Laboratory Technologist Consultant - Abuja

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a UN-related agency focused on humane and orderly migration. This consultant role is within the Migration Health Division's Laboratory Unit in Abuja, Nigeria. The Migration Health Assessment Clinic (MHAC) in Nigeria has significantly expanded its operations, and this position supports fulfilling technical requirements for resettlement countries.

Job Purpose

The Laboratory Technologist Consultant's primary purpose is to provide critical technical support to the International Organization for Migration's (IOM) Migration Health Assessment Clinic (MHAC) in Abuja, Nigeria. This role is essential due to the significant increase in the clinic's caseload and expanded operations. The consultant will be responsible for performing a range of laboratory procedures, ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and timely delivery of results. These results are fundamental for meeting the stringent technical health requirements mandated by resettlement countries for migrants and refugees. By strictly adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), bio-safety measures, and quality control protocols, the consultant directly contributes to maintaining the integrity and reliability of health assessments. This position plays a vital part in IOM's broader mission to promote humane and orderly migration, safeguarding public health, and facilitating safe and compliant resettlement pathways for vulnerable populations. The consultant's expertise ensures the laboratory unit operates effectively and in full compliance with international standards.

Responsibilities

The Laboratory Technologist Consultant will primarily perform pre-examination, examination, and post-examination laboratory procedures using standard equipment, organizing assigned stations for accurate, efficient, and timely result delivery. A core duty involves ensuring strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to maintain high quality and standards, including implementing and complying with the Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS) and performing quality control activities with proper documentation. The consultant must strictly adhere to bio-safety measures throughout specimen collection, handling, storage, disposal, and shipping, prioritizing personal and collective safety. Key responsibilities also include assisting in encoding, updating, and maintaining electronic laboratory records, and facilitating robust record-keeping and information management systems for data collection, analysis, and reporting, which supports operational research. The role requires ensuring laboratory equipment is well-maintained and operated according to SOPs, alongside facilitating laboratory stock management to monitor equipment and consumable sufficiency. Furthermore, the consultant will participate in the development and updating of SOPs and contribute to the improvement of the service system. All tasks must be performed with strict adherence to fraud prevention measures.

Work Experience

At least two years of relevant laboratory experience is required, preferably in a busy clinical laboratory, medical institution, International Organization, or NGO. Desirable experience includes training in TB, HIV, STDs, and other communicable disease testing. Experience with laboratory data and records, including electronic health records and LIMS, is essential, along with technical knowledge of laboratory equipment, operations, and practice.

Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Strong command of the English language.

Explore related opportunities