Laboratory Technicians at World Vision International Rwanda

JOB OPPORTUNITY

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

World Vision is a child-focused Christian humanitarian organization implementing development programmes in 30 Districts of Rwanda. Our interventions in the strategic period of 2021-2025 seek to reach 2 million of the most vulnerable children. This is done through programming in Resilience and Livelihoods, WASH and Health, Child Protection and Education.

World Vision Rwanda seeks to hire two dedicated and experienced Rwandan nationals for the Laboratory Technician- Deux Oeufs Project role on One year Contract, joining an established and experienced team. This position will be based in Nyagatare, Rwanda and reports to the Trial Manager- Deux Oeufs Project.

Purpose of the position:

The Laboratory Technician will work under the direct supervision of the Trial Manager and will be based at the field level. This is a full-time position overseeing the collection of blood, hair, and potentially other biological samples from study participants including women and children.  She/He will collect, and process blood samples according to strict protocols, label, and properly store them in -20 to -80C freezers.  They may also process hair and other biological samples. The Lab Technician will be engaged in regular data entry and reporting of the research progress to the project Trial Manager. S/He will spend 100% of her/his time on this project.  The laboratory technician will be based full-time in Nyagatare District and will be based at the Ndama and/or Karangazi health centers (Karangazi sector), with occasional activity at other lab facilities in Nyagatare and Kigali. 

The major responsibilities include:

Research Study Sample Collection 

• Collect blood, hair, and potentially other biological samples from study participants including women and children
• Explain the blood collection procedure (e.g venous blood draw) and collect blood if not otherwise collected by health facility staff.
• Process blood samples according to strict blood processing protocols
• Prepare blood samples for complete blood count analysis and process in a bioanalyzer
• Centrifuge blood samples to separate serum, and aliquot the serum into blood storage tubes
• Responsible for ensuring samples are properly labeled and documented in the tracking system and properly stored such as in -20C and -80C freezers
• Additional responsibilities related to engaging with the study participants through other study activities (such as check-in, screening, consent, and randomization) may also be required. 

Accountability, Hygiene, Learning and Innovation

• Clean and sanitize the blood sample collection tools, practice safe and hygienic sample collection and handling, and maintain clean sample-handling areas/surfaces
• Working closely with the Trial Manager, keeping track of the blood sample supplies inventory, raising purchase orders in time when inventory is low, and maintaining good records.
• Attend training as assigned
• Complete LDRS in a timely manner
• Other duties as assigned by the study management.

Mainstreaming:

• Contribute to the mainstreaming of cross-cutting issues in all WVR Health and nutrition projects, in particular the integration of child protection, Gender Equity, and Social Inclusion (GESI).
• Ensure focus on Child Well-being outcomes

Minimum education, training and experience requirements to qualify for the position

• A college degree or diploma with more than 5 years of experience as a laboratory technician and/or phlebotomist is required, ideally in a health center or district hospital context.
• A valid certificate of vaccination for Hepatitis B (three injections) or willingness to get vaccinated prior start of work
• Ability to lift more than 15Kgs
• Fluency in Kinyarwanda and English.

Required Professional Experience:

• At least 1 year of experience as a laboratory technician and/or phlebotomist is a requirement, ideally in a health center context.
• Preference for experience processing blood samples for research studies, experience or previous collaboration with national labs.
• Written and verbal communication skills, including report-writing and formal communication skills.
• Computer skills, including data entry, knowledge in MS Office/word or another main email system such as Microsoft Outlook)
• Cross-cultural sensitivity, flexible worldview, and ability to work with a wide range of people from different backgrounds.
• Strong communication skills, with experience working across teams

The salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

NB: Women are highly encouraged to apply.

How to apply:

Should you wish to apply for this position, please go:

https://worldvision.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WorldVisionInternational/details/Laboratory-Technician_JR33264 If this is your first time applying online via the World Vision International careers website, you will need to register an account along with your application details. This site will provide you with additional functionality, such as saved searches and email alerts. Registration requires minimal information to create your account. Further details will be collected during the application process.

All applicants must apply using our online application system, CVs received via email or standard post will NOT be considered.

In case you face any challenges in applying, please let us know on wvrwanda-recruitment@wvi.org (no applications will be accepted through this email).

The closing date for submission of applications is 30^th June 2024; no late applications will be accepted. World Vision is committed to adult and child safeguarding and does not employ staff whose background is not suitable for working with children and vulnerable adults. All employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all applicable background checks, including criminal record checks.

Note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.