Lab Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International is an international non-profit organization dedicated to partnering with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disasters. Established over 60 years ago, the organization has evolved through mergers and alliances among four entities, namely Relief International, Inc., Relief International-France, Relief International-UK, and Relief International-Europe. With a workforce of more than 7,000 staff and local volunteers, Relief International operates in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The organization focuses on providing essential services in Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods programming. Their approach is characterized by being safe, local, conflict-sensitive, climate-smart, evidence-based, and aimed at reaching those in need. Relief International's mission is to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and wellbeing in fragile settings where communities face complex and interconnected crises that disrupt their social fabric.

Job Overview:
The Lab Assistant plays a critical role in conducting routine laboratory investigations for patients, which include tests for malaria, syphilis RDTs, haemoglobin testing using the Hemo cue machine, urine analysis for HCG, and other urinary tract infections, as well as testing for Enteric fever. This position requires a keen attention to detail and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. The Lab Assistant is expected to ensure that all laboratory procedures are conducted accurately and efficiently, contributing to the overall health outcomes of the patients served. The role also involves collaboration with clinical staff to ensure that laboratory results are integrated into patient care effectively. The Lab Assistant must be prepared to rotate to various clinical sites as operational needs dictate, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in their work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Lab Assistant's duties include accurately dispensing medications from the pharmacy to patients, ensuring that the correct medication, dose, route, and frequency are provided. They must check that prescribed doses align with established guidelines and promptly inform the Clinic in Charge of any discrepancies. The Lab Assistant is responsible for clearly marking medications and explaining dosages to patients, ensuring they can repeat the instructions accurately. They supervise the administration of the first dose of antibiotics, antimalarial, or other drugs as requested by the Clinical Officer, and explain potential side effects of medications to patients. Maintaining the pharmacy's security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and cleanliness is crucial, as is ensuring that all medications are stored properly and used before their expiry dates. The Lab Assistant must rotate to various clinical sites as needed, ensure adequate stock of medications and supplies, and liaise with clinic staff to compile weekly stock requests and inventory. They are also responsible for completing and submitting weekly consumption reports and accurately tracking the dispensing of all medications. Additional duties may be assigned by the line manager as required.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a Degree, Diploma, or Certificate in pharmacy or an equivalent qualification from a recognized health institution. A minimum of 1-2 years of relevant work experience is required, with previous experience in the health field or a related discipline being essential. Experience working in a refugee camp setting is considered a distinctive asset. Candidates should demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including patience, diplomacy, and a willingness to listen and respect colleagues and partners. Strong time management skills, resourcefulness, and attention to detail are critical for success in this role. Creativity and coordination skills are also highly valued.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Degree, Diploma, or Certificate in pharmacy or an equivalent qualification from a recognized health institution. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of medication management and laboratory procedures necessary for patient care.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 1-2 years of relevant work experience in the health sector or a related field. Previous experience, particularly in a refugee camp environment, is highly advantageous and will be considered a significant asset for applicants.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with patients and colleagues in the clinical setting. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This is a national position, and applicants must not have any criminal records or convictions related to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), Sexual Harassment, or Child Abuse cases. The organization emphasizes its commitment to humanitarian principles, including humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence. Relief International values inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, agility, innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. The application process requires candidates to submit non-returnable copies of a motivational letter, national ID, CV, and academic documents through Bamboo. Given the urgency of filling this position, shortlisting will occur on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date. Qualified females are highly encouraged to apply.