Laboratory Coordinator

UNDP is one the agencies supporting the Ministry of Health and Social Services to undertake a prevalence survey to determine the true burden of disease due to TB in Namibia.

The project has three objectives;

• To measure the prevalence of bacteriologically confirmed TB among the adult population
• To contribute to more updated population-based estimates of the burden of TB disease  and
• To provide a baseline for future measurement of trends of TB disease burden.

The survey will be population-based and extensive fieldwork will be conducted over a period of 6 months. The survey will be conducted by the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme (NTLP) within the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Survey Manager the Laboratory Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the laboratory procedures in the field and ensuring their quality.

III. Functions / Key Results Expected

Summary of Key Functions

1.            Oversee laboratory operations

2.            Ensuring laboratory stocks and equipment are kept and maintained in a safe                           manner

3.            Perform administrative duties

4.            Facilitation of knowledge building and sharing

1.            Oversee Laboratory operations

• Oversee the laboratory procedures in the field;
• Equiping the field teams with laboratory equipment
• Liaising with Windhoek Central Laboratory mycobacteriology laboratory

2.            Ensure that laboratory stocks and equipment are kept and maintained in a                    safe manner

• Ensure safe handling of bio-hazardous materials in compliance with the international standards.
• Assure a good maintenance of all laboratory equipment, in particular the microscope, and supervise and record the supply of all necessary reagents
• Managing specimen transportation logitics

3.            Perform administrative duties

Ensure proper management of reagents stock;

• Keep up-to-date inventory records of laboratory supplies and ensure that supplies are always replenished and adequate;
• Keep records of all work done in the laboratories and provide statistical report in regard to laboratory services.
• Quality assurance of field and central procedures
• Maintaining records

4.            Facilitation of knowledge building and sharing

• Participation in the trainings of training lab technicians and assistants
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
•  Development of training materials and technical manuals

The incumbent analyses and produces laboratory results with maximum precision leading to reliable results. The key results have an impact on the efficiency of the NTLP Programme. Accurate, safe, cost effective and timely execution of the fully documented results strengthens the capacity of the NLTP programme.

V. Competencies and Critical Success Factors

 Functional Competencies:          

• Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Level 1.1: Basic research and analysis

• Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Level 1.1: Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures

• Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position;

Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks;

Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.

Promoting Organizational Change and Development

Level 1.1: Presentation of information on best practices in organizational change

• ability to identify problems and proposes solutions.

Client Orientation

Level 1.1:  Maintains effective client relationships

• Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion;

Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines;

Responds to client needs promptly.

Corporate Competencies

• Professionalism: Demonstrated competence in laboratory testing and modern laboratory technology; Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work
• Planning and Organizing: Effective organizational skills and ability to prioritize and to plan own work.
• Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Decision making: Informed and transparent decision making.
• Commitment to continuous learning: Initiative and willingness to keep abreast of new skills in the nursing field.
• Technology Awareness: Proficiency in relevant laboratory equipment.
• Communication: Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally.
• Client Orientation: Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion. Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines. Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients. Responds to client needs promptly. 

Education:          

•  Qualified medical laboratory technologist, registered with HPC Namibia
• A degree in a related field an advantage

Experience:       

• Supervisory experience 
• Work in Medical microbiology setting
• Processing and performing smear microscopy with ZN stains and Auramine stain
•  Work with GeneXpert platform
•  Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and experience in handling of web based management systems;

Language Requirements:             

• Fluency in written and spoken English and one national language

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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