Senior Laboratory Technician

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is dedicated to delivering ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, guided by the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 206

• ECA's mission is to advance its position as a premier knowledge institution that addresses the continent's challenges through global solutions and local initiatives. Established to foster economic diversification and job creation, ECA also focuses on innovative financing models for infrastructure and human, physical, and social assets. The organization plays a crucial role in advocating Africa's position on global governance issues and addressing regional challenges related to peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and social inclusion. ECA operates across multiple countries in Africa, employing a diverse workforce committed to the continent's development.

Job Overview:
The Senior Laboratory Technician position is located within the UN Health Care Center at the UN Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The incumbent will report directly to the Medical Officer or a designated official. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including overseeing the daily operations of the clinical laboratory, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and managing human resources within the laboratory. The technician will be responsible for developing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain quality and consistency in laboratory testing. Additionally, the role requires collaboration with medical and nursing staff to integrate laboratory services effectively into patient management, as well as engaging with external stakeholders to stay informed on best practices. The technician will also manage quality assurance processes, procurement, inventory, and budget administration for the laboratory unit, ensuring efficient resource utilization and adherence to established protocols.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Laboratory Technician will have a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Operational Oversight: Manage daily laboratory operations, ensuring efficient workflow and timely result delivery.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to regulatory standards and laboratory accreditation requirements, including ISO standards.
• SOP Development: Oversee the creation and regular updating of SOPs for laboratory processes.
• Human Resource Management: Recruit, train, and supervise laboratory personnel, conducting performance evaluations and fostering a culture of excellence.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work with medical and nursing staff to integrate laboratory services into patient care.
• Quality Assurance: Establish and coordinate a quality management system based on ISO 15189 standards, conducting internal audits and validating test results.
• Procurement and Inventory Management: Conduct needs assessments, manage vendor relationships, oversee procurement processes, and maintain inventory.
• Budget and Finance Administration: Prepare and manage the laboratory budget, monitor expenditures, and ensure financial sustainability.
• Data Management: Assist with data collection, analysis, and reporting for decision-making and knowledge management. 1
• Client Orientation: Maintain productive partnerships with clients, ensuring their needs are met and keeping them informed of progress.

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 an asset. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge and hands-on experience in laboratory examinations and reporting, as well as proficiency in laboratory test processing and data management.

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 desirable. A degree in a relevant field is considered 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 related area is required. This experience is reduced to eight years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Candidates should have hands-on experience in laboratory services, including procurement processes, vendor management, and contract negotiation. Experience in data analytics or related areas is also 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 for candidates.

Additional Notes:
This position is funded through Voluntary Contributions (VC) and is subject to the availability of the post. 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. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for relocation expenses. Staff members subject to local recruitment 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 staff, encouraging female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs.