Lab Technician at FHI360 NGO

This position will focus their efforts on providing technical support to the FHI 360-led laboratory strengthening program in the Rift Valley, and Western Kenya.

Laboratory Technician Job Responsibilities

• Serve as laboratory quality management system and service delivery improvement mentor in selected health facilities within the region
• Offer onsite face-to-face laboratory staff mentorship and training on documentation and SOPs, sample management and collection techniques, sample packaging, sample referral systems, quality assurance, results handling, biosafety and waste management
• Liaise with facility Medical Superintendent, clinicians, laboratory staff and nurses to establish and strengthen the laboratory-clinical services interface.
• Promote safe blood transfusion practices and blood safety through technical assistance in adaption of developed policies, standards and guidelines and training of laboratory staff
• Work in collaboration with the county laboratory coordinators, laboratory in-charges and facility managers to strengthen laboratory networking to ensure efficient testing for TB, HIV rapid, HIV viral load, EID PCR and OIs and acceptable turn-around times for these testing.
• Support the development of laboratory policies, strategic plans, management and monitoring tools both at the county and facility level to improve services as may be required from time to time
• Offer technical advice on laboratory commodities forecasting, ordering, re-stocking and stores management to eliminate stock outs.
• Provide technical assistance for equipment including validation, calibration, certification and routine servicing to ensure efficient operation and minimal test interruptions
• Spearhead efficient implementation of both facility and project action plans as required.
• Assist with the preparation of project progress reports and tracking project progress.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications for the Laboratory Technician Job

• Working knowledge of quality assurance systems including pertinent national and international regulations and guidance. This knowledge to include direct experience implementing SLMTA/SLIPTA.
• Proven capability and direct experience in clinical and research laboratory functions and services, including in resource constrained settings.
• Proven capability and direct experience in conducting HIV and TB diagnostics.
• Resourceful and creative thinker with the ability to develop simple and efficient solutions and recommendations.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly diplomacy.
• Good in both written and spoken English and report writing.