Assistant Technical Officer, Laboratory Services

Position Title: Assistant Technical Officer, Laboratory Services

Location: Damasak, Borno state

Supervisor: Technical Officer, Health & Nutrition Services

Project Description:

Northeast Nigeria is currently facing a growing humanitarian crisis with a vast number of Internally Displaced Persons in need of emergency assistance. These IDPs are living among host communities, lacking access to livelihoods and resources, ultimately leading to unprecedented levels of malnutrition and food insecurity. FHI 360 has been working in Nigeria for over 30 years and responded to the humanitarian crisis in the NE for five years. In anticipation of a new project, and in support of ongoing ones, FHI360 seeks an experienced Assistant Technical Officer, Laboratory Services to support our response to the humanitarian crisis in NE Nigeria.

Basic Function:

Provide technical support and implement high quality laboratory services for FHI 360 humanitarian program. Provide technical assistance and capacity building for laboratory services to FHI 360 and facility staff.

Job Purpose:

The Assistant Technical Officer, Laboratory Services will provide technical support on laboratory quality assurance issues at LGA and facility level. The ATO, Laboratory Services will prepare specimens, follow detailed manual tests, oversee automated analysis tests and report tests results to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Duties and responsibilities:Works as part of a multidisciplinary team of international and national staff to provide high quality patient care to an extremely vulnerable population. Process specimens, conduct testing and report test results with constant attention to detail and excellence in quality. Operates laboratory instruments and equipment. Keep organized records of specimens, tests, instrument logs, and technical analyses according to written instructions. Recognizes problems and errors and seek corrective actions. Adheres to the relevant Code of conduct and Ethics Conduct and document appropriate quality control and assurance procedures. Assist with quality assurance and performance improvement activities. Performs non-routine analysis when given direction. Works with technical support and M&E teams to collect appropriate baseline data over the life of the project Compiles and submits periodic reports Ensures adequate infection prevention and control standards are always maintained. Performs any other duties as may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes: Knowledge of Quality Assurance and Quality Control. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and techniques for the following categories of assays Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the social, political and ethical issues in the community. Ability to work well with others and to develop and maintain compatibility among project staff, subcontractors, consultants, and recipients of assistance. Ability to manage tight deadlines and deliver high volumes of work with minimal supervision. High degree of proficiency in written and spoken English and Hausa communications. Well-developed computer skills. Ability to travel within 25% time.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• BSc in Laboratory sciences or related field with at least 3 years post National Youth Service experience in provision of laboratory support.
• Knowledge of advanced laboratory procedures, diagnosis and management related to care and treatment is required with some experience in a humanitarian area preferred.
• Certification of license to practice as a medical laboratory scientist is required.
• Familiarity with Nigerian public sector health system and NGOs and CBOs highly desirable.
• Previous experience working in a humanitarian crisis is highly desirable.

  Safeguarding:

  FHI 360 is committed to providing a safe environment for all employees, beneficiaries and anyone contracted by FHI 360. This Includes taking measures to protect vulnerable people from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) by either FHI 360 employees or associated personnel. FHI 360 abides by child safeguarding principles. FHI 360’s Safeguarding Policies apply and flow out to all FHI 360 staff, board members, volunteers, and partner staff (subcontractors, consultants, vendors, and subrecipients), regardless of the funding mechanism or amount of contract, agreement, or purchase order.

  This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

  FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

  Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

  FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.
  
  FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

  Please click here to continue searching FHI 360's Career Portal.