UNICEF Laboratory Coordinator Jobs in Malawi
How can you make a difference?
The Consultant will undertake the following activities:
Coordinate with the laboratories that will conduct analyses for nutritional biomarkers. Oversee inventory and shipment of survey samples, on dry ice and via selected Courier (e.g., World Courier), to selected international laboratories. Ensure each shipment includes an accurate electronic copy of the inventory of samples.
Confirm that laboratories under consideration for sample analysis (in-country or externally) are enrolled in and have a successful participation in any internal and external quality control programs (for example the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vitamin A Laboratory – External Quality Assessment (VITAL-EQA) and Ensuring the Quality of Urinary Iodine Procedures (EQUIP) program)
Communicate with the laboratories conducting the analysis of survey specimens regarding specifications for, quantities needed, and acquisition of supplies.
Provide support to the implementing partners so ensure supplies can be safely kept in a secure and cool room both before and during data collection of the survey.
As shipments of supplies from ICF, UNICEF and CDC arrive in-country, ensure shipment(s) are cleared from customs in a timely manner and transported to an identified locked room for storage. Inspect shipments to confirm expected quantities are received and that equipment arrives in good condition. Be responsible for and take ownership of the supplies – confirm access to the room is controlled as much as possible and make sure that any items needing to be refrigerated are put into the refrigerator upon receipt. Track each item received with corresponding information (including description of item, specifications, quantity and storage condition). Provide regular updates on status of supplies arriving in-country prior to the start of the survey.
Conduct assessments of potential field and PHIM laboratories that may be used for temporary storage of survey specimens during the survey, request documentation of freezer monitoring, and ensure that there is enough freezer space in the selected laboratories in order to properly and safely store survey specimens at the correct temperature.
Determine where venous blood samples can be processed daily in each cluster; a lab facility or make-shift lab (e.g. health center) must be identified, prior to the start of data collection, so that blood processing can take place throughout the survey.
Work with NSO to define proper qualifications of the field staff hired for the survey. Support training of the biomarker technicians who will be drawing venous blood, collecting food samples, testing water quality, and processing, storing and transporting survey specimens, of supervisors to facilitate hands-on experience with cold-chain, of drivers transporting survey specimens from the field to PHIM, and of staff at PHIM to receive and inventory survey specimens arriving from the field for storage.
Work with the trainer(s) to get all of the survey supplies inventoried, organized, accounted for and tracked. Ensure adequate supplies are available (including extras) for training, pretest and main survey.
Obtain the waste disposal protocol from the safety official associated with the host institution (i.e. PHIM) to ensure that biohazard waste is properly disposed of during the survey.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in laboratory science or relevant field
Work experience:
Minimum of 7 years of field experience, specifically in field logistics/cold chain for biological specimens.
Blood specimen handling and processing experience with previous population-based household survey experience.
Experience coordinating teams, supplies and trainings.
Demostrated experience supervising teams and personnel.
Technical skills, knowledge and strength areas:
Knowledge of field logistics/cold chain for biological specimens and one or more other relevant areas (micronutrients, health, laboratory).
Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and services ordering and inventory control.
Ability to supervise and train biomarkerlaboratory technicians including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
Must adhere to the UNICEF core values and able to work under tight conditions and deadlines.
Comfortable traveling to field.
Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English.
Fluency in any of the local languages spoken across the work districts will be an added advantage.
How to Apply
For more information and job application details, see; UNICEF Laboratory Coordinator Jobs in Malawi
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