Laboratory Manager

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates as well as external women candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and the direct supervision of the Chief Migration Health Officer (CMHO), the incumbent will be responsible for technical support to laboratory services with respect to Migration Health Assessments (HAP) and other programmes implemented by the IOM Migration Health Division in Harare,Zimbabwe.

1. Organize laboratory services and its structure for efficient and optimal service delivery adapting to prevailing local conditions, levels of expertise and available technology.

2. Certify that facilities and bio-safety measures in laboratory/ies meet international standards and country requirements, by actively participating in planning and designing of new, or upgrading existing facilities.

3. Guarantee that standards of laboratory services correspond to HAPs and other programmes or project requirements via keeping Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) up to date and annual review.

4. Ensure high quality with regards to international standards in all aspects of service delivery via internal quality controls and organizing and facilitating in external quality assessment

5. Verify optimum staffing levels for planned workload.  Recruit, train, supervise and assess laboratory staff. Ensure staff development and continuous training for staff.

6. Contribute in annual HAP activities planning and budget preparation related to laboratory services.

7. Guarantee that the equipment and consumables are sufficient for the anticipated work. Plan and organize procurement, delivery, installation, servicing and operation of all laboratory equipment and optimal expenditure of consumables.

8. Validate system of organized record keeping and information management for timely delivery of results, data collection, analysis and reporting for laboratory monitoring and facilitation to operational research.

9. Liaise on laboratory related topics with national laboratories and laboratories in other countries, IOM Units, relevant national entities and international partners.

10. Implement and maintain the system of service improvement with available long-term work plan addressing at least laboratory assessment, facilities and safety, process control, information management and customer service.

11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

• University degree from an accredited academic institution in 

• Medical Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Medical Microbiology, or a related field.

  or a related discipline with four years’ experience or

• Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution in Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology or a related discipline with two years’ experience

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

• Four years of relevant experience in laboratory experience in TB laboratory diagnostics, including smear microscopy, mycobacterial culture, DST, and molecular testing At least two years of of supervisory or laboratory management experience

• Effectively applies and transfers relevant technical knowledge and practices to personnel and laboratory operations.

• Demonstrated expertise in sputum processing and liquid and solid culture methods, first- and second-line drug susceptibility testing, and  molecular TB diagnostic platforms. 
• Strong knowledge of TB laboratory biosafety, quality assurance, and quality management systems.
• Experience with laboratory accreditation processes and external quality assessment programmes is desirable.

• Computer literate with good understanding of data collection and analysis for monitoring and continuous improvement of laboratory services and performance. 

• Excellent awareness of the laboratory role in health systems, optimal use of resources for quality and efficient services delivery.

   

• Effectively applies and transfers relevant technical knowledge and practices to personnel and laboratory operations
• Technical expertise in mycobacteriology and TB diagnostics
• Leadership and people management
• Quality and biosafety management
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Planning, organization, and resource management
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in Fluency in English and Shona are required. is required (oral and written)

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies