Laboratory Associate [Open to internal and external candidates]
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan serves as the Principal Recipient for Global Fund grants, managing and coordinating the implementation of programs to combat AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. The country office also manages government-funded agreements for infectious disease control. This role supports national partners in these critical health initiatives.
Job Purpose
The Laboratory Associate will support the UNDP Turkmenistan country office in managing and coordinating the implementation of Global Fund and Ministry of Health-funded projects focused on infectious diseases, particularly TB, HIV, viral hepatitis, and STIs. This role is crucial for ensuring the effective and transparent use of resources, facilitating capacity building, and introducing innovations in laboratory diagnostics and quality assurance. The position contributes to the national strategy for TB program sustainability and transition to domestic funding, ultimately aiming to improve universal access to timely and quality diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include managing the supply chain for laboratory reagents, consumables, and equipment for TB and other infectious diseases. This involves assisting national partners with needs estimation, procurement specifications, quantification, and distribution. The role also entails monitoring laboratory performance, reporting on national targets, managing inventory, and conducting site visits for supervision. Additionally, the Associate will support infection control measures, quality assurance plans, and the maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment. Facilitating capacity building through training and knowledge sharing, and contributing to the introduction of new lab technologies are also core duties. The position requires performing other assigned duties to ensure the efficient functioning of health projects.
Work Experience
A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in a bacteriological or clinical laboratory performing testing and related functions is required with a secondary education. This requirement is reduced to 4 years with a bachelor's degree. Experience with computer and office software packages (MS Word, Excel) is necessary. Desired experience includes lab techniques for TB, HIV, viral hepatitis, or STI detection, and procurement of lab supplies.
Skills
Core Competencies: Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, Enable Diversity and Inclusion. Technical Competencies: Human-centered design, Knowledge Facilitation, Results-based Management, Working with Evidence and Data. Specific skills include lab techniques for infectious disease detection, procurement of laboratory supplies, and inventory management.