SSBH is recruiting new team members to plan, manage and deliver technical and material support for the Government of Nepal’s (GoN) response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Position: 4

Location: Points of Entry Health Desks in Lumbini Province 

Reporting to: Health Emergency Surveillance Technical Officer 

Duration: Short term contract –Duration: up to 90 days 

Objectives of the Assignment

Under the supervision of the Health Emergency Surveillance Technical Officer (HESTO), the Health Desk Laboratory Technician (HDLT) will provide basic laboratory technical support to the Points of Entry’s (PoE) Health Desks/Holding Center in the select districts of Lumbini Province. The incumbent will provide onsite support in sample collection and testing for SARS-CoV-2 antigen for rapid antigen testing, and other testing in place as per the GoN’s protocols and guidelines. 

Specific duties and responsibilities include the following: 

• Provide onsite support at PoE’s Health Desks/Holding Centers in collecting samples (and transporting samples), and screening the travelers using rapid test kits for COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases as per GoN’s protocol and guidelines 
• Assist in regular operations of Health Desks/Holding Centers including daily reporting
• Communicate the COVID-19 risk and importance of test for COVID-19 by using GoN’s approved protocols and guidelines
• Communicate verbally about the national guidelines on quarantine, testing and home isolation and answer or serve as a liaison with the health desk in-charge in answering any questions of travelers and emphasize on following minimum standard of prevention against COVID-19
• Ensure the infection prevention and control measures are followed at all times at the testing sites, and the data recording forms and screening tools are set up at assigned health desk/holding centers
• Provide technical and operational support to the HESTOs in capacity building of staff assigned in health desk/holding center on sample collection and laboratory testing of COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases
• Responsible to prepare and submit the report on monthly basis.

Required qualifications include the following: 

• Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology (CMLT)
• Some experience on rapid antigen testing and/or rapid antibody testing
• Ability and willingness to work/travel in remote areas within short notice in the context of COVID-19 
• Basic computer skills, including effective working skills in remote conditions.
• Be able to write and speak in Nepali and English languages 
• Candidates of Kapilvastu, Banke and Rupandehi will be given preference

SSBH is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and culture. Individuals from minority groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further selection process. Canvassing at any stage of the processes shall lead to automatic disqualification.