Laboratory Assistant (Temporary-3 Months)

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.rescue.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 40 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies. 

The IRC began programming in northern Uganda in 1998 in response to mass displacement and devastation wrought by rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army. In 2002, the IRC expanded to the remote, conflict-affected region of Karamoja and in 2011, began working with refugees in Kampala and Kiryandongo settlement. Monitoring the influx of South Sudanese refugees at the end of 2015, the IRC began scaling up its response to refugees arriving in the West Nile region. By promoting durable solutions that deliver on the interdependent aims of saving lives, strengthening institutions, and supporting social cohesion, the IRC in Uganda is laying the building blocks for long-term stability and development – bringing people from harm to home. The IRC currently works in the districts of Kitgum, Lamwo, Arua, Yumbe, Kyegegwa, Kiryandongo, Kyaka  and Kampala including 7 districts in Karamoja region.

Scope of Work

The Laboratory Assistant will ensure that laboratory services of the health facility are well planned for, provided with necessary resources and implemented in accordance with set policies and standards. They will ensure that laboratory services at the site are well managed, laboratory investigations on clients are carried out, the required health quality control of laboratory reagents and equipment is maintained and laboratory reagents and supplies are effectively used.

Duties and Responsibilities

•Carry out phlebotomy for all tests to be conducted.
•Receive/collect, lab samples and analyze/test them.
•Keep accurate records and confidentiality of tests conducted.
•Carry out laboratory tests and produce accurate results.
•Participate in development/updating and implementation of laboratory standard operation procedures (SOPs).
•Participate in report writing by compiling reports on tests carried out at the health facility laboratory.
•Carry out quality control of laboratory reagents and equipment.
•Assist in drawing-up laboratory plans and budgets.
•Mentor the laboratory volunteers, and any other trainees.
•Ensure safety of clients in the laboratory.