Laboratory Officer

Position Title : Laboratory Officer

Duty Station : IOM Philippines Country Office (Manila)

Classification : National Officer, Grade NO-B

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

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : 01 January 2024

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Context:

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and direct supervision of the Chief Migration Health Officer (CMHO) and technical supervisor of regional Lab co-ordinator for Asia Pacific the successful candidate will be responsible for technical support and overall supervision of the laboratory services with respect to Migration Health Assessments (HAP) and other programmes implemented by the IOM Migration Health Division in country Manila, Philippines.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Organize laboratory services and its structure for efficient and optimal service delivery adapting to prevailing local conditions, levels of expertise and available technology.

2. Certify that facilities and bio-safety measures in the laboratory/lies meet international standards and country requirements; by actively participating in planning and designing of new or upgrading existing facilities.

3. Guarantee that standards of laboratory services correspond to HAPs and other programmes or project requirements via keeping Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) up to date and annual review.

4. Ensure high quality with regards to international standards in all aspects of service delivery via internal quality control and organizing and facilitating in external quality assessment.

5. Verify optimum staffing levels for planned workload. Recruit, train, supervise and assess laboratory staff. Ensure staff development and continuous training needs for staff.

6. Contribute in annual HAP activities planning and budget preparation related to laboratory services.

7. Guarantee that the equipment and consumables are sufficient for the anticipated workload. Plan and organize procurement, delivery, installation, servicing and operation of all laboratory equipment and optimal expenditure of consumables.

8. Validate system of organized record keeping and information management for timely delivery of results, data collection, analysis and reporting for laboratory monitoring and facilitation to operational research.

9. Liaise on laboratory related topics with national laboratories and laboratories in other countries, IOM Departments and national relevant entities.

10. Implement and maintain the system of service improvement with available long-term work plan addressing at least laboratory assessment, facilities and safety, process control, information management and customer service.

11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• University degree from an accredited academic institution in Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology or a related discipline with four years’ relevant experience. Or;
• Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution in Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology or a related discipline with two years’ relevant experience.

Experience

• Relevant laboratory experience in a busy institution, preferably in a laboratory.
• Proven management and/or Supervisory, or organizational and planning skills.
• Demonstrated experience in clinical laboratory techniques including for TB;
• Demonstrated ability to implement a laboratory quality management system;
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices laboratory biosafety including for a TB containment laboratory;
• Demonstrate effective managerial and leadership skills in the provision of quality laboratory services;
• Computer literate with understanding of data collection and analysis for monitoring and continuous improvement of laboratory services and performance.
• Awareness of the laboratory role in health systems, optimal use of resources for quality and efficient services delivery.

Skills

• Effectively applies and transfers relevant technical knowledge and practices to personnel and laboratory operations.
• Organizational skills.
• Communication skills.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of a second official UN language is desirable.

Notes

• Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other

• Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
• Only candidates residing in either the country of the duty station or from a location in a neighbouring country that is within commuting distance of the duty station will be considered. In all cases, a prerequisite for taking up the position is legal residency in the country of the duty station, or in the neighbouring country located within commuting distance, and work permit, as applicable.