Senior Laboratory Technician

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is dedicated to delivering innovative ideas and actions aimed at empowering and transforming Africa. Established to support the continent's development, ECA operates under the guidance of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 206

• The organization focuses on five strategic directions: enhancing its role as a premier knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic policies for economic diversification, implementing innovative financing models, addressing regional challenges, and advocating for Africa's position in global governance. ECA is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and employs a diverse workforce committed to these goals.

Job Overview:
The Senior Laboratory Technician will play a crucial role in overseeing the daily operations of the clinical laboratory at the UN Health Care Center. This position requires ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and laboratory accreditation requirements, particularly ISO standards. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to maintain consistency and quality in laboratory testing. The role also involves human resource management, including recruiting, training, and supervising laboratory personnel, and fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. The technician will collaborate with medical and nursing staff to integrate laboratory services effectively into patient management and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss laboratory findings and treatment implications. Additionally, the technician will engage with external stakeholders to stay informed on best practices and compliance requirements, ensuring the laboratory meets quality assurance standards and accreditation requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Laboratory Technician's duties include overseeing daily laboratory operations, ensuring efficient workflow, and timely delivery of results. Responsibilities also encompass compliance with regulatory standards, development and implementation of SOPs, recruitment and training of laboratory personnel, conducting performance evaluations, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The technician will manage quality assurance by establishing a quality management system based on ISO 15189 standards, conducting internal audits, validating test results, and implementing corrective actions. Procurement duties involve assessing laboratory needs, managing vendor relationships, overseeing the procurement process, and maintaining inventory. The technician will prepare and manage the laboratory budget, monitor expenditures, and assist with data collection and analysis for reporting purposes. Overall, the role requires a comprehensive approach to laboratory management, ensuring high standards of service delivery and operational efficiency.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with training in laboratory quality management being essential. A college diploma in Clinical Laboratory Technology is desirable, and additional training in management-related fields is advantageous. A degree in a relevant field is considered a significant asset. The position requires a strong understanding of laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, and quality management systems.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a high school diploma or equivalent, with mandatory training in laboratory quality management. A college diploma in Clinical Laboratory Technology is preferred, and additional training in management-related fields is beneficial. A degree in a relevant field is an advantage, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressive working experience in a full-service laboratory unit or a related area is required. This experience is reduced to eight years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Hands-on experience in laboratory services, including procurement processes, vendor management, and contract negotiation, is essential. Experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable, adding value to the candidate's profile.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, providing an additional advantage in communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is funded through Voluntary Contributions (VC) and is subject to the availability of funds. The appointment's extension is contingent upon the extension of the mandate and/or availability of funds. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its workforce, encouraging female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support their participation in the recruitment process.