Laboratory Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the World Health Organization (WHO), which is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO focuses on various health issues, including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response, and works closely with countries to improve health outcomes.

Job Overview:
The Laboratory Assistant position is part of the Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) within the WHO. The primary function of this role is to manage the reception, registration, and traceability of incoming epidemiological and entomological samples. The Laboratory Assistant will ensure compliance with established standards for collection, preservation, packaging, and shipment of samples while maintaining proper chain-of-custody procedures. The role involves performing pre-analytical and analytical laboratory procedures, including the preparation and processing of samples, operation, calibration, and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment. Additionally, the Laboratory Assistant will support molecular analysis workflows, particularly polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays used in onchocerciasis surveillance. The position also requires collaboration with the ESPEN laboratory team and other WHO units to ensure the accuracy and consistency of laboratory results shared with Member States. The Laboratory Assistant will contribute to capacity-building activities by participating in training and mentorship initiatives aimed at strengthening national laboratory capacities in molecular diagnostics and surveillance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Laboratory Assistant include:

• Managing the reception, registration, and traceability of incoming epidemiological and entomological samples, ensuring compliance with established standards.
• Performing pre-analytical and analytical laboratory procedures, including sample preparation and processing.
• Operating, calibrating, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment.
• Supporting molecular analysis workflows, particularly PCR assays for onchocerciasis surveillance.
• Contributing to vector processing and identification activities, applying cytotaxonomy techniques as necessary.
• Implementing quality assurance systems by maintaining laboratory records, verifying quality controls, and ensuring adherence to biosafety standards.
• Maintaining laboratory inventories, including reagents, consumables, and equipment.
• Supporting routine laboratory operations such as equipment maintenance, cold chain monitoring, and waste management.
• Collaborating with the ESPEN laboratory team and other WHO units to interpret and verify laboratory outputs. 1
• Participating in training and mentorship initiatives to strengthen national laboratory capacities. 1
• Performing other related duties as required or instructed.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Laboratory Assistant position include:

• Essential: Completion of secondary education, supplemented by training in the field of molecular biology.
• Desirable: A university degree in biological sciences or molecular biology, along with certifications in laboratory quality management systems would be an asset.
• Essential: 10 years of experience in molecular testing using PCR, specifically the pool screening method for blackflies.
• Desirable: Experience in identifying onchocerciasis vectors by cytotaxonomy would be an asset.
• The incumbent must demonstrate sound technical knowledge of molecular biology laboratory procedures, including sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, and PCR techniques used in epidemiological and entomological surveillance.
• A good understanding of laboratory quality assurance systems, including internal quality control processes, validation procedures, and biosafety standards, is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Laboratory Assistant position includes:

• Essential: Completion of secondary education with training in molecular biology.
• Desirable: A university degree in biological sciences or molecular biology, along with certifications or attestations of training in laboratory quality management systems would be advantageous.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Laboratory Assistant position includes:

• Essential: A minimum of 10 years of experience in the field of molecular testing, specifically using PCR tests with the pool screening method for blackflies.
• Desirable: Experience in the identification of onchocerciasis vectors through cytotaxonomy would be beneficial.

Languages:
The mandatory and good to have languages for the position include:

• Essential: Expert knowledge of French is required.
• Intermediate knowledge of English is also necessary.
• Desirable: A working knowledge of any other UN official language would be an asset.

Additional Notes:
Additional notes regarding the Laboratory Assistant position include:

• WHO offers an attractive remuneration package, with an annual net base salary starting at XOF 16,659,000, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance.
• Staff members receive 30 days of annual leave.
• The position is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station.
• Candidates separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or asynchronous video assessment may be used for screening.
• WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States.