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 No.: Multiple 

Location: Karnali Province & Lumbini Province

Reporting to: Health Emergency Response Manager 

Duration: Four months initially, with potential for extension, based on performance and needs

Objectives 

The Laboratory Technician will be recruited to support the Laboratory Strengthening Component of Emergency Response activities of Strengthening Systems for Better Health Activity. The Consultant will support in immediate and need based support to designated laboratory for COVID-19 in Karnali and Lumbini provinces to improve testing and reporting mechanisms and to build capacity of stakeholders for sample collection, transport and testing. The geographic scope of the activities will include (but not necessarily be limited to) Karnali Province and Banke, Bardiya, Dang, Kapilbastu, Rupandehi and Nawalparasi West of Lumbini Province. This pool of consultants will be mobilized by SSBH in consultation with the Ministries of Social Development and Provincial Health Emergency Operations Centers in Karnali Province and Lumbini Province. 

Scope of the Assignment

Laboratory Technician will support the laboratories in Karnali and Lumbini provinces and the assignments will include the following activities. The SSBH Health Emergency Laboratory Specialist will coordinate and oversee the technical aspect of the assignments of the team of consultants, and direct supervision by the Laboratory-in-Charge designated by the GoN counterpart. The Health Emergency Response Manager will coordinate and oversee the programmatic aspect of the assignments of the team of consultants, with close coordination with MoSD and PHEOC. 

• Support in day to day operations of designated COVID-19 laboratory services including for sample collection, transport, storage, and testing
• Provide technical support to strengthen the laboratory functions and to ensure quality laboratory services. 
• Support the Chief of designated laboratory to ensure regular testing, reporting and ensure linkages with MoSD and Health Directorate 
• Travel to assigned locations, hospitals and laboratory for testing, validation, quality assurance as needed 
• Work in coordination with the team from the Strengthening Systems for Better Health and the provincial Ministry of Social Development, Provincial Health Laboratory and Provincial Health Emergency Operation Centers 
• Report to: Health Emergency Response Manager (Programmatic), Health Emergency Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory)

Deliverables 

Consultants will be responsible for submitting the following deliverables during the period of performance: 

• Required documentation for the assigned clinical setting, such as laboratory, isolation unit or quarantine site (submitted to relevant GoN authority) 
• Monthly activity plan and report 
• Daily list/description of duties performed, along with a weekly summary of duties and brief situational report (these will be required attachments to the consultants’ monthly invoices)
• Complete documentation of any meetings attended 

Reporting 

• The work of the Laboratory Technician will be coordinated by the SSBH Surkhet-based Health Emergency Response Manager, and consultants will be supervised jointly and directly by the Health Emergency Laboratory Specialist of the Activity and Laboratory In- Charge in their place of assignment. 
• The consultants will report to Health Emergency Response Manager (Programmatic), Health Emergency Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory)
• Consultants will prepare and submit brief technical and situational updates/reports on weekly basis to their supervisor. 
• Consultants will also ensure accurate and timely submission of all required technical reporting and deliverables to respective authority. 

Qualification requirements include the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in laboratory technology, or a related field
• Professional experience working in COVID-19 laboratory for sample collection, processing, interpretation, recording and reporting  
• Ability and willingness to work/travel in remote areas within short notice in the context of COVID-19 
• Strong networking and team mobilization skills
• Computer skills, including effective working skills in remote conditions
• Excellent written/oral skills in Nepali and English

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.