Requisition ID: req46758

Job Title: Laboratory Technician.

Sector: Health

Employment Category: Fixed Term

Employment Type: Full-Time

Open to Expatriates: Not Applicable

Location: Kibondo, Tanzania

Work Arrangement:

Job Description

Background:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

For over half a century, Tanzania has been a country of asylum, hosting one of the largest refugee populations in Africa. Currently, the country hosts approximately 247,000 Burundian and Congolese refugees, many of whom arrived in 2015 as the crisis in Burundi increased. To date, refugees continue to co-exist with the host communities in the Kigoma region expressing multiple reasons and needs. Within this context, IRC provides protection and basic assistance in the areas of Safety (comprised of Protection and Rule of Law, Women’s Protection and Empowerment, and Child Protection), Health (mental health and psychosocial support services and reproductive health) and Education.

Job Overview:

The Laboratory Technician is a vital member of the health team, primarily responsible for executing laboratory services within Nduta Camp. Under the supervision of the Clinical Officer and in collaboration with other healthcare staff, the Laboratory Technician will concentrate on the collection, analysis, and interpretation of patient samples for diagnosis and treatment. They will ensure accurate and timely reporting of lab results, adhering to standard procedures and guidelines, while maintaining patient confidentiality and respecting dignity in all interactions.

Major Responsibilities: Key Areas

Sample Collection and Handling

Collect and handle all lab samples in accordance with standard guidelines.
Prepare biological samples for testing, including tissue, blood, urine, etc.
Follow appropriate procedures for lab safety and sample preservation.
Laboratory Testing and Analysis

Conduct lab tests and procedures such as hematology tests, chemistry, microbiology tests, urine tests, blood tests, etc.
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment like microscopes, centrifuges, spectrometers, etc.
Interpret and analyze lab test results and provide findings to healthcare providers.
Quality Control and Maintenance

Ensure quality control in collecting samples, preparing specimens, and in using equipment and reagents.
Regularly clean and sterilize laboratory equipment and work area.
Check laboratory supplies and inform the concerned authority for replenishment when needed.
Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment as per the schedule.
Record Keeping and Reporting

Maintain accurate records of test results and write detailed reports.
Update patient records with lab test results.
Prepare periodic reports detailing tests conducted, results, and observations.
Coordination and Communication

Communicate with healthcare professionals about patient results and tests.
Coordinate with other lab staff for smooth operation of the lab.
Attend relevant meetings and training to keep up to date with the latest lab techniques and safety protocols.
Compliance and Safety

Follow laboratory’s procedure for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, and reporting and maintaining records of patient results.
Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies and document all quality control activities.
Comply with the health post’s safety and infection control policies to maintain a safe work environment.
Key Working Relationships:

Reports to: Clinical Officer
Directly supervises:
Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Qualifications

Qualified Laboratory Technician with a diploma/certificate in Medical Laboratory Science or related field.
Registered with the local Laboratory Professionals Council or equivalent regulatory body.
At least 2 years of experience working in a clinical laboratory setting.
Previous experience and training in conducting various laboratory tests and procedures, with emphasis on adherence to safety protocols.
Ability to lead, train, supervise, and assist other laboratory staff in their respective tasks.
Sensitivity and flexibility to understand the cultural and political environment and to work effectively with local health representatives.
Skills to handle and process patient samples in a sensitive and appropriate manner.
Excellent communication skills with fluency in English and Swahili.
Team player with excellent interpersonal skills, able to work under pressure in a challenging environment with attention to detail and accuracy.
Innovative, flexible, adaptive, and willing to work outside regular hours, including nighttime.
Ability to live in challenging conditions and handle high-pressure situations, while maintaining high standards of laboratory practice.
Language: English and Swahili

Working Environment: Security level yellow – The situation in most of the country is calm. Some parts of Kigoma region experience insecurity-highway banditry.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Warning! Please be warned of various scams, being circulated via e-mails, from Internet websites, and via regular mail or fax, falsely being issued by or associated with the IRC. Beware that The IRC does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training, or any other fee). IRC does not request any information related to bank accounts. If asked for any payment, please contact [email protected]