Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, 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.
IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture atย IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration.
This Vacancy Notice is part of IOMโs competitive mobility exercise, open for applications from internal and internal-equivalent candidatesย only.
Organizational Context and Scope
Under the direct supervision of the Sr. Regional Health Assessment Programme (HAP) Coordinator based in Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) and technical supervision of Global Laboratory Coordinator, in Headquarters (HQs), and in coordination with relevant colleagues at HQ, Regional and Country Offices, theย Regional Laboratory Coordinatorย will be responsible for the coordination of laboratory services in the framework of Migration Health Divisionย (MHD) activities in the Asia and the Pacific (AP) Region.ย
The successful candidate is expected to coordinate IOM Laboratory Services in the region to meet IOM goals for providing effective, cost-effective, high standard and quality services to migrants and mobile populations implemented under the auspices of the Migration Health Assessment Programmes (HAP).
Coordinate and guide IOM Laboratory Services in the Region for quality, effective, timely and cost-effective service delivery to IOM programmes and projects by identifying the best practices and adopting these across the region. Establish laboratory services in IOM operations, to support and respond to the Health Assessment Programme (HAP) needs. Determine and advise on the mode of obtaining laboratory services through the establishment of IOM laboratories or sub-contracting external laboratory providers. Conduct, in collaboration with management, periodic in-depth review of IOM laboratory services in the Region for evaluating effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and optimum utilization of services to inform strategy adaptation or development. In coordination with the Global Laboratory Coordinator, implement a standardization plan of laboratory services across the Region by preparing guidelines for the laboratories to be converted into Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); monitor international laboratory standards and advise on means of adopting these to the best level possible considering realities and regulations of countries of operation. Advise laboratory staff and other medical programme staff in the Region on laboratory related matters and assist in finding solutions, including effective diagnostic tools for disease detection, equipment needs, procurement, quality system setup, training and performance monitoring and provide technical advisory on laboratory procurement and support the global/regional procurement officers as needed. Initiate, prepare and implement, in collaboration with IOM laboratories, the laboratory quality management system for continuous quality monitoring and improvement. Provide training to IOM laboratory staff in the development, implementation and monitoring of internal laboratory policies, work plan, performance monitoring and service improvement and ensure the maintenance of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) regionally. Guide laboratory managers in developing long term strategic and work plans addressing the needs of each laboratory aligned with MHD and regional strategies to improve the health status of migrants through enhanced diagnostic capacity. Analyze IOM laboratory produced data and monitor laboratory services to ensure that quality and standards are met in accordance with international standards and requirements of host and receiving countries in IOM and contracted health facilities in the region and advise on corrective action to be taken. Liaise with IOM Medical Teams in the Region, Health Assessment Officials from resettlement countries, with national counterparts, governmental and non-governmental entities, and professional bodies. Liaise with other IOM Departments and Country Officesโ management to ensure required goals are met. Write research proposals for studies relevant to migration health. Develop and participate in development of guidance notes, monitoring tools, review processes for MHD programmes and projects. Participate actively in international technical platforms, such as Global Laboratory Initiative to promote the needs of migrants and the role of the Organization, advise and inform international partners and IOM on the status and trends in migration health and the consequent role of laboratory services, and to advise on the specific laboratory needs and best practices in the domain of migration health while staying abreast of technical developments in the domain. In coordination with the Regional HAP Coordinator and CoMs of concerned Country Offices, undertake duty travel within the region to evaluate and oversee the quality of laboratory services for migrant populations. Undertake such travels on behalf of Governments partners and technical partners. Promote IOM activities and prepare proposals to develop projects and programmes to expand IOM laboratory services in the Region, for HAP and non-HAP health related activities. In coordination with the Global Laboratory Coordinator and the Regional HAP Coordinator, ensure periodic site visits to laboratories within the region. Ensure implementation of quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) systems under the Quality Framework for MHD in respect of laboratory services in the region, in coordination with the Global Laboratory Coordinator and the Regional HAP Coordinator. Participate in annual HAP activities planning, review and verify, or prepare, budgets related to laboratory services components; advise on optimal resources utilization. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
Masterโs degree in Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or, University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.Experience
Experience in setting-up TB and serology laboratories according to internationally accepted standards in low resourced and high incidence locations is mandatory; Demonstrated experience in implementation of QC/QA principles is mandatory; Experience in liaising and coordinating with health authorities; Experience in development of laboratory information management systems is desirable; Experience in health assessments in the context of migration is a distinctive advantage; and, Experience in developing guidelines and instructions for laboratory services is desirable.Skills
Laboratory experience in HIV, syphilis and other laboratory testing; Involvement in accreditation of pathology laboratory; and,Demonstrated senior level managerial skills is mandatory.Languages
IOMโs official languages are English, French, and Spanish.
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies
IOMโs competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.Core Competencies โ behavioural indicators Level 3
Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organizationโs priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.Managerial Competencies โ behavioural indicators Level 3
Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organizationโs vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organizationโs goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.Notes
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station's country and who do not have prior experience outside the duty station's country as staff member in the Professional category cannot be considered eligible.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies