setting up TB and serology laboratories in low-resource and high-incidence locations, implementing quality control and assurance principles, and coordinating with health authorities. Additional experience in health assessments related to migration and developing laboratory guidelines is advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, both oral and written. A working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage. Language proficiency will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to international recruitment, and candidates are required to be mobile. The selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar positions for 24 months. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including discrimination and harassment. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.