WHO Uganda Job Vacancies; National Professional Officer/Laboratory

Job Title: National Professional Officer/Laboratory
Grade : NO-C
Contract Type: Special Services Agreement/ renewable subject to availability of funds
Job Location : WHO Country Office, Uganda
Employer: World Health Organisation
Duration of Contract: 12 months (Renewable depending on
availability of funds)



About Us
WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.

Job Duties:
    Under the supervision and general direction of the WHO Representative for Uganda, the incumbent will support Ministry of Health and partners as a Technical Advisor responsible for

•     Strengthening the Laboratory Services in Uganda: He / She will perform the following functions:
•     To support Ministry of Health to raise the profile of laboratory services within the Ministry of Health (MOH) in order to provide stewardship, coordination and management of laboratory services.
•     Support the operationalisation of an effective and functional laboratory network in the country to support effective patient management, disease surveillance, epidemic investigation, research and other specialized services in line with Uganda
•     National Minimum Health Care Package (UNMHCP).
•     Promote acceptable safety standards within all laboratories in respect of space, personnel, clients and the community.
•     Support MoH to establish a system to ensure that all laboratories have appropriate functional equipment with an effective and sustainable mechanism for equipment maintenance as well as safe disposal of obsolete items.
•     Support MoH to develop/strengthen a laboratory logistics system to ensure that an effective supply chain management system is in place to provide adequate supplies to support uninterrupted delivery of the UNMHCP.
•     To support the establishment of a national regulatory system that ensures that all equipment supplies (including donations) comply to national specifications and standards and are registered by the appropriate regulatory authority
•     Support national development of an adequate and skilled human resource to deliver quality laboratory services at all levels.
•     Promote and support the establishment of a comprehensive national laboratory quality assurance system that will ensure quality service delivery through an accreditation system for laboratories for different levels of services and participation in
•     Internal and External Quality Assessment (EQA) with linkages to international recognized EQA bodies
•     Support laboratories to participate in relevant health research, assessments, and monitoring and evaluation initiatives to improve patient management, laboratory performance and disease control; including supporting laboratories to detect any emerging or transmitted resistances to patient medications
•     Perform any other duties assigned by the WHO Representative.

Education and Professional Training:

•     Basic training in Laboratory Technology, that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties and responsibilities as described
•     Masters Degree in Microbiology or virology or related laboratory science;
•     Masters in Public Health or Health Services Management will be an added advantage.
•     Knowledge of various data management packages such as EPI Info, SPSS, STATA, MS Excel, or SAS.

Experience:

•     At least five (5) years’ experience in medical laboratory services with a reputable organization with acceptable evidence of knowledge, competence and contribution to the organization’s goals.

Skill and Ability to:

•     Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; interact with users and office staff in non-technical clear terms.
•     Work independently and as a team member.
•     Set priorities and organize work to meet strict reporting deadlines.

Languages required:

• Thorough knowledge of the English language. 
• Working knowledge of French would be added advantage.

Deadline Date:  30/05/2014

How to Apply:
Please send your Applications accompanied by detailed Curriculum Vitae and copies of certificates, diplomas and testimonials to:
The WHO Representative; 
60 Prince Charles Drive 
P. O. Box 24578, Kampala 

N.B. Only shortlisted candidate will be contacted.