Laboratory Technologist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to become a leading organization in the field of migration, with over 173 member states and offices in more than 100 countries. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, and its mission includes addressing the challenges of migration, enhancing the understanding of migration issues, and providing services to migrants. IOM operates with a workforce of over 18,000 employees globally, working towards the goal of ensuring that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified for all individuals involved.

Job Overview:
The Laboratory Technologist position is crucial for providing technical support to laboratory services related to Migration Health Assessments and other programs implemented by the IOM Migration Health Division in Bujumbura, Burundi. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Chief of Mission and the Migration Health Physician, ensuring that laboratory procedures are performed accurately and efficiently. This role involves contributing to the implementation of laboratory quality management systems, adhering to biosafety measures, and ensuring the timely delivery of laboratory results. The Laboratory Technologist will also be responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, managing stock, and developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) in coordination with the laboratory supervisor. This position requires a commitment to high standards of quality and safety in laboratory operations, as well as effective communication and organizational skills to manage client expectations and deliver results.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform laboratory procedures as assigned by the laboratory supervisor for pre-examination, examination, and post-examination activities using standard relevant equipment.
• Contribute to the implementation of laboratory quality management systems under the guidance of the laboratory supervisor, taking on the focal point role for one or more quality system essentials (QSE) as requested.
• Ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to maintain the quality of laboratory procedures.
• Adhere to biosafety measures to ensure the safety of oneself and others in the laboratory environment.
• Organize and operate activities on assigned stations to ensure accurate, efficient, and timely delivery of results.
• Conduct quality control and quality assurance activities for assigned stations and document results as required.
• Facilitate maintenance of laboratory equipment to ensure it is in good working order and operated according to SOPs.
• Manage laboratory stock and monitor the sufficiency of equipment and consumables for anticipated work.
• Alert the laboratory supervisor to any operational problems, including those related to equipment, stock management, and biosafety. 1
• Maintain organized record-keeping and information management systems for timely delivery of results, data collection, analysis, and reporting for laboratory monitoring and operational research. 1
• Develop and/or update SOPs in coordination with the laboratory supervisor. 1
• Participate in the improvement of the service system according to the adopted work plan in the laboratory. 1
• Manage and meet client expectations by prioritizing interests and providing services with respect to patients’ dignity and safety. 1
• Ensure compliance with IOM instruction INS 278 and undertake all designated mandatory trainings. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or Diploma from an accredited academic institution in Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology, or a related discipline, with a valid license to practice if applicable. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Candidates should have three years of relevant clinical laboratory experience for Bachelor’s degree holders and five years for diploma holders, preferably in a busy laboratory setting. Additionally, candidates should have relevant technical knowledge and practices related to personnel and laboratory operations, knowledge of clinical laboratory techniques, laboratory quality management systems, and laboratory biosafety principles. Computer literacy and an understanding of accurate data collection and analysis for monitoring laboratory services are also required. Proven laboratory expertise and/or an advanced degree in laboratory specialization is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology, or a related field from an accredited institution. The institution must be recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. A valid license to practice in the relevant field is also necessary, where applicable. This educational foundation is essential for performing the technical duties associated with laboratory services and ensuring compliance with national regulations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant clinical laboratory experience for candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree, and five years for those with a diploma. Experience should preferably be in a busy laboratory environment, where candidates have gained relevant technical knowledge and practices related to laboratory operations. Familiarity with clinical laboratory techniques, quality management systems, and biosafety principles is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate proficiency in data collection and analysis for continuous improvement of laboratory services, as well as an understanding of the laboratory's role within health systems.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English and French is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in Kirundi and Swahili (oral and written) is desired. The proficiency in these languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. IOM's official languages are English, French, and Spanish, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their language skills as part of the recruitment process.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is Special Short Term Graded, with an initial duration of 6 months, extendable up to 9 months depending on funding and organizational needs. This position is classified at Grade G-5 and is part of the General Service recruitment type. The selection process may be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar roles for a period of 24 months. This post is subject to local recruitment, meaning only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Burundi will be considered. Appointment will be contingent upon certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and necessary authorizations by the concerned government. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and harassment. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.