Laboratory Systems Specialist

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS Madagascar provides services through its main office based in Antananarivo and has opened satellite offices in several regions of the country following the signing of projects covering those areas. The UNOPS office supports the needs of the Government of Madagascar with funding from multilateral and bilateral donors.

UNOPS Madagascar is seeking to recruit a Laboratory Systems Specialist for Health projects.

In support of the Project Manager, the Laboratory Systems Specialist will be responsible for leading all tasks related to the assessment of needs for laboratory equipment, supplies, and systems, and will contribute to the development of several health-related projects at the Madagascar office.

1. Provide technical expertise in Laboratory systems strengthening

Provide technical expertise on best practices to improve the management and operation of lab systems

Lead the organization and coordination of capacity building activities for key Government of Madagascar staff in laboratory management and laboratory systems strengthening;

Maintain a close relationship with key MOPH directorates and keep abreast of current challenges in the laboratory systems in Madagascar

Represent UNOPS on key technical working groups within the Ministry of Public Health, technical and financial partners, and donors.

Support development or revision, and dissemination of relevant guidelines, training materials, or tools, and provide technical expertise for their further implementation at regional and country levels;

2. Project planning and coordination support

Support the Health Projects Manager in the planning phase of new projects by sharing local priorities and global best practices, current donor initiatives to support laboratory systems, to ensure alignment and coordination of UNOPS activities

Manage the day-to-day coordination of field activities with MOPH representatives, civil society organizations, and local NGOs.

Conduct regular field monitoring activities, and provide regular real-time updates on field activity progress and challenges to team members

3. Knowledge Management

Apply and introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders, and to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable program results.

Keep abreast and conduct research to provide evidence for the implementation of best and cutting-edge practices in lab systems.

Assess, institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge learned.

Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable programs and projects.

Organize and implement capacity-building initiatives to enhance the competencies

Education:

Experience:

At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in laboratory systems in a developing country context, with demonstrated involvement in the management or provision of programs related to lab systems, surveillance, and One Health.

Experience working on the management and maintenance of Laboratory equipment and infrastructure is an asset.

Demonstrated experience collaborating directly with Ministries of Health, NGOs, and civil society organizations is required.

Willingness to undertake regular field visits;

Language Requirements:

Full working knowledge (Fluency) in written and oral French is required.

Knowledge of English language is an asset

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.

Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.

All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.