Somalia: Laboratory Technician

SPECIAL VACANCY NOTICE Open to Internal and External Candidates Position Title: Laboratory Technician Vacancy No : SVN/IOMSO/108/2016 Duty Station: Hargeisa, Somaliland Classification: Ungraded Consultancy Contract Type of Appointment: Mid-January 2017 – End of March 2017 (approximately 2.5 months) Organizational unit : Migration Health Division Reporting directly to : Health programme officer Overall supervision: Migration Health Division/Preparedness and Response Coordinator Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible Closing Date: 10th January 2017 Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants. Context: The drivers of the HIV epidemic in Somaliland are yet to be determined due to the lack of adequate data. According to the latest sero-surveillance survey published by WHO in 2010, the prevalence of HIV is 1.1% in Somaliland; however, the sentinel surveillance did not target the key populations who are at greater risk compared to the general population. The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the Somaliland National AIDS Commission (SOLNAC) have recently conducted a formative study in preparation for an Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance (IBBS) survey in Hargeisa, Somaliland. The formative research and IBBS survey will follow the first round of surveillance with key populations undertaken by IOM and partners in 2008. This data will provide evidence and accurate data for HIV programming and resource mobilization for combination HIV prevention among key populations. IBBS surveys worldwide are an essential component informing national HIV responses. These studies have been shown to be particularly useful in providing information on behaviours among sub-populations who are challenging to reach through traditional household surveys, but who are likely to be at higher risk of HIV infection or transmission. It is recommended that these studies be undertaken on a regular basis, in order to provide trend analysis data for target groups in consistent geographical locations. The research will use a methodology called Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) that requires in depth training, monitoring and close supervision of all staff and data collection sites. Due to IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates. Page 2 / 3 the technical and logistical challenges of researching inherently marginalized populations, a collaborative approach will be undertaken in implementing this project. Technical experts at the country, regional, and global level from respective agencies will provide inputs during each stage of the project. SOLNAC, Government officials and local NGOs will assist in providing the necessary permissions for undertaking the research and for accessing marginalized populations. 1. Nature of the consultancy Participate in the implementation of an IBBS survey among key populations at higher risk of HIV, to establish data on key HIV risk behaviours and HIV and STI prevalence. 2. IOM Project to which the Consultancy is contributing Integrated biological and behaviour Surveillance among key populations in Hargeisa, Somaliland 3. Tasks to be performed under this contract: Working under the direction of the HIV Research Coordinator and Field Team Leader (FTL), with technical supervision by IOM’s local technical biological component partner, and under the overall supervision of the Lead Researcher, the incumbent(s) will act as Laboratory Technician, leading the technical biological component of the IBBS survey, as part of the IBBS field team. The incumbent will be trained in both the biological and behavioural components of the survey including RDS methodology and must have an overall understanding of both components of the survey. The incumbent will undertake the following tasks at the data collection site. a) Perform daily quality control testing every morning b) Perform rapid testing and provide results to VCT nurses c) Conduct urine specimen alliquoting d) Record all information on study forms as outlined in the study protocol e) Perform quality control procedures as outlined in the study protocol and store and transfer testing kits, quality control samples, other materials as outlined in the study protocol f) Collect dried blood spot (DBS) papers and package and label into plastic bags and envelopes, as detailed in DBS section above g) Review all bio component registers and forms on daily basis registers h) Maintain the supplies inventory registers and stock cards i) Monitor and supervise infection control universal standard precautions j) Report into the FTL on a daily basis and the laboratory supervisor on a weekly basis Duration and Remuneration Working Hours: The position may require a 6 day work week, with irregular working hours (some very early mornings and late evenings) as dictated by the research requirements (and possibly subject to change part way through the contract). Contract Dates: Mid-January 2017 to end of March 2017 (2.5 months) Required Qualifications and Experience Experience  Laboratory technician experience required  HIV and STI laboratory testing experience required  Nursing experience an asset  Experience in any of the following areas an asset: 1. Field of HIV/AIDS 2. Undertaking social research Working with hard to reach groups Page 3 / 3 Education  Laboratory technician training required  Nursing qualification an asset  VCT qualification/training an asset Computer Skills  Basic competency with computers  Basic understanding of Microsoft Excel Languages  Fluency in English and Somali required (spoken and written) Required Competencies Behavioural  Takes responsibility and manages constructive criticism;  Works effectively with all clients and stakeholders;  Promotes continuous learning; communicates clearly;  Takes initiative and drives high levels of performance management;  Plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility;  Displays mastery of subject matter;  Contributes to a collegial team environment;  Creates a respectful office environment free of harassment and retaliation, and promotes the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA);  Incorporates gender-related needs, perspectives, and concerns, and promotes equal gender participation;  Displays awareness of relevant technological solutions;  Works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs of IOM. Technical  Delivers on set objectives in hardship situations;  Effectively coordinates actions with other implementing partners;  Works effectively with local authorities, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the broader community to advance country office or regional objectives Other Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.

How to apply: Interested candidates should submit CV and a cover letter indicating the Vacancy Notice Number (SVN No) with three professional referees and their contacts (both email and telephone) to: recruitmentsomalia@iom.int Closing Date: 10 January, 2017. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Posting period: From 29.12.2016 to 10.01.2017