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Global Laboratory Services Coordinator , Grade P4

Classification : Official, Grade P4

Type of Appointment : Fixed-term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Reference Code : VN2012/05(O)-EXT

Context:

Under the general supervision of the Director, Migration Health Division (MHD), direct supervision of the Global Health Assessment Programme Coordinator, and in coordination with concerned IOM Missions, the successful candidate will be responsible for provision of quality laboratory services in the framework of MHD programmes worldwide.

Core functions/ responsibilities:

  1. Provide oversight and technical supervision to Regional Laboratory Coordinators and IOM Laboratory Managers for the establishment of laboratory services in IOM operations, to support and respond primarily but not limited to MHD Health Assessment and Travel Assistance Programme needs.

  2. Provide oversight on selection, appointment and performances of laboratories subcontracted by IOM, in support of Regional Laboratory Coordinators. As requested, take part in needs assessment missions undertaken in the context of setting up new programmes, and periodical quality assessment missions.

  3. Review laboratory practices implemented within IOM health assessments programmes, and ensure their compliance with laboratory international standards and technical guidelines of resettlement countries, identify gaps, and recommend corrective actions to address them.

  4. Define standards for laboratory set-up and management, operating procedures, staff safety, monitoring and reporting mechanisms, and consolidate IOM guidelines for laboratory services.

  5. Review, streamline, and standardize the system of quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA). Ensure global implementation of QC/QA in IOM Laboratory services and their observance by sub-contracted laboratory services.

  6. Take part, as needed, in the development of laboratory modules in Migration Management Software Applications in coordination with the IOM Migration Health Informatics and IT specialists, as well as Regional Laboratory Coordinators. Review existing data collections systems; provide adjustments as necessary, make sure that the QA indicators are included and analyzable. Assist in designing reports related to laboratory testing and performances.

  7. Provide guidance and assist Regional Laboratory Coordinators in the setting-up of new IOM laboratories worldwide.

  8. Establish and ensure the carrying out of regular audit of laboratory services and report results to MHD Headquarters and respective Missions.

  9. Establish and maintain systems of review of laboratory staff proficiency land skills and suggest improvements. Take part in selection and performance appraisal of key laboratory staff. Develop training curricula for laboratory staff, and provide training as requested.

  10. Advise IOM Regional Laboratory Coordinators and programme managers worldwide in the procurement, equipping, budgeting and other relevant administrative issues related to laboratory services.

  11. Ensure collection and analysis of data related to laboratory testing. Provide assistance to IOM teams (e.g. Migration Health Officers, IOM Epidemiologist, etc.) in writing analytical reports which reflect and interpret the laboratory data and relevant IOM policies.

  12. Liaise with health authorities of resettlement countries, other donors, international and non-government organizations, including but not limited to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/ USA, Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA)/ Australia, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)/ Canada and World Health Organization (WHO) on relevant migration health issues, in consultation with supervisors and field colleagues.

  13. Initiate and/or collaborate with partners in laboratory strengthening projects aimed at scaling up laboratory capacity for modern TB diagnostic tools and approaches in relation to migration and human mobility.

  14. Follow trends in laboratory technologies, general approaches to and standards of testing, especially in the context of migration.

  15. Promote IOM activity in regard to laboratory activity at international fora and with partner organizations. Prepare publications on the importance of migration health with particular focus on relevant TB and human mobility aspects.

  16. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Desirable Competencies:

Behavioural

a) takes responsibility and manages constructive criticism; works effectively with all clients and stakeholders; b) promotes continuous learning; communicates clearly; c) takes initiative and drives high levels of performance management; d) plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility; e) displays mastery of subject matter; f) contributes to a collegial team environment; g) creates a respectful office environment free of harassment and retaliation, and promotes the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA)); h) incorporates gender-related needs, perspectives, and concerns, and promotes equal gender participation; i) displays awareness of relevant technological solutions; j) works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs of IOM

Technical

a) effectively applies knowledge of health issues in execution of responsibilities at appropriate level; b) maintains confidentiality and discretion in appropriate areas of work.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

a) Doctoral level degree in Clinical Microbiology with advanced studies in Laboratory Techniques from an accredited academic institution, and completed university degree in Public Health ; b) eight years of work in microbiology with hands-on laboratory experience in tuberculosis; c) thorough knowledge of internationally accepted standards of laboratory practices with a focus on tuberculosis diagnosis is mandatory; d) understanding and demonstrated experience in implementation of QC/QA and laboratory accreditation principles; e) laboratory experience in HIV, syphilis and other laboratory testing; f) experience in liaising and coordinating with health authorities.

Languages

Fluent in English. Working knowledge of other IOM official language an advantage.

How to apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment system, by February 24, 2012 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.

For further information, please refer to: http://www.iom.int/jahia/Jahia/pid/165

In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts online profiles duly filled in and submitted with a cover letter not more than one page specifying the motivation for applications.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. You can track the progress of your application in your personal application page in the IOM e-recruitment system.