Laboratory Technician

JOB SUMMARY                               

This position contributes to the calling of Medical Teams International by routine lab investigations, maintaining inventory of laboratory supplies and providing direct supervision to the Ensure security and hygiene measures are respected at all times.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES                        

• Collect samples, including performing phlebotomy and conducting home visits to patients unable to travel to health facility, and conduct routine laboratory investigations for patients
• Interpret laboratory results, communicate findings to clinicians and file reports while ensuring confidentiality
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• Process specimens to be referral laboratories utilizing approved transportation SOPs and follow up on results.
• Maintaining inventory of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain quality control of specimen samples
• Ensure hygiene and sterilization criteria, including universal precautions, are met; manage waste as per good laboratory practices
• Ensure biomedical equipment is in good working order by using in accordance with user manual and protocols, perform cleaning and minor maintenance and alert supervisor in case of malfunctioning
• Responsible for departmental materials management including requisition and ensuring appropriate consumption to maintain departmental inventory levels.
• Participate supply chain and procurement processes for laboratory supplies and equipment to ensure the acquired supplies and equipment are of the highest quality.
• Develop and conduct CMEs for medical staff as required
• Ensure that medical practices are conducted with the highest level of integrity and ethics according to professional and MTI Code of Conduct
• Ensure direct reports have clear objectives, receive mentorship and participate in capacity building opportunities
• Provide technical supervision of laboratory Assistants to ensure delegated tasks are performed competently.
• Support safeguarding of program participants and employees through promoting an environment of awareness and upholding the code of conduct provisions of Medical Teams Protection from Sexual Exploitation & Abuse, Child & Vulnerable Adult protection, and harassment-free workplace policies. Incumbents will remain alert and responsive to any child and adult safeguarding risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills which will enable you to promote strong safeguarding practices, understand the child and adult safeguarding policy and procedures, and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the Safeguarding
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION, LICENSES, & CERTIFICICATIONS

• Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science is required
• Registration with Allied Health Professionals Council is required
• Valid practicing license is required
• Additional qualifications in Laboratory Management is an added advantage

Preferred

• Proficiency in computer applications, particularly MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and PowerPoint.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a similar role is required
• Experience working with an international NGO is an added advantage

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Knowledge:  

• Thorough knowledge of laboratory practices
• Knowledge of how to operate standard laboratory equipment
• Knowledge of hygiene management and IPC protocol

Skills: 

• Skilled in performing routine laboratory investigations and interpreting results
• Skilled in developing and conducting trainings
• Good communication skills, with good command of written and spoken English
• Skilled at using Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook and stand

Abilities: 

• Analytical with attention to detail
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of patient information and test results
• Ability to support MTI Calling and adhere to the MTI Code of Conduct    

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Frequent use of a personal computer, database and digital platforms, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine and computer printer. 
• Frequently uses hands, fingers, and arms to reach, handle, touch or feel equipment, medical instruments, materials, computer. 
• Frequent communication and exchange of information among colleagues and persons of concern which requires the ability to speak, hear, convey and express oneself. 
• Frequent close vision and the ability to adjust focus. 
• Occasionally ascends/descends stairs, steps, or ladder, depending on the role.
• Occasionally move about inside an office to access file cabinets, office machinery, meet with colleagues, etc. 
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move heavy items 
• Seldom to occasionally position oneself to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 
• If in travel status, occasional to frequent traversing over rough or steep terrain in either a motor vehicle or on foot. 

Work Environment: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet. 
• The employee may be required to travel to remote areas of the world where there are potential health hazards and risks, limited hygiene facilities, extreme weather, and very basic living conditions. 

NOTE: 

• The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by staff assigned to this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of staff in this position. Duties, responsibilities and skills are also subject to change based on the changing needs of the job, department or organization. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by Medical Teams International as the requirements of the job change.

• Medical Teams International is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share the same commitment. We believe every stakeholder and every member of the communities we work with has the right to be protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, harassment, and exploitation - regardless of age, race, religion, and gender, status as an individual with a disability or ethnic origin. Therefore, our recruitment process includes extensive reference and background checks, self-disclosure of prior issues regarding sexual or other misconduct and criminal records and our values are a part of our Performance Management System.

• Medical Teams International Uganda is an equal opportunity employer and DOES NOT at any stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind. Further, Medical Teams International Uganda DOES NOT retain any agent to conduct recruitments on behalf of the organization. Please note that under NO circumstances shall Medical Teams International Uganda be held liable or responsible for any claims, losses, damages, expenses or other inconvenience resulting from or in any way connected to the actions of fraudsters and other false agents.