Assistant Technical Officer, Laboratory Services

Position Title:            Assistant Technical Officer, Laboratory Services

Location:                    Bama

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 maintained at all times.
• 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 1-3 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.