Position: Consultant – Medical Laboratory Technologist 

Position No.: Multiple (Pool)

Location: Karnali Province & Lumbini Province, as assigned by MoSD/MoHPFW and/or SSBH, with some travel         

Reporting to: Health Emergency Laboratory Specialist

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

Objectives of the Assignment 

The Laboratory Technologist will be recruited to support the laboratory strengthening pillar of Health Emergency Response component 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 districts of Lumbini Province. This pool of consultants will be mobilized by SSBH in consultation with the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) of Karnali Province, Ministry of Health, Population, and Family Welfare (MoHPFW) of Lumbini Province and Health Directorates (HDs) 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. 

• Support in day-to-day operations of designated COVID-19 laboratory services including for sample collection, transport, storage, Perform viral inactivation steps, Specific sample preparation that is compatible with the downstream assay, RNA extraction and subsequent RT-PCR assay, and rapid antigen testing
• Perform analysis of PCR data from samples and correct tracking and recording of the analysis in the appropriate database or relevant IT system.
• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the laboratory and the assay, and provide technical support to strengthen the laboratory functions and quality laboratory services.
• Provide technical support to strengthen the laboratory functions and to ensure quality laboratory services. 
• Timely and accurate completion of all paperwork
• Strictly adhere to BSL 2 precautions and appropriate use of PPE
• Adhere to all site health and safety policies and procedures
• Support the Chief of designated laboratory to ensure regular testing, reporting and ensure linkages of EQAS with National Public Health Laboratory and Provincial Public Health laboratories of Lumbini and Karnali provinces, MoSD/MoHPFW and Health Directorates
• Travel to assigned locations, hospitals and laboratory for testing, validation, quality assurance as needed 
• Work in coordination with the team from the SSBH, MoSD, MoHPFW, and HDs
• Report to: Health Emergency Laboratory Specialist

Deliverables 

• Consultants will be responsible for submitting the following deliverables during the period of performance: 
• Required documentation for the assigned laboratory
• 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 supervised 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 Laboratory Specialist
• 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 the further selection process. Canvassing at any stage of the process shall lead to automatic disqualification.