Laboratory Technologist (2 Vacancies) At International Organization for Migration

Position Title : Laboratory Technologist (2 Vacancies)

Duty Station : IOM Philippines Country Office (Manila)

Classification : General Service Staff, G-5

Type of Appointment : Special short-term graded, six months with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : 15 September 2023

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. It is one of the factors that makes the organization qualified to deal with the complex issue of migration. IOM sees that diversity is one of the organizational strengths.

IOM aims to foster an inclusive workplace where everyone treats each other (including colleagues and beneficiaries) with dignity and respect.

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 direct supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor and the overall supervision of the Chief Migration Health Officer (CMHO), the successful candidate will be responsible for technical support to laboratory services with respect to Migration Health Assessments (HAP) and other programmes implemented by the IOM Migration Health Division in Manila, Philippines.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Perform laboratory testing for Tuberculosis. Duties will include:

• Participate in laboratory specimen collection; collection of appropriate pathology specimens from migrants as required by IOM Health Assessment Physicians.
• Processing and culture of collected specimens for tuberculosis.
• Microscopy of specimen and culture smears, and the use of appropriate staining methods.
• Application of appropriate molecular testing methods such as the GenProbe Assay to identify Tuberculosis in cultures grown from liquid or solid media.
• Application of appropriate phenotypic testing methods to identify Tuberculosis in cultures grown from liquid or solid media.
• Performance of first-line anti-tuberculosis drug susceptibility testing (DST) for Tuberculosis cultures.
• Preparation of transportation arrangements including documentation and suitable packaging for other specimens requiring follow-up testing at external laboratory facilities.

2. Adhere to all IOM Quality Control procedures for:

• Primary sediment smears.
• Culture testing for tuberculosis isolated from liquid or solid media.

3. Liaise with the IOM Migration Health Officers to ensure testing requirements are met and results posted.

4. Assist in the preparation of various media/reagents as required for laboratory testing of specimens.

5. Perform other related duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• High school diploma with at least five years of relevant experience; or,
• University degree in Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology or related fields with at least three years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Minimum four years experience in tuberculosis testing in a containment or BSL2 laboratory;
• Preferably with experience in an ISO or JCIA accredited facility.
• Experience in HIV and syphilis serology testing will be favourably considered.

Skills

• License or trained HIV counsellor.
• Excellent venipuncture skill using different collection methods.
• Experienced in using Laboratory Information System.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.

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.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 1

• 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.

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.

How to apply

In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM will only accept applications which should include a cover letter (not more than one page), a résumé highlighting the required education and experience, and a duly completed IOM Personal History Form. To access the form, please visit this link (four pages).

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via [email protected] not later than 15 September 2023. Position title and VN Number (SVN 2023 009-010 – Laboratory Technologist) should be specified in the SUBJECT field.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.